Consultation on a new cycle track into Helensburgh town centre will start next month – while the wait for a route between the town and Cardross goes into its third decade.
Argyll and Bute Council’s project dates back to the early years of this century it was approved by the Scottish Executive when Labour was in power – and has been dogged by delays. caused by funding, the potential route and especially the acquisition of land.
This week councillors will be told that their officials are still trying to work with landowners over design issues and ecology issues for the initial stretch of the route, between Colgrain and Dumbarton.
Meanwhile Civic Engineers – the company which has also been working on a possible extension of a footpath and cycleway on the B833 near Rosneath – is planning to start community engagement next month to identify a preferred route between Helensburgh’s Morrisons supermarket and the town centre.
A report by the council’s executive director Kirsty Flanagan states: “It is planned that the main community engagement for the first stage of the design process will be undertaken in January 2024.
“Future stages of work will be subject to officers requiring again to successfully secure future external competitive challenge funding and/or the allocation of council funding.”
The report adds that most elements of the section through Cardross park have been installed, though a bridge over the Geilston Burn has been fenced off for safety reasons until access to land on the west wise is agreed.
Perhaps optimistically using the future tense, the report adds: “Completion of the Helensburgh, Cardross and Dumbarton cyclepath will provide a dedicated, high quality, accessible walking and cycle route linking Helensburgh, Cardross and Dumbarton.
“This route will provide opportunities for all in the Helensburgh – Cardross – Dumbarton corridor to travel more sustainably and actively by walking and cycling.
“This will provide a safe alternative to having to use a private car to travel between these communities and help lower Argyll and Bute’s carbon footprint.”
It does add though that the work depends on: “Securing highly competitive external challenge funding, committing appropriate match funding and securing access to private land for the route.”
The report will be discussed by the council’s Helensburgh and Lomond area committee on Tuesday.
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