A North Ayrshire councillor said the public are "not interested" in where funding comes from they "just want to see investment in their local area", following a UK Government boost of £37million.

The 'Levelling Up' boost was awarded to a joint North and South Ayrshire Council bid focused on commercial and low carbon infrastructure.

This follows on from almost £25million for an upgrade to the B714, £20million in town regeneration funding in Irvine, and over £100million as part of the Ayrshire Growth Deal.

Councillor Todd Ferguson, who will contest the North Ayrshire and Arran MP seat at the next general election for the Conservatives, praised the investment. 

The North Coast ward representative said: “This latest round of UK Government Levelling Up Funding has once again delivered for North Ayrshire and Arran. 

“My congratulations go to everyone at North Ayrshire council who has been involved in the successful bids. 

“The combined UK Government funding for projects in North Ayrshire and Arran recently totals over £180million which is a real shot in the arm for community-led projects and I’m delighted to see it awarded. 

“It is further evidence of the UK Government’s commitment to invest directly in North Ayrshire and Arran and it comes soon after they announced £20million investment directly into Irvine town centre.   

“People in our communities are not interested where this money is coming from, they just want to see investment in their local area. 

“I therefore look forward to future awards of levelling up funds for North Ayrshire and Arran and I will do everything that I can to ensure that investment opportunities continue to be delivered in our gorgeous part of Scotland.”