A plan to build four community paths in Argyll and Bute has won £145,000 from the Argyll and the Islands LEADER programme.

The money is match funding for money already pledged by sustainable transport charity Sustrans and Argyll and Bute Council’s Cycling, Walking and Safer Streets budget towards the four new links.

The new paths in the pipeline are:

Oban – Glengallen Right of Way to Oban Hospital and Primary campus

• Lochgilphead – MacIntyre Terrace to Mid Argyll Hospital
• Tarbert – school to sports pitches
• Dalmally – school to community hall

Tenders will now be drawn up and issued for the works. It is hoped that construction will start in the middle of next month and be completed by Christmas.

Councillor Duncan MacIntyre, Argyll and Bute’s spokesperson for transport and infrastructure, said: “Over the last few years we have made significant improvements to the network of community paths across the region, and I am delighted that this award will allow us to further expand that network.

“We are committed to encouraging more sustainable forms of transport such as walking and cycling, and there is plenty of evidence to show that people are more likely to get out of their cars if there is a safe, convenient alternative.

“Paths such as these provide such an alternative, so I very much look forward to these tenders being awarded and the work being completed as soon as possible.”