COMMUNITY councillors in Cardross say it's "outrageous" that the cycle path through the village linking Helensburgh with Dumbarton won't be completed until 2023.

A ROW has broken out over the proposed 2023 completion date for the Helensburgh to Dumbarton cycle path, with community councillors describing the schedule as "absolutely outrageous".

Minutes from the last meeting of Cardross Community Council (CCC) have detailed members' frustration that the route, as it stands, still has five years to wait before it is finished.

But Argyll and Bute Council insists that there are too many obstacles for the process to finish sooner, while maintaining the authority's commitment to have the path installed.

The path between Cardross and Helensburgh was due to have been extended further with the addition of an extra 285 metres between the railway station and the Geilston Burn last month.

A report which went before September's meeting of Argyll and Bute Council's Helensburgh and Lomond area committee stated that there was a reputational risk to the council if the work was not completed on time.

The minutes of the Community Council's meeting, held on Monday, September 17, said: "Patrick [Trust, CCC's chairman] said that we will let the councillors know that a planned completion in 2023 is pretty disappointing.

"Rob suggested that the phrase 'pretty disappointing' is inadequate. 'Absolutely outrageous' would be more appropriate.

"It was agreed that this phrase is appropriate."

Councillor Ellen Morton, chair of the area committee, said: "The difficulty is that we cannot get an agreement with the landowners. It is as simple and straightforward as that.

"I certainly cannot guarantee when this is going to be done as we have not got the agreement. We have agreed the route, but a whole lot of things have contributed to the delay."

An Argyll and Bute Council spokesperson said: "Negotiating with multiple landowners along the route and securing the required funding are the most time-consuming parts of this complicated process.

"However, we remain committed to delivering the Helensburgh, Cardross and Dumbarton Cycleway and providing a dedicated, high quality, accessible walking and cycle route."