Councillor Presses For Action On Bypass Cycleway 'Missing Link'
>> 16 March 2012
Peterhead South SNP councillor Stephen Smith
is hopeful that Aberdeenshire Council will take the initiative to
complete the missing section of the pedestrian and cycleway on the
southside of the Peterhead bypass.
Sections
of the route have been the responsibility of local developers to
provide under planning conditions in the past, but Cllr Smith is seeking
action to complete the missing section, saying he is regularly
approached on the issue by cyclists, walkers and members of Peterhead’s
highly-successful JogScotland club.
Now,
following approaches by Cllr Smith to Aberdeenshire Council, Director
of Infrastructure Stephen Archer has confirmed that the council will
look to complete the missing section.
In a letter to Cllr Smith, Mr Archer states:
“Given
that Peterhead is a cycling demonstration town and the Council is
committing significant resources to cycling in Peterhead, officers in
transportation will explore a funding package of detailed costs and
possible funding partners (for example Transport Scotland, Nestrans,
Sustrans, planning gain funds, or the Revenue budget).
“I
am hopeful that a package can be put together to see the cycle link
implemented subject to budget and other funding mechanisms being
secured. I will keep you updated on the progress being made by
officers.”
“This
is an issue which gets raised with me regularly by cyclists, walkers
and joggers who are extremely frustrated that the excellent facility all
around the bypass which they use comes to an abrupt end at probably the
busiest section of the road.
“I’m
pleased that the council have taken on board the points I have put to
them and will now look to take action to complete the missing link.
“Hopefully
this can be carried out as soon as possible once a funding package is
put together and this will improve road safety at this location.”