Wheely good news for cycle path funding

Tuesday, 27 July 2010 13:31

Seven projects in Argyll and Bute will receive funding from Sustrans, to improve exiting cycle and foot paths or in some cases build brand new ones.

Councillor Duncan Macintyre, Argyll and Bute Council’s spokesperson for transport and infrastructure believe the routes will be welcomed by both residents and tourists in the area. He explains:

“We are delighted to receive this funding from Sustrans. Cycle and foot paths are an important part of our transport infrastructure. By establishing more cycle paths and walking routes around the Argyll and Bute area people have the opportunity to stay healthy by walking, running and cycling around these car free routes.”

Councillor Macintyre continues, “Adding extra paths will hopefully give our many visitors easier access to some of our majestic scenery. We see this as a step towards a greener Argyll and Bute, with fewer cars on the roads.”

The criteria for the grants stipulated that paths should be short, convenient, accessible and scenic.

The projects approved so far are as follows:

Baddens-Achnabreck A816 footway, Lochgilphead.

· Funding for initial design and construction costs to continue the footway along the A816 towards the cemetery.

Ganavan – Park Primary School – Corran Halls

· Funding for initial design for a dedicated cycle and walking route, with a link to Park Primary School.

Garelochhead – Three Lochs Way

· Link the village to the existing Three Lochs Way and the wider cycling network of Helensburgh and Lomond cycleways and the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park cycle routes.

Highlandman’s Road

· Upgrade of part of the right of way that links Helensburgh with the Helensburgh and Lomond cycleways network and Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. We hope to be able to work in partnership with the Helensburgh and District Access Trust in the delivery of this, and the Garelochhead – Three Lochs Way project.

Mid-Argyll Hospital – Blarbuie Woodlands

· Funding to support the Blarbuie Woodland Enterprise in their project to provide easy access for staff and users to Mid Argyll Hospital, and allow for current and future access to Blarbuie Woodland.

Oban Primary Campus – Glenshellach

· Upgrade the existing right of way. We hope that the improved route will encourage pupils at Oban Primary Campus from the Pulpit Hill area to cycle or walk to school.

Old Coach Road, Kilmartin

· Improvements and upgrade of the existing section of National Cycle Network, to make it a better route for walking and cycling, for recreational users, and primary pupils from Kilmartin village.

All the projects are scheduled for completion by March 2011.