A PEND in Smith Street in Ayr is to be repaired taking up to £42,000 out of uncommitted reserves.

The repair is deemed essential by South Ayrshire Council however, officers have promised they will take all available steps to recover the costs from nearby property owners.

The vehicular pend, running beneath a tenement building links Smith Street and Union Arcade. On a previous inspection, it was found that there was movement in the supporting steel beams and also damage to the brickwork and masonry.

Cllr John McDowell of Girvan and South Carrick, said at the leadership panel meeting last Tuesday: "We don't have much of a choice, the council is obliged to make the property safe.

"We will do our best to recover the money. It is in the overall interest in public safety to carry out these repairs. I am happy to approve this."

Cllr Bill Grant of Ayr West said: "I welcome this report and commend the Buildings Standards Agency for their superb intervention.

"I certainly hope the council pursues the money back from surrounding landlords."

Cllr Bill McIntosh and Chair of the Leadership Panel meeting approved the decision thereafter to carry out the repairs to the pend on Smith Street.