A three-year cycling-based action plan has been published for Irvine in North Ayrshire.

In a statement, the local authority says it aims to extend and upgrade its current network of cycle paths and facilities in the town.

Included in the programme of improvements would be the widening, resurfacing and realigning of existing paths.

The work will be carried out in phases and partner agencies will be asked to provide support funding for the work.

North Ayrshire Council has said it is working towards a series of objectives contained in the Cycling Action Plan for Scotland (CAPS). This initiative outlines a range of local and national steps to improve health and well-being, while also reducing traffic congestion and carbon emissions.

A list of recommendations aimed at getting more people walking and cycling was presented to the Cabinet of North Ayrshire Council at its meeting earlier this week and were based on information gathered from a consultation with the local community in Irvine.

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Some of the projects listed among the recommendations will be carried out as part of an initial three-year plan but other longer-term improvements would be addressed as resources become available.

To date, the projects identified include:

• Upgrading of part of the National Cycle Network

• Creating new community to community links

• Improving cycle parking at strategic locations.

The local authority has said the costs associated with implementing the recommendations will be met from a combination of external and Council funding, and applications for funding have been submitted to Sustrans, Strathclyde Partnership for Transport and the Central Scotland Green Network Development Fund.

Karen Yeomans, Head of Development Planning at North Ayrshire Council, said: "Irvine is already a great place to go cycling with its maze of paths through the old and new parts of the town.

"The National Cycle Network takes cyclists along Irvine shore on the way south to Sunderland or north to Inverness – and, nearer home, to Kilmarnock on the short spur line through Dreghorn.

"We are confident that, with our partners, we can build on the area's mix of coast and countryside to develop Irvine as a Cycle Friendly Town.

"Providing better paths and facilities, and changing the way people think about travel, will improve the environment and the quality of life for the people of North Ayrshire."

(JP)