COUNCIL bosses have issued an urgent update on the roads around the fire-damaged Station Hotel building in Ayr.

And the local authority has spoken about a potential opening of Station Bridge Road to pedestrians from today, December 1.

The road has been shut to vehicles and pedestrians since the major fire at the building on September 25.

The local authority has also confirmed the announcement from ScotRail on Thursday, that a shuttle train service between Ayr and Prestwick Town will begin from Monday, December 4.

A council spokesperson said: "The contractor is continuing to carry out the safety works at the southern gable end of the building.

"We expect that a footpath across Station Bridge Road will open today (December 1) from 4pm which will make pedestrian access to and from the town much easier.

"More hoarding will be put on the bridge to keep the area safe as the works continue. 

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"ScotRail and Network Rail have plans to run a shuttle train service from Ayr to Prestwick Station – it’s anticipated that this will be in place from 4 December. Please check https://www.scotrail.co.uk/ for the latest information.

"We’ll continue to keep you updated as more information becomes available."

A list of FAQs is available on the council's website here: https://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/ayr-railway-station