A NEW initiative to tackle the unsafe crossing point on Dunure Road near the old railway track has been launched.

South Ayrshire Paths Initiative are a group of volunteers and outdoor enthusiasts who value active-travel options but not exclusively created for walkers or cyclists.

They want to remove the unsafe crossing point on the A719 by continuing the existing path beneath the buried bridge structure.

The group plan to create a scenic and safe path south from Greenan, utilising it as much as possible of the old railway track, linking communities and popular visitor attractions such as Culzean.

This could create an attractive and safe 'all users, path network which link communities throughout South Ayrshire and complies with strategic government policies relating to health, climate change, tourism and education. 

Clive Drummond, of South Ayrshire Paths Initiatives talked about the agenda at a public meeting last week.

He said: "We recently formed this community group to create a network of paths across South Ayrshire for outdoor enthusiasts but we need local support.

"We want to open up the tunnel which goes through Dunure Road. The path on the other side of the road is in good condition and there are electric bollards to prevent vehicles driving down which are not local.

"Dunure Road has a 60MPH speed limit and it is hard to see what is coming around the corner. Even if you cut back the vegetation it is still hard to see.

"We want to shift the exist onto the road but to ensure that cyclists can still cycle there if they want to. Those who live on Burton Estate would be happy as it would allow their kids to cycle to primary school.

"Another plan is to continue the railway line from Dunure to Culzean but this has been an 'on/off' project for a while. There is funding but we need to be ready to use it.

"There is a beautiful coastline but is just not accessible. The council are looking at the speed limits but that will take a couple of years to get passed. 

"That is why the group exists, to make sure it doesn't slip under the radar."

Ron Ireland, who is a member of the group added: "It is an extremely dangerous crossing, something needs to be done before there is an accident.

The situation on Dunure Road is an accident waiting to happen. That is why we are keen to work with South Ayrshire Council."

It is hoped the plans will be successful and the South Ayrshire coastline can be joined together to make it more accessible and appealing for locals and visitors to the area.