Bookmakers are preparing to shut up shop in Ardrossan.

It has been confirmed that the town's Ladbrokes branch is to close.

It has also been reported that two members of staff in the company's Saltcoats shop are being made redundant after thirty years service.

Last year, the betting industry warned of the impact that reducing stakes from £100 to £2 on fixed odds betting terminals would have - a measure implemented on April 1, 2019.

Councillor Jim Montgomerie said: "It’s not good at all. I think there are too many betting shops in the area but people are losing their jobs.

"Especially just after Christmas, at the start of the new year.

"I believe two women in Saltcoats are being made redundant and they’ve been working for thirty years plus.

"I also believe they’ve been told they have to work their holidays or else they won't get their money."

Ladbrokes was contacted for comment but had not responded by time of publication.