A POLICE cordon was set up around a shop in Saltcoats after part of a building's exterior coating fell to the ground.

The cordon was put in place around the Sofa Shack, best known locally as the former Gregor Watson store, on Wednesday, July 12.

Police said the cordon was only set up as a precaution after part of the building's roughcasting fell to the ground.

North Ayrshire Council also confirmed that a small section of render - an exterior cement coating - fell from the Dockhead Street store on to the street below, and that the building was only cordoned off as a precaution.

A spokesperson said: “A small section of render fell from the building and the police taped off a section of the pavement as a precaution.

“We monitored the situation and the owner of the property now has builders on site carrying out repair work.”

However, it has been confirmed that the shop will have to remain closed until further notice.

In a statement posted on the Sofa Shack Facebook page a spokesperson said: "We have had issues with the roughcast and windows of the shop building and as such have been advised by police to close until further notice while we await repair work being done

"It's starting tomorrow so hopefully won't be closed long but who knows, obviously the safety of staff and customers alike comes first."

Updates on the shop's re-opening will be posted on their Facebook page - facebook.com/SOFASHACK22.