A new cycle link path costing £390,000 has opened in Barrhead, East Renfrewshire.

The project has been delivered by East Renfrewshire Council, Renfrewshire Council, Sustrans and the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT).

The new 600-metre pathway is for cyclists and pedestrians and runs along Caplehill Road to Brownside Braes. From there, it allows cyclists to safely access the National Cycle Network.

Councillor Jim Fletcher, Leader of East Renfrewshire Council, said: "It's great to see the completion of this missing link that now gives our residents safe access to a wide network of paths.

"All four partners have worked together on this major project to deliver this and we know from the comments we've had that it will be popular. I hope to see lots of people trying it out, particularly as we head into the summer holidays."

Councillor Chris Gilmour, Deputy Convener of Renfrewshire Council's Environment Policy Board, added: "We are happy to have played a lead role on this collaborative project between the two councils.

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"With the assistance of funding from SPT, we have delivered the final part of this cycle route, which is part of a much longer route running through south Paisley before connecting to the national cycle route network at Fulbar Road.

"We are fortunate that here in Renfrewshire we have an excellent network of cycle paths and we would encourage young and old cyclists to continue to make use of them as much as possible."

John Lauder, National Director of Sustrans Scotland, said: "We are pleased to see this path linking Barrhead with the south of Paisley officially opened. Sustrans Scotland contributed £162,000 towards its installation through our 'Community Links Programme' – a grant funding scheme which provides money for the creation of cycling network infrastructure for everyday journeys across the country.

"The new path provides an excellent off-road facility for people to use for day trips and for leisure purposes. Seeing Renfrewshire Council and East Renfrewshire Council working in partnership across their boundaries to ensure it successful delivery was particularly inspiring. It is fantastic that Barrhead and Paisley now have a safe walking and cycling path linking them together."

Jim Coleman, SPT Chair, commented: "SPT is delighted to support projects such as this. One of our key aims is to promote active travel and encourage as many as possible to leave the car behind. What better way to do that than to create a safe environment with dedicated spaces for cyclists to use for work or leisure."

(JP/IT)