A NEW cycle route connecting Kilbirnie, Dalry and Kilwinning could be on the cards.

Plans for an off-road cycle path along farmland and disused railway embankment have taken a pedal closer after it was agreed to put the proposal to council officers.

Dalry Community Council urged any residents who would like to see the plans get moving to get in touch with elected councillors and show your support.

A spokesperson said: “For a long time there have been efforts to build a safe, off-road cycle path between Kilbirnie and Kilwinning via Dalry. We now believe we have identified a suitable route between Kilbirnie and Dalry and, crucially, have landowner support to investigate the viability of this route.

“The route would run out of Kilbirnie along the disused railway embankment at the Loadingbank, then follow a farm track through working farmland along the west side of the existing railway line. As the route reaches Dalry there are a few options for one, or several, end-points which are to be looked at.

“The area’s locality partnership agreed that officers spend time exploring this new route, and put together an application to Sustrans to fund a feasibility and technical study of the route.

“The second paper, submitted by the three Garnock Valley Community Councils, was to secure funding for the feasibility study in the event that Sustrans are unable or unwilling to fund it.

“There is some way to go with this yet, and although the landowners have expressed that we can look into the route we do also need to be mindful that there are legitimate concerns about it – flooding, biosecurity and safety issues have all been raised and need to be suitably addressed. Thanks to those landowners for their support at this stage, as if we can find a solution to this long-standing issue then it will be great for the whole Garnock Valley from a transport, recreation, public health, environmental and tourism perspective.

“Residents who would like to see this happen, get in touch with your elected councillors and show your support.

“There may be events involving Sustrans in future and, COVID-19 dependent, your attendance at those would be really useful too.

“With your support, and the continued support of the land owners, our elected members and council officers, fingers crossed we can finally get this sorted out.”

What do you think of the plans? Let us know at editorial@ardrossanherald.co.uk