MEMBERS of Largs Community Council have come out strongly against a proposal to build a cycle track on the promenade.
The proposal, which has already attracted opposition from several of the area's North Ayrshire councillors, attracted unanimous opposition when it was put to a vote at the community council's latest meeting.
Independent councillor Ian Murdoch told the community council the proposal to to narrow the prom to five metres to fit in a new cycle track was 'absolute bonkers' .
He pointed out that it would go round the back of the shelter, and right across the event ground, whether the Viking Festival event or another event is held on the open grass.
He added: "I don't see why it is necessary. We can all cycle to Aubery; why do we need £1.5m to cycle from Aubery from The Fish Works, or potentially £6m to cycle from Aubery to Fairlie Bowling Green when you can do it for free?"
Community councillor Jamie Black said he was completely in agreement with Cllr Murdoch, and said: "We can't keep our toilets open, but there is a million and a half and you must spend it for a cycle track?
"There is not a problem. You can ride legally on the prom. It is not a problem that needs fixed."
Cllr Murdoch pointed out that benches and bins would also need to be pushed forward to accommodate the cycle track, which he said would "totally change the character of Largs Promenade forever".
He added: "How do you practically stop people walking on Largs Prom over it on a busy day?"
Cllr Murdoch pointed out that the money was ringfenced from Active Travel money for cycling opportunities, which was why it couldn't go to keeping public toilets open.
He said the money should instead be spent on building a cycle track on Cumbrae, between the slipway and Kames Bay, to provide a safe cycling route to and from Millport.
Cllr Murdoch also criticised the "pointless" spend of £600,000 by Sustrans on widening the path between Ardrossan and Seamill two years ago.
Mr Black said: "The £1.5m is your money and my money, and the way the government divvy it up and ringfence it for their own objectives is so frustrating.
"We could think of a thousand ways where that money is necessary to spend in the town, and make improvements, but we are not able to."
Community councillor Wendy Low Thomson said: "Send it to Cumbrae - they need it more than us."
Mr Black said that he would never put his children on the road to cycle, while community councillor Jim Perman said: "Your problem is the black lycra brigade who would try and race up and down the prom. Wee seven year olds are not a problem."
LCC chairman put the principle of a cycle track on the prom to a vote among members, and all those present said they were opposed.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel