East Ayrshire Council (EAC) has apologised for inconvenience caused by delayed works between Cumnock and Muirkirk, citing safety issues for the reason.

Work was due to be carried out on the A70 road with its junction with the B743 on Saturday, July 15.

EAC said a "near miss" occurred on the site, meaning that alternative measures were taken into effect.

They also added that the hope was for the work to be completed by Tuesday evening (July 18), but that weather conditions meant this would be difficult.

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According to the local authority, Doctors and Nurses returning to and from Muirkirk surgery to Cumnock surgery were given safe passage through the road closure at 12:45pm each day.

An East Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: "The Ayrshire Roads Alliance would, in the first instance, like to apologise for any inconvenience caused by the essential roadworks on the A70 at Muirkirk, however the safety of our road operatives is of paramount importance and action had to be taken to protect our workers. 

"Works had been progressing well onsite until a near miss occurred in the morning of Friday 14 July. 

"Following this incident, the works scheduled for Saturday 15 July, on the junction of the A70/ B743, were cancelled and alternative arrangements were made.

"A number of factors were taken into consideration, including the plant being on site and the way the works were at this point, and a decision was taken to close the road completely for the safety of the workforce."

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They added: "Signage was erected on the morning of Saturday 15 July at each point of the three way traffic signals to notify road users and residents of Muirkirk of the closure.

"The road closure is in place from 7am until 6pm on Monday to Wednesday of this week. It is hoped that the works will be completed late Tuesday, however the weather forecast is poor and may lead to a slight delay. 

"Residents safety has been fully considered at all times and at no point has their safety been put at risk. 

"Emergency vehicle access has been maintained through the closure at all times.

"In order to keep appointments, the Doctors and Nurses returning to and from Muirkirk surgery to Cumnock surgery were given safe passage through the road closure at 12:45pm each day.

"Additional signage has been placed on High Road to address any traffic issues experienced within this area."

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Drivers are currently facing near 40-mile diversion that is in place for the road closure.

The diversion currently takes drivers via Drumcloig, Darvel, Galston, Mauchline and Cumnock.