OUTLINE plans for a new and improved route for walkers and cyclists linking Helensburgh, Rhu, Faslane and Garelochhead have been published – and people are being asked for their views on the proposals.

Design proposals went live on a dedicated website for the project, which is being funded by Argyll and Bute Council and the Scottish Government, on Wednesday evening.

They say that cyclists can be kept on the loch-side (and sea-side) of the A814 between Helensburgh and Rhu, and that the existing grass verge between Rhu and Faslane can be used to create a new, dedicated cycling route, separated from the A814.

A range of options is being considered for the tightest section of the route, the approach to Garelochhead, including traffic calming measures such as signs, rumble strips and build-outs, so that the route is safe for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.

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They are seeking the public's views on, among other things, creating a new access route – or, rather, reintroducing an old one – between the centre of Garelochhead and the village's railway station, on whether there's potential for an alternative bicycle-only route to bypass a narrow section of the A814 at Gareloch Road in Rhu, and creating new 'placemaking' features along the the route, such as feature lighting, cycle racks, artworks to tell the story of the area, and places to stop, rest and refill.

The project team will be at various locations along the route on Thursday, September 9, where members of the public can meet the designers and share their views.

A short questionnaire has been published along with the outline designs at the project's website - helensburgh-garelochhead.info.

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