More than 250 residents have signed a petition calling on the council to step in and help resurface the lane connecting Winton Street and Hill Place in Ardrossan after “decades of neglect”.

Edward Gibb, who set up the petition, believes the lane is a “hazard to anyone that uses it” and despite North Ayrshire Council not owning any of the land he wants to see them take action before anyone gets hurt.

Mr Gibb said: “Many people including myself regularly use the lane connecting the two streets and I have gone over my ankle on it. School children use it and I know some elderly people struggle to even walk on the surface.

“It is full of potholes, an uneven surface and has no lighting. It is a hazard for anyone that uses it.

“Decades of neglect has led to this situation. The council need to take this issue by the scruff of the neck.

“I hope with the petition the council can take responsibility to try and get it repaired.

“I am not necessarily asking them to repair it themselves but to find out who is responsible and to get them to fulfil their obligations.

“We have tried in the past but got nowhere. It’s not good enough and in its current state the lane is a risk and needs sorted.”

Following the petition the council committed to tracing the owners and confirmed “steps will be taken to discuss any improvements”.

A spokesperson for North Ayrshire Council said: “Neither the lane, nor the path linking Winton Street to Hill Place are under council ownership. We are currently working to identify the landowner.

“Once ownership is confirmed, steps will be taken to discuss any improvements that may be required.”

Residents can still sign the online petition by visiting www.change.org.uk.

www.change.org/p/north-ayrshire-council-getting-the-council-to-resurface-light-up-the-lane-connecting-winton-st-hill-place