Residents in Dalry have expressed their anger after Lynn Glen car park was closed on Monday, causing cars to be displaced on to nearby streets and sparking fears over social distancing.

Residents of Trinity Drive and St Andrews Gardens say “dozens” of people have been arriving at Lynn Glen for their daily exercise.

After contacting Councillor Robert Barr, a one way system was introduced on the footpath and Lynn Glen car park was closed.

However the car park’s closure has only made things worse, according to residents, with walkers now parking up on pavements and blocking driveways.

Locals also report an increase in littering.

A resident of Trinity Drive told the Herald: “The council made a knee-jerk reaction that’s now causing real problems.

“People are now parking in our street instead of Glen Park.

“Residents are panicking because of a lot of the street are older people like myself and have been self-isolating for a long time.

“I’ve been frightened doing the garden at the front of the house because there are so many people in the street.”

A spokesperson for Ayrshire Police said: “Police are aware of a number of calls from concerned residents of Trinity Drive, Dalry regarding people travelling to Lynn Glen for exercise, and that some drivers are parking on or near to Trinity Drive.

“Police will continue to monitor this location, along with a number of other rural and semi-rural locations and would remind the public that exercise should be taken as close to their home address as possible.”

A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “We closed the car park after we were made aware by Police Scotland that large numbers were driving to visit Lynn Glen.

“We have put parking

cones on adjacent streets to discourage people from coming to the area and also to reduce any potential parking nuisance.

“We would ask people to follow the guidance in place and respect social distancing. Police Scotland are continuing to monitor the situation.”

A resident said: “The road is now too dangerous for the kids who used play out in their bikes.

“Shut the glen until the car park opens again.”