Argyll and Bute Council has been awarded more than £150,000 to part fund the construction of pedestrian and cycle routes in the area. The cash comes from sustainable transport charity Sustrans and the project is part of their Community Links initiative.

There will be work done at the Oban hospital path to Soroba Road, Tarbert Academy to the sports pavilion, Dalmally primary school to the Dalmally community centre, Oban Retail Park at the High Street ramp and there will be improvements to the existing cycle network in Rhu. The work will be finished by March 2012.

Transport Spokesperson, Councillor Duncan MacIntyre said “This is a real boost for Argyll and Bute and the money will allow for high quality walking and cycling routes in the area. It will make it easier and more enjoyable for people to get out and about and be more active. The council’s strategic transportation team are working with landowners and local communities to confirm the final details of the projects.   

He added “Argyll and Bute Council will apply for funding from LEADER so even more walking and cycling projects across the area can get started this financial year.”

Over the past two years Argyll and Bute Council has used funding from the Scottish Government, Sustrans and other external funders to implement a number of projects across the area, including part of the 3 Lochs Way in Garelochhead, upgrading the right of way between Glenshellach Road and Glengallen Road in Oban, and the new footway on the A816 in Lochgilphead.

Graeme Brown, Sustrans Construction Projects Officer said "Sustrans is delighted to have been working with Argyll and Bute Council over the past years. The projects which we have been involved with give the people of Argyll and Bute and visitors to the area an option to make everyday journeys actively, be it by foot, cycle or by public transport. Sustrans vision is to see a world in which people choose to travel in ways which benefit their own health and the environment, and the Community Links Programme helps tremendously in realising this vision. We look forward to building on our excellent partnership and working on more vital projects with Argyll and Bute Council in the future"