A PETITION has been launched in support of keeping Ardrossan as the home for the lifeline ferry services to Arran.

Following on from our campaign launch last week, reaction across social media and beyond has been immense and on Saturday a petition was started and it is quickly gathering pace.

Kicked-off by Terri-Jan Lambie, the online campaign states: “Proposed plans to move our port to Troon are ridiculous!

“At Ardrossan we have a rail link which Troon does not!

“We have a 55 minute sailing from Brodick to Ardrossan and if we go to Troon this time will increase and we will have less sailings available. We as an island already suffer disruptions due to weather conditions and we do not need the added disruption of less sailing and more travel time.

“I do not see how moving the route to Troon is of any advantage to Arran and its residents or tourists.”

And people have been signing and sharing in their droves with over 600 people adding their name at the time of going to print.

John Knight, from Stevenston said: “The Three towns have nothing, this will kill them even.” with Patrick McMahon adding: “It’s a valuable asset to North Ayrshire whose loss would have a devastating effect on the communities economy.”

Jane Molloy, from West Kilbride said: “Not all ferry passengers are car drivers. I don’t know if anyone at Cal Mac has ever tried herding a family with luggage off a train then onto a bus then onto a ferry.” To support the petition, click here.