ISLANDERS have reacted with alarm to a proposal to remove Millport's iconic palm trees and make way for a new cycle path.
At a recent preliminary consultation it was revealed that one of the suggestions put forward for a cycle path extension was to build it next to the perimeter of the road, and take away the much loved trees.
However, Cumbrae Community Council, who attended the talks, say removing the much loved trees would be unacceptable.
The North Ayrshire Council Active Travel section, and consultants SWECO, were involved in the consultation meeting with the community council, before the plans go out to the public.
The future of the palm trees was raised during the latest community council meeting, held at The Goldfish Bowl.
Crawford Gillan said members were surprised by one of the proposals, and added: "One of the things raised during the consultation was would we mind if the palm trees were taken down."
Speaking to the 'News', secretary Angie McCallum said: "Hopefully the plans which will be shown to the public on the consultation day will have been altered after we explained to them this was not a good idea."
A cycle path was built, removing a grass strip on the esplanade, near Kames Bay in 2015.
Sustrans access charity have been behind a project for the next stage of the path, with the aim of taking cyclists and pedestrians off the road between the ferry terminal and Millport.
The sustainable transport charity has awarded North Ayrshire Council £125,000 to help deliver the ambitious project. 
However, the proposal to take down the palm trees was shot down by community councillors.
A consultation is due to get start on the island in a few weeks time.
Another aspect raised at the meeting was that the flood prevention scheme proposals may also result in a sea wall intersecting a new cycle path.
Cumbrae Community Council chairman Phil Lonsdale said: "It is really important for community to come to the consultation to make their points."
A NAC spokesman said: "A pre-consultation discussion took place between representatives from Cumbrae Community Council, the NAC Active Travel Officer and SWECO transport consultants.
"The purpose of the consultation is to gather as wide a range of views as possible to shape future design and feasibility work. Removal of palm trees does not feature in any of the design options being put forward for consultation.
"We are currently finalising supporting materials relating to this event which will also outline alternative methods for interested parties to take part in the consultation."
The Cumbrae Active Travel Study drop in consultation event is due to take place at Garrison House, on Saturday, 5 May, between 10.30am and 3.30pm.
It will include details of the following: feasibility and constraints plans for an off-road cycle link between the Marine Biological Station and the Cumbrae Slip, detailed design proposals for an upgrade existing footpath to a quality shared use link between the Biological Station and Kames Bay, and options for an upgrade to existing cycle provision between the Crosshouse and the Quayhead.