A date has still not been set for the long-awaited second section of a footpath linking Rosneath to a nearby caravan park.
For decades walkers have been calling for a path on the busy B833 from Rosneath towards Kilcreggan, which is a popular route to Rosneath Castle Caravan Park.
Last year the first phase of the work was completed after Argyll and Bute Council received a £250,000 grant from Sustrans, with a shared use path for pedestrians and cyclists being built beside the road from Rosneath village.
But there has been frustration about delays for the second section of the path, with residents asking for answers from the council.
This week a council spokesperson confirmed that the authority still intended to complete the work, and that funds were being sought.
“We’re working with Sustrans on developing plans for the next phase of this route and are awaiting a response to a funding application,” he said.
The initial phase only cost £100,000 but the remainder of the initial £250,000 grant is no longer available – the spokesman said the underspend had to be returned to Sustrans.
“The actual spend on this first phase was due to some very competitive tenders received for the work which were significantly lower than we had expected when we had applied to Sustrans for the funding,” he added.
Tom O’Brien-Barden, secretary of Rosneath and Clynder Community Council, said the need for the path had been highlighted for a number of years.
“Clearly it is a safety issue for folk walking daily between the village and the caravan site and it would be good to hear something solid from Argyll and Bute Council as to when they expect the final phase to be completed,” he added.
Why Oh Why did they not build the new footpath first ? ‘only’ £100.000 to upgrade the existing one. You could build a house for that price !
If you did not have a path to your front door, would you improve an existing one first ?