The long -delayed – Helensburgh to Dumbarton cycle path should be dropped from a council bid for major government funding, a new report has said.
Officials from Argyll and Bute Council say that it’s unlikely the authority will be able to complete negotiations with the owners of land wanted for the path in time for the deadline to make a bid to the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund.
The same report also discloses that a funding bid for support to electric or hydrogen buses to the Helensburgh area, and to build a new rail halt near the Faslane naval base, could be dropped too.
The cycle path recommendation is due to land negotiations making it unlikely that the bid will meet deadlines for the fund.
Councillors are asked to note that officers continue to pursue other funding options for the project.
And officials now believe that the proposed buses, which would have had a possible link to Glasgow Airport, would place too many recurring costs on the authority.
The full council will discuss the bid next Thursday at its first meeting since the elections.
Executive director Kirsty Flanagan said: “This [the cycle path] is a long running project designed to provide an off-road walking and cycling path linking Helensburgh, Cardross and Dumbarton.
“Due to the long history of the project with the landowners between Helensburgh and Cardross, it is considered unlikely that it will be possible to secure a voluntary agreement with any of these landowners within the timescale of the Levelling Up Fund.”
On the bus proposal, Ms Flanagan added: “Members are aware that Helensburgh is home to the HMNB Clyde, which continues to expand through the Maritime Change project.
“To assist the continued integration of the base with the wider community, officers considered a further substantial investment would be required in terms of transport connectivity.
“The development of a hydrogen/electric bus service and the purchase of buses to serve the community and the workers at the base and Colgrain with a possible link to Glasgow Airport, together with the development of an additional rail halt at Garelochhead, was being reviewed and subject to feasibility work.
“In reviewing this option further, it is considered that this option would place too much recurring revenue costs on the council.
“Officers are still exploring whether we can get support for ongoing revenue costs but if this is not forthcoming, it makes this option less attractive.”
A third part of the bid, an off-road alternative route from Tarbert to Kennacraig, is also proposed for removal due to not being able to meet deadlines.
The council plans to make two bids to the Levelling Up Fund – a regeneration bid for up to £20m, and a transport bid for up to £50m.
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