PEOPLE in Helensburgh and Lomond have shared their displeasure after it was announced that the completion of the Helensburgh to Dumbarton cycle path has been delayed again.
Earlier this week, we announced that another two years have been added to the projected delivery of the Helensburgh to Dumbarton cycle path – putting the scheduled completion date back to 2032.
An updated timetable for the project reveals that land negotiations for phase 1 (Helensburgh to Cardross) and phase 2 (Cardross to Dumbarton) are now not expected to conclude until early 2028.
The path was earmarked for completion in the first three months of 2030 – almost 30 years after the project was green-lit by Scotland’s then transport minister, Labour’s Sarah Boyack.
Construction work on both phases now has an expected completion date of early 2032, as a separate report warns of “high” risks involving land acquisition and the timeline of the project.
READ MORE: Latest date to complete Helensburgh cycle path is 2032
However, since we shared the news online angry people in Helensburgh and Lomond have voiced their concerns over the delay.
Georgina Burnhill said: "What a joke. I’d love to use the path to walk from Helensburgh to Cardross on nice days.
"Thought it would be nice to encourage my wee boy that walking to his grandparents was fun instead of us always going in car or occasionally on the very expensive public transport.
"The current path in my opinion isn’t safe to walk with young children."
Debbie Alderson added: "No surprise. They never wanted to do it. Messing everyone around with changing plans.
"I know I would use it as we travel to Cardross daily so would love that option as cycling on that road isn’t something I am willing to do. Far too dangerous."
And Fiona Spy said: "The first discussions about the feasibility of this path were first had in 1999! It seems crazy it has taken so long and only a short section has been completed.
"Also although it is constantly referred to as a cycleway/path my understanding is it is actually designated as a multi-use path."
READ MORE: Cardross residents invited to public meeting amid mounting anger at cycle path delays
Councillors are also being asked to decide how the path will be maintained in the future, including if there is a role for other organisations.
The two documents will go before Argyll and Bute Council’s Helensburgh and Lomond area committee at its meeting on Tuesday, June 11.
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