IRVINE will receive a funding package worth £20 million to improve the town - it has been confirmed.

The area was previously named as one of seven "overlooked" Scottish towns that would be receiving the support through the UK Government's Levelling Up fund.

The move was announced back in 2023, with Irvine to receive the funds over 10 years as part of the scheme.

Despite plans for the cash progressing, there were fears that the change in government leadership could lead to a U-turn on the decision within the autumn budget - to help Labour cope with what they have described as a funding "black hole".

However, when Chancellor Rachel Reeves made her budget announcement this week, confirmation was given to each of the 75 towns across the UK set to benefit that plans would be going ahead.

Each town will now be able to access their respective £20m, subject to business case approval.

In Irvine, a town board has been set up to decide the projects that this cash will be spent on.

They are to be responsible for identifying the issues and priorities on which the long-term plan will focus and supporting a process of ongoing community engagement.

The board will work with North Ayrshire Council to develop the plan, setting out how local partners will use their knowledge, powers, assets, and new funding to deliver for their communities.

The process of consultation has already commenced with an exercise for the community and other interested stakeholders.

This is being undertaken online and through engagement activities at a range of events and venues in the coming weeks and months to maximise the opportunities for participation.

The representatives were identified through engagement with the locality partnership and the local interest.

The board will include three North Ayrshire councillors, Cllrs Nairn McDonald, Matthew McLean and Chloe Robertson.