A planning application to introduce an underpass at Dunure Road has been withdrawn as South Ayrshire Council wish to have further consultation with the public due to potential road closures if it goes ahead. However, hope is not dead as proposals could be made again as early as next year.

The campaign was to restore the passageway between the A719 Dunure Road, Doonfoot and the NCN7 and Burton/Alloway cycleways, creating a safe and easy link for cyclists, walkers and runners.

A spokesperson for South Ayrshire Council said: “We’re currently widening our consultation and plan to have revised proposals early next year, possibly January or February”.

Clive Drummond from South Ayrshire Paths Initiative (SAPI) is confident the safety concerns will be addressed eventually. He said:

“SAPI consider this to be the only viable option to eliminate the serious safety issues at two road crossings. We are confident the access issues can be resolved and hope the council will shortly give their approval to construct the underpass next year.”

The proposed underpass lies on the boundary of two council wards and is being actioned by councillors there. One of whom, Councillor Siobhian Brown uses the cycle path there herself. She said: “The project has not been straight forward and it is crucial that the impact of the closure of this road is very carefully considered. It was only a few years ago that SAC had the Holmston Road cycle path debacle which led to public outrage as the project went ahead with no consultation. We will not allow this to happen again.

“I personally use this cycle path with my family and I am fully aware of the dangers of the crossing. I fully support SAPI’s ambition for a long term safety solution and we will be working together to ensure this happens.”