THE FIGHT to save Ayr’s beaches has gathered pace after its bathing water received a damning report earlier this year.

Heads of Ayr beach was given a poor quality water status for the fourth year running when figures were released at the end of May, sparking fears that a further “poor” grade could see the spot closed off to members of the public, with Ayr’s popular South Beach also at risk of the same fate in two years.

The latest results in May sparked urgent talks raised by Councillor Siobhian Brown, Emma Harper MSP and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency. Environmental bosses outlined an action plan to tackle the dirty water at crisis talks in the Scottish Parliament earlier in the summer.

Cllr Brown told the Advertiser how with the new steps both her and Ms Harper aim to see improvements by next year. She said: “ It was very informative to meet with SEPA and learn of the extensive improvement works that have been put in place to raise Heads of Ayr beach water quality.

The water quality is a result of a combination of factors which are being addressed and we aim to see improvement this year.

Ayr Beach is always a popular destination when the sun shines and we want our visitors to enjoy our beach with no concerns about swimming in our water”. Craig Tara have also been working alongside SEPA to tackle the at risk Heads of Ayr beach over a four year plan which has focused on managing waste.

And bosses at the caravan site have pledged to keep the bathing water enjoyed by holiday makers a top priority.

A spokesperson for Craig Tara said: “We are currently undertaking a program at Craig Tara which focuses on waste water management and water quality.

This program began four years ago working closely with SEPA who have approved and ratified our plans. We meet with SEPA’s regional and national representatives on a regular basis to ensure full visibility of improvement work progress.

“Continued improvements in the bathing water at Craig Tara continue to be a priority for us ensuring that our guests and owners, as well as local residents are able to enjoy the beach.

“We continue to work with SEPA to achieve this.”

SEPA have bee pleased with recent tests at both Ayr and Head’s of Ayr beach taking during the recent peak season for bathing which ran from June 1 until September 15.

However the agency will not be able to determine its classification until further into winter, with the results due again next Spring.

A spokesperson for SEPA said: "Every day SEPA works to protect and enhance Scotland’s environment.

"Whilst water quality sampling results at both Ayr beaches have been encouraging so far the public can do their bit to improve bathing water quality by not feeding the gulls or allowing their dogs to foul when at the beach.”