A PLEA has been made to support businesses in Ayr's High Street impacted by construction works. 

Works organised by South Ayrshire Council have been ongoing on High Street since June to renovate two fire-damaged properties.

The properties at 17-21 High Street were seriously damaged by a fire nearly four years ago, which started in the upper level of the property, above what was the World of Art store, opposite the open space which is now home to the Cutty Sark Centre.

Six fire crews were called out to tackle the blaze on May 17, 2020, and the damage required the removal of the building's roof. 

The lower levels suffered water and smoke damage, but the buildings have since been made safe. 

Outline proposals for the restoration of the building were approved by the local authority's planning department in September 2021, while separate applications for planning permission and listed building consent for revised design proposals were lodged the following year.

(Image: South Ayrshire Council) The council is upgrading the two retail units on the ground floor, reinstating the main supporting structure and some walls on the first, second and attic floors, and reinstating the slated roof.

The council says the proposals will bring the ground floor retail units back into use, improve the energy efficiency of the building, and will improve the area's character and appearance. 

Work started in June and are expected to last for a year, but businesses on the street are now calling on the public to support them amidst challenging circumstances.

A spokesperson for Josie's Café said it had been "a hard 12 weeks" since the works started next to the café.

They added: "Looks like we are in a building site and maybe people think we are closed, but just to let you know that we are open as normal. Hopefully works will be completed on time."

Ayr MSP Siobhian Brown has also taken to social media to call for the public to lend their support to businesses on the street. 

She said: "Lovely to catch up with Andy from Wee Josie's café at the bottom of the High Street today alongside Councillor George Weir.

"Unfortunately, long term construction works are impacting this local business. Please support local businesses especially during hard times."