Residents in Irvine's Castlepark have had their bus service restored - after just a day.

Stagecoach announced that the No 22 bus service would no longer be able to access the area due to road resurfacing.

The work, between Carron Place and Leven Place, is set to last from Monday, June 19 until Friday, June 30.

Alarmed residents feared many older and disabled people would be stuck without the service and contacted the Times.

Kelly Malcolmson, of the Castlepark and Eglinton Tenants and Residents Group, said: "We have been up in arms over the lack of notofication. It would mean 11 days with no bus service.

"We contacted Stagecoach and suggested  they could cover at least part of the route, but they said they would need a banksman on the bus to help with reversing and there were none available."

A spokesperson for Stagecoach West Scotland confirmed this afternoon: "Due to a road closure in the Castlepark area of Irvine, Service 22 has been unable to serve stops beyond Kilwinning Road.

"We're pleased to announce that in partnership with North Ayrshire Council, Service 22 will be able to pick up and drop off residents from Castlepark Circle at seven minutes past the hour from today.

"All other Service 22 buses will serve the closest stops to Castlepark on Kilwinning Road.  This will be in place until the roadworks finish on 30th June 2023."

North Ayrshire Council's roads team will be on hand to manage the bus through the work to allow an hourly service to resume.

The council's deputy leader Cllr Shaun Macauley told the Times: "The 22 bus service is vital to the residents of Castlepark.

"I shared the frustration of the community that the only regular bus service had been cancelled for nearly two weeks.

"I’ve spoken with Stagecoach and North Ayrshire Council officers to come together to find a solution asap.

"I an glad we could reach an agreement to ensure a bus service can resume whilst the essential road maintenance takes place.” 

When told the news that the service would be at least partially restored for Castlepark residents, Kelly said: "I'm glad that the service has at least been partially restored. It was the elderly residents we were most worried about."

A spokesperson from North Ayrshire Council said: "The road at Castlepark Circle between Carron Place and Leven Place is closed temporarily for essential resurfacing works.

“From an early stage, we have been in discussion with Stagecoach regarding alternative provision during the period of works. 

“Further discussions have taken place this morning and our Roads service has agreed to manage the bus through the works area on an hourly basis to enable a service to continue to be provided to the residents of Castlepark.”