NORTH Ayrshire Council’s ambitious £15million plans to tackle flooding in the Garnock Valley have moved a step closer.

NAC’s Cabinet this week confirmed that the key principles of the scheme remain unchanged following a series of public consultation events held earlier this year.

Back in November 2014, Cabinet outlined their plans and put forward three key recommendations: * The construction of an on-line dam on the River Garnock to protect properties in Kilbirnie and Glengarnock.

* The provision of direct defences along the right bank of the Powgree Burn to protect properties in Glengarnock.

* The provision of direct defences along the south side of Beith Road (A737) to protect properties at Mill Park, Dalry.

Public consultation began on January 21 and closed on February 5 and a total of 28 questionnaires were completed along with various letters and comments from interested parties.

As a result of the feedback, the three fundamental parts of the scheme will remain the same although a number of technical details have been amended.

These reflect comments relating to the movement of fish and the requirements of Scottish Power and Network Rail.

The overall cost is approximately £15.5m – which includes design fees and studies – of which 80 per cent will be met by Scottish Goverment grant funding if the scheme is approved by the government.

The council has made provision within its capital plan to make up the remaining 20 per cent.

Councillor Tony Gurney, Cabinet Member for Place, said: “This has been a major undertaking for North Ayrshire Council and every possible option has been considered.

“I am delighted that the consultation events were well attended.

“We’ve taken all the feedback on board and I believe the options chosen provide the best protection to our residents both in the short-term and moving forward.” The council’s cabinet noted the outcomes of the consultation exercise and agreed to publish formal notification of the scheme.