TRANSPORT will be key to a “vibrant Ayrshire” in transforming the local economy, according to the recently held Transport Summit.

The event, organised by the Ayrshire Growth Deal team, ramped up the pressure for a “fresh investment” from the UK and Scottish Governments.

They were looking for around £350 million to help support a number of transformational projects across Ayrshire, including local road, transport links and improvements to rail, ferry and air travel.

Stewart Turner, Head of Ayrshire Roads Alliance, said: “The Transport Summit was our opportunity to outline the huge potential for Ayrshire and how investment in an improved transport network will help us achieve that.

“We need to improve connections across Ayrshire, Scotland and then the UK which will see quicker journey times for people and businesses using our road. It’s vital we have better quality, more accessible and affordable choices for the public.

“We must also ensure public transport provides a value for money alternative to the car which will have the knock-on effect of reducing emissions and tackling climate change to improve health and air quality.”

Potential projects that are being considered include, Prestwick & Monkton Road Improvements, an upgrade of the A70 Ayr to Cumnock, Bellfield Roundabout, Ayr Bypass and the Maybole Bypass.

Councillor Ian Cochrane, said: “Ayrshire is in a really enviable location with access to travel by air, road, rail and sea and we need to ensure that we maximise all of these to their fullest potential for the benefit of our businesses, our economy, our people and our communities.

“The Transport Summit was a great opportunity to get that conversation going and to identify the challenges and what’s needed to turn our ambitions into reality.

“I look forward to seeing these discussions move forward and turn into actions in due course, which will help us realise Ayrshire’s growth potential.”