Sandylands residents left frustrated by continued rail bridge closure

Sandylands Holiday Park, owned by Parkdean, has a bridge which is supposed to lead from over the park over the railtrack and provide direct access to Stevenston beach.

However, those who own caravans in the park say the bridge has been closed for two years, stopping them getting direct access to the beach.

One frustrated owner contacted the Herald this week, blasting Parkdean for their handling of the situation.

They said: "Sandylands holiday home owners are still being left in the dark as to when the bridge from the holiday park to the beach will be repaired.

"Owners are paying a premium for having their caravans near the bridge which has now been closed for two years."

They also said there had been initial confusion over who owned, and who was responsible, for the bridge when it was initially closed.

Though they claim that a freedom of information request to Network Rail and North Ayrshire Council established that ownership lies with Parkdean Resorts.

The Herald also contacted the local authority and Network Rail - who both said that the ownership lies with the company.

However, Parkdean have insisted that they do not own the bridge.

The company did, however, confirm that they commissioned a survey on the bridge to establish what work would be required to bring it back into use.

Though residents claim they have also been left in the dark over the contents of this report.

The frustrated holiday home owner continued: "Owners are being denied access to engineer reports regarding bridge repairs.

"At first we were told the bridge was condemned and now we have been told it just needs repaired.

"Parkdean are still advertising Sandylands as having direct beach access, with the bridge to the beach being shown on the map of the park.

"Holidaymakers are turning up expecting to have access to the beach. Instead they need to walk a good 10 minutes back out the park and into Saltcoats."

Parkdean, according to the Herald's source, have offered caravan owners at the park a free taxi service to the beach - though it's understood this is currently only available on Saturdays during peak times.

The frustrated caravan owner added: "Many holiday home owners are now selling up as the location and bridge to the beach was the main reason they purchased their holiday home there in the first place.

"Google ratings are very low with most negative comments being about the bridge to the beach.

"There are monthly owners' forum meetings where the subject about the bridge is constantly dismissed.

"I don't think management have any idea how much revenue they are losing due to this bridge being closed. We don't think that the minutes of the meeting are being passed onto the CEO of Parkdean."

The frustrated caravan owner also said there was a need for improvements to transport to and from the park for those without their own vehicles.

They said: "Holidaymakers are frequently seen dragging cases down the narrow pavements and busy road from Saltcoats train station to Sandylands.

"Quite often these holidaymakers also have disabled children in wheelchairs. If they are on holiday from Monday to Thursday there is no free taxi service into town.

"Even if the bridge is repaired, it is not wheelchair friendly. Parkdean are missing out on a whole section of holidaymakers by not bringing this bridge up to standard."

A spokesperson for Parkdean said the company was trying to resolve the issues with the bridge - but described the situation as "complex".

They said: “We’re aware of concerns and are working to try and resolve this complex issue.

"Although we don't own the bridge, we have commissioned a survey. However, carrying out the recommended works could cause significant disruption to rail services on the main line from Glasgow.

"We’re co-operating with all parties, including ScotRail, to find a satisfactory solution, and in the meantime we plan to increase our complimentary taxi service offer for holiday home owners and holidaymakers.”