The new Fairlie seafront path proposal could make a big difference to Zoe Maclean who has lived most of her life in the village.

The project aims to promote responsible access along the path, and the council has agreed to “adopt and take responsibility for the future maintenance of the path, subject to the path being constructed to appropriate standards”.

A public consultation involving North Ayrshire Council and access organisation Sustrans took place at Fairlie Village Hall on Thursday, which Zoe and her mother Barbara, attended.

Zoe, who is a former Fairlie Young Citizen of the Year award winner, has cerebral palsy. She uses a wheelchair, with assistance from her canine partner, golden labrador Remus.

Zoe, 30, said: “There definitely needs to be a new path, and with this new proposal, it would mean that I would be able to get from one end of the village to the other, and stay off the busy main road area.

“I liked the grey concrete path with the rock edge as it would be easier to see from an accessibility point of view.

“I think there will be enough room for everybody, including parents with prams, cyclists and pedestrians - it is supposed to be a multi-user path - and if everyone respects that, it should work.

“The path at the Pencil was a big improvement to what it was, and yes, a similar concept could work here. I have done quite a lot of work with Louise Kirk on the NAC access panel, and she has been really helpful, and I think the path would be fully accessible.” Zoe’s mum, Barbara, said: “I thought it was an excellent consultation, and there were people there to explain all the different options.

" Zoe is ‘trapped’ at the south end of the village, and can only get along to the picnic area. The new shorefront path would be a big help in giving her more independence.

"For instance, we have an allotment along at the community garden at the other end of the village, and often there are events on at Fairlie Parish Church or the Village Inn which she would like to attend.” The Macleans favoured the shorefront path going in front of Ferry Row, after new proposals provided an alternative option of going off the beach, and behind Ferry Row."

Barbara said: “I thought the alternative looked quite dangerous for wheelchairs or children going on bikes, and quite tricky, if there are leaves on the path. It is better to stay on the shore, after all, that is what the concept of the seafront path is all about.” * Following last week’s article, we have been asked to point out that the proposed level of the shorefront path is 2.4m above Ordnance Datum - the level of mean high water spring tides is 1.79 m above OD and that of the highest astronomical tide is 2.26m above OD. Thus the proposed path level is 0.14m (about 5.5 inches) above the highest tide level, and just under 2 feet below the normal spring tide level.

Calculations by consultants AECOM identified this height at which waves and seawater affecting it could be kept to a minimum, although would still be susceptible to ‘exceptional tides and weather conditions’.

* All the various options, including a questionnaire, form part of the consultation documents which are available at Fairlie, Largs and West Kilbride libraries and online via www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/council/consultations/fairlie-coastal-path-consultation.aspx The consultation ends on 9 October.