Argyll and Bute Council has constructed a new link path which safely connects the sheltered housing complex at Ford Spence Court in Benderloch to the newly constructed Sustrans NCN (National Cycle Network) route 78, allowing elderly residents easy access.

Although labelled a cycle network, the NCN routes are built with a view to encouraging all forms of sustainable transport and are also very popular with walkers.

This new link path will allow residents to access the route safely rather than having to access it via the A828 - a busy trunk road with narrow footpaths.

The residents of Ford Spence Court requested that the path be constructed and a gate installed. The council used some of its £95,000 Cycling Walking Safer Streets (CWSS) grant for the project, with construction work completed by the roads service as part of a larger path project in Connel.

A small opening ceremony was held last week, attended by Oban-based Councillor Elaine Robertson, the council’s Depute Policy Lead for Adult Care as well as representatives from ACHA, Argyll and Bute Council and Ford Spence Court residents.

Mrs Elsie Kennedy, the oldest resident of the facility, was invited to cut the ribbon and declare the path open. Mrs Kennedy is 96 years old and has been a resident for over ten years.

Councillor Robertson said: ‘’I was delighted to attend the opening ceremony last week. I have been involved in the development of NCN78 for a number of years and am very pleased that the residents of Ford Spence Court will now be able to safely access it.

‘’I would like to thank the council’s strategic transportation team who made this possible and our roads team who done the marvellous job of construction, much to the delight of the residents.

‘’I wish all the residents well and hope they all enjoy their safe new access path.’’