A second public consultation is due to take place concerning £800,000 proposals for a new Fairlie cycle and pedestrian path before the end of the year.

Councillor Alan Hill told the ‘News’ in April that a safe and alternative route through Fairlie was ‘of utmost importance’ after last year’s tragic lorry accident in Fairlie. Sustrans, Strathclyde Passenger Transport Authority and North Ayrshire Council have joined forces to provide funds for the development.

A consultation took place in June concerning a multi-users facility for the use of cycling, young children, prams and wheelchairs along the shore.

A North Ayrshire Council spokesman said: “The improvement is comprised of two sections, the path between Bay Street and the south car park, and the upgrade of National Cycling Network 757 between the south car park and Hunterston roundabout.

“Regarding the path between Bay Street and the south car park - since the public consultation session in late June, meetings have been undertaken with local residents and interested parties to examine their concerns, needs and aspirations.

“Further discussions have also been undertaken with the funders and landowners. We are currently working through the feedback received through this process and the consultation process to revise the proposals and designs. “There has been a large amount of interest and feedback which has been taken into account in the development of revised proposals. This has included considering and investigating alternative options which were proposed through the consultation process.

“Further site visits and meetings are planned in the near future to further inform the development of the revised proposals. The next stage of public consultation will be undertaken in November and will include information in relation to levels and visual representations of the proposed path. The details for this consultation will be confirmed in the near future.

“Regarding the upgrade of NCN Route 757, designs are currently being formalised for the improvement of the path. An update on the timescales for implementation will be provided in the near future.” Cllr. Hill said: “When complete the new coastal path will provide an all abilities route for walkers, cyclists, young children and those pushing prams or with mobility problems to get from one end of our village to the other without the fear that often comes from travelling along the very narrow pavements that adjoin the A78. Better still, these new routes will be adopted and maintained by North Ayrshire Council into the future.” Mr Ron Cooper, a local volunteer for the Sustrans access charity for pedestrians and cyclists, said: “The council are moving towards another public presentation sometime in November - there has been a lot of comment of a negative and positive nature - and on the basis of that - there will be a further consultation.” Mr Cooper also revealed that the £17,000 feasibility study into the Largs-Skelmorlie route had recently been completed. He said: “These things tend to come in phases - a budget is required to pay for it, and then you have discussions with landowners. We were recently shown the outline proposals. The options consist of along the shore, which is expensive, and over the red road (Routenburn) and Skelmorlie High Road.

“I’d like them to look at ways of making the red road route with less climbing - including some zig-zag paths - but those issues have to be overcome through discussions with the landowners if there are locations which are going away from the road.”