MUMS in the Three Towns have expressed their anger after being unable to access a swing for children with additional support needs at Ardrossan's South Beach.

With work continuing on the nearby cafe and community hub on the site of the former toilet block, they claim ASN kids have been left without their own special play area.

A key is required to access the swing and parents say their children have been left disappointed as no one has been available to let them in to play.

And that seems likely to continue, with work at the site now expected to continue until mid June.

This week Ardrossan Community Development Trust, who are behind the hub development, apologised for the delay and the recent lack of access to the swings.

Chairman Scott Mould said: "We are trying to resolve this issue as quickly as we can. The work on the site should be finished by mid June.

"We can't put staff on the site until the work is complete. There is also no access for the deckchairs for the beach because they are now in storage."

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: Work continues on the South Beach hubWork continues on the South Beach hub (Image: Newsquest)

Amy Johnston, who is an admin with the 'ASN Parents and Kids - Irvine and Three Towns' group said she was told that the swing could be accessed by calling the keyholder. But despite trying for four weeks, she has still not been able to get in touch with them.

Read more on the prom project here

She said: "I think it's disgusting that this is another obstacle children with ASN need to go through.

"Neurotypical children can turn up unplanned to their play park and play for as long as they want to.

"But for neurodiverse or non mobile children, they need have it planned to allow us to gain access with a key kept by someone who, for four weeks now, I have not been able to gain contact with. 

"On the ability swing there is a QR code to give you instructions on how to use the swing and gain access and it states that you can gain access via a radar key but couldn't gain access.

"I contacted North Ayrshire Council and I am still waiting on a response and update regarding how to gain access."

"Children who are non mobile are excluded enough without being denied access now to a swing purpose built and made for them.

"All this could have been avoided if parents were given a radar key to use to access the swing."