A CYCLIST has said that complaining about the location of the proposed Fairlie cycle path is "idiotic and nimbyism."

Scott Bannister stated:". I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels that trade off is worth it in terms of safety for all users. Bear in mind that while it’s being dubbed a cycle path, it will be a shared use path open to pedestrians and wheelchair users too. How much nicer would it be to meander along a beautiful coastal path, rather than the busy, loud and dangerous main road?

Mr Bannister added: "Once completed, this path will be a fantastic resource for local people to get around, not to mention people passing through on tours and day trips. If it becomes popular enough, we may even start to see businesses in Fairlie flourish (cafes, shops etc.) rather than just playing second fiddle to Largs.

"As for the idea of moving it around the back of the village: What, you mean up that massive great hill?! Don’t be stupid. The average users of the cycle path will be families, and people out for a gentle cycle of a weekend (and I’m sure a few people commuting to and from Largs as well.) If you put the cycle path up that stonking big hill round the back of the village, no-one will use it, and the whole thing will have been a pointless exercise, wasting thousands of pounds of tax-payers money for the sake of keeping a few geriatrics happy.

I hope the council do this properly- there have been far too many good ideas in this area, spoiled by compromise to appease a miserable minority. "

However, another view came from Jane Holmes who stated that cyclists have no interest in cycling along the Fairlie shore path?

She stated: "I cycle through Fairlie regularly on my commute to work and have done so for several years without any problems. This path will not take real cyclists off the main road. Shore paths are useless for cyclists as there is no protection from the elements and bikes are very quickly damaged by regular exposure to salt and sand. I’ve yet to meet a keen cyclist that is interested in the Fairlie multiuse path."

Ms Homes added: " I don’t think I’m in the minority when I say I’m all in favour of having the shore path fixed in areas where it is required making access for all but see no sense in having a Largs prom style path in an area where tourists and locals come to for its natural unspoiled beach.

" I fear if we are to allow Sustrans to alter this beautiful area on such a scale that is not required we will have lost Fairlie’s greatest asset."