A new crossing, making it easier and safer for pedestrians to cross Sinclair Street, is being installed as part of the ongoing work to regenerate Hermitage Park in Helensburgh.

Funded by Sustrans, the crossing will control traffic in and out of the Victoria Halls and in West Montrose Street.

Councillor Aileen Morton, Leader of Argyll and Bute Council, said:

“We want to encourage as many people as possible to make use of and enjoy Hermitage Park when the restoration is complete. We are grateful to Sustrans for funding this important phase of the work, which will make it easier and safer for people to access the park at this location.

“As a council we are committed to doing what we can to encourage our communities to live active and healthy lives and we want to see people walking and cycling throughout the town to keep fit.

“We will endeavour to keep disruption for hall users and others to a minimum during the works.”

To ensure sufficient car parking for those using the park when the regeneration of the park is complete, an additional overflow car park linked to the Victoria Halls car park is being created. This will see an additional 20 spaces within Hermitage Park itself. A covered parking area for bicycles will also be installed.

As work on the ambitious £3.4 million project continues the play park will have to be closed until the work is complete and the park re-opens to the public next summer. A new children’s play area is being constructed where the putting green was and adjacent to the new pavilion. There are a number of play areas in Helensburgh, the closest similar facility is located at Kidston Park.

Councillor Morton said: “We have kept the play park open as long as we have been able to, but to ensure essential work to the War Memorial can be completed safely before this year’s Armistice Day in November we have reluctantly taken the decision to close the play park now.”

The memorial’s ornate gates and iron panels are being restored and will be back in place before the important commemoration.

Councillor Morton concluded:

“All those involved in the regeneration of Hermitage Park are doing a wonderful job and progress is extremely visible. I’m looking forward to see the final results next year.

“I also want to thank the community for their patience while the work continues.”