A CAMPAIGNER has called for old Christmas trees laid at Ayr beach to be removed as they are an ‘eyesore’.

Dave Bear is not happy with the placement of the trees which residents brought to Blackburn carpark and placed on the flat sandy beach, after a community effort led by Belleisle Rangers to help create sand dunes.

He started an online petition asking for the trees to be removed claiming it’s an area ‘that doesn’t need sand dunes.’

It comes after hundreds of trees were delivered to the site and are now in place to begin the process of creating sand dunes which the council argue will act as an ‘adequate sea barrier’.

The petition ‘Remove these Dumped Christmas Trees from Ayr Beach NOW’ has asked for 550 signatures.

It reads: “In this area we do not want sand dunes created, we simply just want the beach left flat as it is and always has been. Should you wish to make Sand Dunes, do so in another area further along the coastline but NOT in the prime holiday location. It is an eyesore. The guilty party who has undertaken this idea is Belleisle Rangers. These trees should have been disposed of correctly NOT on our beautiful beach. They say they want to create sand dunes to attract wildlife and protect the land. This is rubbish, there are already adequate sea defences in place. Please sign to have these hideous trees removed off the beach and disposed of properly.”

Dave insists that despite the strong worded petition against the creation sand dunes, he is not against the concept of re-using the trees to create dunes.

He told the Advertiser: “The concept is good, and it does work, but we just don’t think that it’s appropriate on the area of sandy beach. It’s going to turn a lovely flat beach into sand beach covered in that marram grass.”

South Ayrshire Council have defended the project which they say has gathered praise from ‘around the globe’.

A spokesman for SAC told the Advertiser: “This has been an extremely successful project with congratulations, compliments and shares received from around the globe. With well over a thousand trees donated, it’s clear the public appreciate what we’re trying to do and have been keen to join in and support us.

“We’re looking forward to having a more robust natural sea defence and a cleaner promenade. There will still be plenty of room for everyone to enjoy the beach and wildlife will benefit as the dunes get established.

“Thanks to everyone who’s got involved, it’s been a real community effort.”