ORGANISERS of a hugely popular seasonal Troon event have hit out at council chiefs after public toilets at the venue were closed.

The fifth annual Troon Easter Egg Hunt enjoyed a record attendance when it was staged at Fullarton Woods on Good Friday.

It was a huge success, with 400 people of all ages from across the community attending, but the lack of facilities put a real damper on the event.

Caroline Cummings, who organised the event and also helps Troon’s Secret Santa said: “It was a total shocker that the toilets were not open right through the event. They were open at 10.30am when we arrived until about 11am when they were closed.

“There were disabled people about but there was a big gate across the disabled toilets and they couldn’t get in.

“Some people just had to go into the woods as there’s no toilets nearby. It put a bit of a damper on it.

“The toilets were open on Easter Saturday, so why close them on Good Friday.

“ I don’t understand that. But this was still our biggest ever event, we had more people than ever before so thanks to the people of Troon for supporting it.”

However despite all the problems, organisers were encouraged with how the event went. They had been planning it since January and all the hard work paid off with donations pouring in on regular basis.

Caroline added: “The grand total raised at the tombola and paid raffle was £230, and we had no eggs left.

“Vouchers will be handed in to Troon Foodbank and people will be able to pick up things from the butchers and the fruit and veg shop.

“The Foodbank do a really good job in the area - I had help from them when I was off work - and we are delighted to support what they do.”

This week, a South Ayrshire Council spokesman said: “We always try to support as many community events as we can and we are happy to work with event organisers to open our facilities under special arrangement. Unfortunately we did not know this event was taking place so alternative arrangements were not put in place.

“The toilets’ normal opening times are displayed in the notice board in Fullarton woods and at the toilet block however disabled people can access the free toilets at any time with their radar key.”