New Fairlie seafront path extension works continue

The area in front of Ferry Row, which was considered one of the most controversial during the consultation stages, is now bathed in glorious sunshine and being used by walkers.

The project has gone through no fewer than three public consultations since councillors gave the go-ahead ten years ago.

The first two stages have been completed - and work on the third and final section is now underway at last.

Ferry Row section of seafront path is now open (Image: Newsquest)

North Coast councillor Alan Hill, who lives in Fairlie and was among those who took the decision to press ahead with the scheme a decade ago, told the News that he was delighted the construction was underway at long last.

He said: " It has been a long time coming but I am delighted to see the start of the third and final phase of the works.

Cllr Alan Hill welcomes seafront path extension after a long wait to get to this stage (Image: Newsquest)

"Villagers will be pleased to learn that the final phase is to be carried out by W.I. & A. Gilbert, the contractors who delivered phase two.

"This section from Bay Street to Ferry Row has been warmly welcomed by most people in the village, and it will be fantastic to see this now completed."

The works started back in February and were expected to last for 20 weeks.

Causeway section of path (Image: Newsquest)

Cllr Hill added: "When completed we will have an excellent, dry and above all else, safe route from one end of our village to the other, without having to try and negotiate the pinch points along the A78 with prams, buggies or wheel chairs."

"It has been a long time to completion, but I am so pleased that we are now nearing the end."

The last section between The Causeway and Craiglyn is now in progress, and is currently closed off for public use as the works continue.

To be continued: Works are underway in completing the seafront path in the very last section (Image: Newsquest) Under construction: Last section of path (Image: Newsquest)