WORK began on a bypass for Maybole on Wednesday, May 22 when Michael Matheson,Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity, was on-site near Smithston Bridge to cut the first sod.

Mr Matheson said:“I am delighted to be here today to mark the start of this project which has been long awaited, particularly by the local community.

“The project will deliver benefits for both road users and the local community and builds upon the significant investment already delivered across 10 improvement projects on the A75 and A77 since 2007.

“The Scottish Government is committed to having a safer and more efficient transport network and the start of work today is another step forward to delivering this for the people of Scotland.”

Jeane Freeman MSP added: “I was absolutely thrilled to have attended 26 NEWS www.ayradvertiser.com www.troontimes.com www.carrickherald.com Tuesday May 28, 2019 today’s official sod cutting ceremony for the Maybole Bypass.

“It truly was brilliant to see the good folks of the Maybole Bypass Committee front and centre. Talk of the “phantom bypass” can now stop, thanks to the tireless efforts of this group which has seen this significant infrastructure project come to fruition.

“This is a truly fantastic day for Maybole. A huge thank you and well done to Peter Mason and the bypass committee again. I look forward to seeing this progress and the opportunities for Maybole High Street that will follow.”

Peter Mason, chair of the Bypass Committee, said: “Today’s sod cutting marks a date in history for Maybole.

“As chairperson of the Maybole Bypass Committee, there are many people whom I feel should be thanked. Can I start by thanking the Roads Minister, Michael Matheson, for attending today’s sod cutting ceremony and Jeane Freeman for all of her work in achieving the bypass. Thanks, also, to our three local councillors and South Ayrshire Council.”

“Maybole Bypass Committee,” he continued, “have worked tirelessly over the years and I must not forget the stalwarts of the of the Bypass Committee who are no longer with us.

"My thanks go to all of them. My biggest thanks must go to the people of Maybole who backed us the whole way.

“In recent months, I have heard the words ‘a phantom bypass’ being used by some people.

Today’s event will hopefully put an end to all of the rumours and the doubters.

“This is now a time for the people of Maybole to pull together for the good of the town whose future is now looking a lot brighte