Signage on the newly built Maybole bypass is to be replaced after it emerged heavy goods vehicles were being sent down a single-track road.

The new bypass for the A77, which was only opened at the beginning of this month, was built to divert traffic away from Maybole town centre.

All seemed to be running fine, until residents started noticing more large vehicles on a narrow road to Alloway that previously was little-used.

Signs had been directing vehicles away from the new carriageway and down the alternative route – which is not suitable for anything larger than a van.

One resident on the road said: “I stay on the single track road that’s been signposted “Alloway B7024”.

“I’ve seen several near misses already, including my daughter who was walking to get in her car outside the house.

“Artic lorries [are] coming up the road too and as the locals know, it’s just simply not a suitable road.”

A Transport Scotland spokesperson confirmed the signs would be adjusted. They said: “During the development of the designs for all road signs installed on the A77 Maybole Bypass, Wills Bros Civil Engineering Ltd (WBCE) the contractor for the project, consulted with the relevant roads authorities including Ayrshire Roads Alliance (ARA) and Transport Scotland.

“Following recent concerns raised regarding the signage installed at Smithston Roundabout relating to the direction to Alloway we have held discussions with ARA who have confirmed after further consideration that the signage should be amended.

“A temporary amendment to the signage was completed on February 10 and preparations are now being made for permanent amendments to the traffic signage.”