A programme of work to improve a pedestrian link between East Side and Cowgate in Kirkintilloch has been completed.

The work involved building new steps, paths and handrails, as well as to improve landscaping and lighting along the pathway.

The project, which cost £190,000, is the latest to be completed in the West Dunbartonshire town, and is part of the wider Kirkintilloch Town Centre Masterplan. Other improvements in the town include the car parks at William Patrick Library/Kirkintilloch Community Hub and Barleybank, as well as an overhaul of a stretch of canopies along Cowgate.

The latest finished project has also included references to the town's history. For example, the pedestrian guardrail in front of the spot lit steps sports the town's motto of 'Ca' Canny but Ca' Awa', while a a black granite seating block at the top of the stairs shows a Black Bull, the name of the Inn that existed on the site before the town became 'dry' in 1921. It was then the name of the cinema which stood in its place, before becoming the now-known Tantra nightclub.

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Council Leader, Rhondda Geekie, welcomed the improvements saying: "This part of the town is well used with people accessing the shops and facilities in the town centre so this improvement is much welcomed and is already being well used.

"Not only is it a practical addition to the area but overall it creates a welcoming gateway from East Side into this part of the town centre with better lighting, increased visibility, good quality planting and better footpaths."

Kirkintilloch Town Centre Masterplan Champions' Group member, Gordon Carmichael added: "This area was identified as cause for concern and it is encouraging to see the effort that has been made to enhance the access to the town centre from New Lairdsland Road. This is another significant part of the project to improve the town centre."

The link improvements were designed by Mike Hyatt Landscape Architects and MacLays Civil Engineering carried out the works.

(JP/IT)