ARGYLL and Bute Council has approved a new active travel strategy to be implemented in their future projects.
This comes after the proposed active travel route in Rothesay received widespread backlash from residents on the Isle.
The draft strategy, which was recently approved at the council’s environment, development, and infrastructure committee, aims to create more opportunities for residents and visitors to travel by walking, cycling, or wheeling.
The council sees this as a positive step towards improving local transport options and promoting sustainability, with plans to connect key areas such as employment hubs, shopping centres, and healthcare facilities.
Councillor John Armour, policy lead for roads, transport, and amenity services, highlighted the importance of providing these services: “We strive to provide a network of high-quality routes suitable for safe cycling and walking within each of our main towns that link people to places of employment and education, shopping areas, leisure centres, hospitals and other prime hubs.
“In the last five years, we’ve secured £9.4m of external funding to develop these networks, many of which are now in operation and being well used by local communities.”
However, with the proposed active travel route in Rothesay raising concerns for some residents, there are worries about the potential impact on the town’s infrastructure, particularly with regards to parking availability and traffic flow. Rothesay’s narrow streets and limited road space has led to questions about how the new route would fit into the existing layout of the town without causing disruption.
Brandanes have also expressed concern about the importance one of the chosen routes, which would run along Battery Place, and debate whether there is any use in having a route there.
Councillor Armour acknowledged the importance of community feedback, adding: “A key part of developing viable active travel routes is listening to what our communities, residents, and businesses need.
“We urge as many people as possible to take part in our consultation when it is launched in the New Year.”
The public consultation will give residents, businesses, and visitors the opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed strategy.
Details on how to participate will be published on the council’s website in the coming weeks.
For more information, residents can contact Argyll and Bute Council at 01546 604 171 or email [email protected].
