The council’s ruling administration have agreed to support Fairlie residents in their bid to improve safety on the A78 through the village - including increased lobbying for a 20mph speed limit and road safety signage.

However, there will be no resurrection of the Fairlie bypass plan, with the land previously earmarked for such a project now being used for housing.

Last month, the council’s scrutiny committee agreed to make a recommendation to the cabinet asking the council to support plans for a 20mph speed limit in the town, contact the Scottish Government’s Transport Minister Keith Brown, support safety awareness signage, a transport partnership with the industries at Hunterston, maintain the principle of avoidance of Fairlie when considering transports conditions for industrial planning and support a bypass for Fairlie.

Cabinet members accepted most of the recommendations other than the reference to the bypass.

Council officials had explained the limitations on the support it can provide to the scrutiny committee, given there are no conditions relating to the movement of goods via road.

However, the report to the cabinet did outline that existing traffic management plans, which force trucks travelling to and from the turbine test facility and Hunterston convertor station to travel southward rather than north through the village.

It was added that the council’s environmental health team had no control over traffic noise, while SEPA monitors coal dust.

The petition, signed by 622 residents, was recognised by the scrutiny committee but requires approval from the cabinet. If the recommendation is not accepted the proposal could require a final decision from the full council.

In March 2013, the council agreed to write to Transport Scotland calling for a full traffic survey and analysis of traffic problem on the A78 trunk road through Fairlie to identify any hazards, and suggest solutions to improve the safety of residents and road users, including the possible reinstatement of a Fairlie bypass route.

Councillors also instructed officials to prepare a costed proposal to complete the shore footpath from The Causeway to Bay Street to provide a safe walking route, especially for children, through the village; and write to Transport Scotland requesting improved signage through the village.

At last month’s meeting, Councillor Alex Gallagher said he was 100% behind the Safer Roads campaign. He said: “I would urge the committee to back this petition. I believe that a 20mph limit through Fairlie is common sense. I think it is absolutely on the button. As for the bypass now, I think it is a dream, and a long way off, if it ever happens.”