PROTRACTED negotiations over a new cycle path linking Helensburgh and Dumbarton have hit a fresh stumbling block after members of the public outlined their support for an alternative route.
A recent engagement survey with residents and landowners on phase one, between Colgrain and Cardross, has revealed a community preference for a different route, which could add a further year onto the expected completion date for that section.
Results of a postal and online survey conducted by Argyll and Bute Council, which returned 326 responses in total, show that 59 per cent of respondents prefer the route which follows the north side of the railway line, as opposed to the previous route along the south side of the A814 which the local authority has been working to progress.
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The survey also revealed that the four landowners consulted on the Colgrain to Cardross section of the cycle path are split equally in preference of the existing and alternative routes.
Work is scheduled to begin this summer on construction of the 285-metre section of the route between Cardross station and the Geilston Burn.
The alternative route (highlighted in green) will take an extra year to complete
A report by Pippa Milne, the council’s executive director of development and infrastructure, said: “The consultation on phase one (Helensburgh to Cardross), required by our funding partner SUSTRANS, identified a community preference for the alternative route along the north (inland) side of the railway, despite the additional time required for development of designs.
“From the community consultation, it is clear that the community preference is for a route which, as far as possible, maximises the distance separation from the A814 road and which minimises the need to cross the A814.”
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At last week’s Helensburgh and Lomond area committee meeting, Argyll and Bute councillors confirmed their commitment to providing a “dedicated, high quality walking and cycling route”.
But Councillor David Kinniburgh said: “This has been ongoing for a long, long time now and I have reservations about the way this has been handled in the past and the way this is going forward. It was all so disorganised it was unbelievable.”
Councillor Richard Trail said: “I find it unfortunate that we are going to have to change the route between Helensburgh and Cardross after so many years of battling against landowners.
“However, if the public want to do this then it looks like we will have to.”
Area committee chair, councillor Ellen Morton, added: “Everybody is in favour of the cycle path, as long as it’s not on their land.
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“For the first time in years we have got an officer [Colin Young, strategic transportation delivery officer] who is dedicated to this and we all want to see it happen.
“I am not comfortable with the long-term timeline. I’m a great believer in either do the thing or leave it and not waste resources. It’s taking resources away from other things and I want a focused approach now.”
Councillors agreed to further engagement with SUSTRANS and landowners for the progression of the alternative phase one route, while further investigation work will take place for the remaining sections of the cycle path up to the boundary with West Dunbartonshire Council.
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