Angus Council has announced plans to invest £58,275 in path improvements around Carnoustie.

The redevelopments are part of its countryside access programme and will take place in two phases.

Initial funding will go towards upgrading the existing routes to the north-west side of Carnoustie near Carnoustie High School and Pitskelly Cemetery.

A future second phase will look into creating a link between Panbride northwards towards Muirdrum and westwards towards the high school, and the installation of appropriate signage.

Convener David May welcomed the decision and commented: "Forfar, Arbroath, Brechin, Kirriemuir and Monifieth now have designated path networks, and I welcome the funding to extend this to Carnoustie.

-- Advertisement --

"These networks create improved access to the countryside around towns, encouraging a greener, more healthy and active Angus and attracting visitors to the county."

The news follows a similar announcement from Argyll and Bute Council which intends to build four community paths with funding of £145,000 from the Argyll and the Islands LEADER programme.

The money is match funding for money already pledged by sustainable transport charity Sustrans and Argyll and Bute Council’s Cycling, Walking and Safer Streets budget towards the four new links.

Tenders are being drawn up and issued for the works and it is hoped construction will be completed by Christmas.

Argyll and Bute’s spokesperson for transport and infrastructure, Councillor Duncan MacIntyre, said: "Over the last few years we have made significant improvements to the network of community paths across the region, and I am delighted that this award will allow us to further expand that network.

"We are committed to encouraging more sustainable forms of transport such as walking and cycling, and there is plenty of evidence to show that people are more likely to get out of their cars if there is a safe, convenient alternative.

"Paths such as these provide such an alternative, so I very much look forward to these tenders being awarded and the work being completed as soon as possible."

(JG/GK)