TRADERS in Saltcoats’ Countess Street have urged locals that it is business as usual as the regeneration of the Town Hall gathers pace.

Work has begun on a £2.84million refurbishment of the iconic building, which has been out of use since 2009.

False rumours in the town suggested that Countess Street, opposite the railway station, had been completely closed because of the work.

But the street remains fully open for pedestrian access, with limited parking available too.

Expected to last for 16 months, the work on the town hall is being carried out by Paisley-based contractor’s Taylor and Fraser.

A spokesperson for North Ayrshire Council said: “Work has now started on the refurbishment of Saltcoats Town Hall. Countess Street was closed to vehicles on two occasions – both outwith normal working hours.

“In order to ensure local businesses are kept informed, the contractor has already undertaken a letter drop and will continue to communicate with businesses on a regular basis.

“There are no further road closures scheduled as part of this project, however should the situation change, we will endeavour to ensure this is effectively communicated in advance.” The work will bring the property back into full community use and will be the new location for the council’s local Social Services staff.

It will also feature a marriage suite, function suite, heritage display area and visitor information point as well as a large function hall and a smaller suite for group or family gatherings.

Saltcoats Town Hall was built in 1825 by Ayrshire architect Peter King.

The building, which once operated as a cinema, has been in disrepair for a number of years.