A COUNCILLOR has been told by North Ayrshire Council that there is no money to follow an initiative in Glasgow to light up footpaths at night.

Independent North Coast councillor Ian Murdoch pointed out that Glasgow City Council unanimously approved a campaign launched by Radio Clyde in 2022 following COP26.

It called for lighting to be installed along main routes of Glasgow’s parks, noting that the campaign was supported by a wide range of individuals and organisations including women’s safety groups. 

He pointed out that the Glasgow City Council went ahead and prepared a paper looking at infrastructure costs.

However, Cllr Murdoch's appeal to North Ayrshire Council to follow suit was ruled out due to budgetary constraints, and he is now looking towards external funding to help with the project.

Cllr Ian Murdoch is calling for footpaths in Largs, Skelmorlie and West Kilbride to be lit up at night.Cllr Ian Murdoch is calling for footpaths in Largs, Skelmorlie and West Kilbride to be lit up at night. (Image: North Ayrshire Council)

At a recent full council meeting, Cllr Murdoch asked: "My concern is for everyone’s safety using the unlit footpaths within North Ayrshire.

"Does North Ayrshire Council have any plans to light up the many footpaths across the district that are not currently covered by street lighting of any kind?"

Cllr Murdoch was told that there is no budget available to invest in the introduction of lighting to currently unlit areas.

As a follow-up question, Councillor Murdoch asked if North Ayrshire Council would support three proposed projects that could benefit from the installation of solar powered lighting.

These were in Skelmorlie leading from the Community Centre, in Largs between Anthony Road and Largs Yacht Haven, and in the Glen in West Kilbride.

Without budgetary implications from the general fund being available, Councillor Tony Gurney was not in a position to confirm if any of these projects can be taken forward.

Cllr Murdoch added: "Those three schemes should be lit up by solar power, so I am trying to get external funding towards these projects."

Councillor Gurney, cabinet member for green environment and economy, advised that he looked forward to receiving information on the proposals and their funding mechanisms.