A BYPASS for Maybole is definitely coming.

That was the message from Humza Yousaf MSP, Minister for Transport and the Islands, when he visited the town last week.

He met with past and present members of Maybole Bypass Committee to personally thank them for their work over many years to ensure that the very much needed bypass would become a reality.

Mr Yousaf acknowledged that the time taken for such a project can be frustrating but said the funding for the new bypass is committed and the government is committed.

The Minister added later: “I had a very useful meeting with the committee and congratulated them on the huge part that they have played in successfully seeing the project through to this stage, with construction on this much-needed scheme expected to commence in 2018.

“It was also very encouraging to hear about the wider community-led proposals for regeneration of Maybole High Street which is part of a long-term vision to revitalise the town once the bypass is complete, helping to remove strategic traffic from the town with improved road safety for local communities and road users.

“I wish them well in their endeavours.”

Peter Mason, chair of the Bypass Committee, added, “We were privileged to have a visit from the Transport Minister, our local MSP Jeane Freeman and also Paul Junik from Transport Scotland.

“The meeting was very informative and assurances were given by the Minister on the Maybole Bypass, The bypass is going ahead in 2018.

Money to build it has been ring-fenced for the construction of the bypass which will be a major asset to the town of Maybole.

“All of this despite rumours coming from other sources about Maybole not getting a bypass.

“One of the reasons for the Minister’s visit was to dispel these rumours and also to praise the hard work and total commitment by everyone who campaigned so hard and for so long to get Maybole its much-needed bypass.

“After over 20 years of campaigning by the Bypass Committee, the bypass is becoming a reality; people once again will be able to walk down Maybole High Street safely.

Jeane Freeman MSP said: “I was delighted that Humza Yousaf accepted my invitation to meet the Maybole Bypass Committee members, past and present, and to give them his thanks for the many years of campaigning and real community action that has secured the bypass and will see real improvements to the town.

“Their work over many years and their plans for the future are so impressive and I am delighted to express my gratitude to them and my continued support as we make progress.”