Creating a safe footpath out of an 'island village' in West Lothian would cost almost £1 million, officials have revealed.
There’s currently no safe way to walk from Stoneyburn to Fauldhouse, leaving many residents feeling cut-off from vital services.
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Villagers in Stoneyburn recently made a renewed plea to the council recently to complete a path to Fauldhouse, where their facilities including shops and the GP are now based.
Plans show the safe route could cost a total of £960,000, with the creation of a footbridge over a busy main road pushing up the cost of the three-mile path.
The road connecting the two villages is a winding B-road with a 60mph speed limit and no pavements. Bus services are limited.
In its plea to councillors the community council said: “This path would provide a safe route for pedestrians, runners and cyclists alike, to move beyond the village for work, health and leisure activities. As you know, our GP surgery is now located in Fauldhouse, as well as access to train services to Glasgow and Edinburgh.”
Talks with landowners have dragged on and while the council has forged links and the promises of financial aid to develop a safer route, negotiations are ongoing.
In a report to Fauldhouse and the Breich Valley local area committee Ronnie Fisher, the council’s Design Engineering Manager, said: “Discussions are ongoing with landowners along the route between Bents and the A706. However, it is still likely that the council may have to consider pursuing the route of Compulsory Purchase Order, to ensure all the necessary land along the route is secured for the project.”
He pointed out the footbridge was a better option, as an alternative Toucan crossing would involve extensive, and expensive ground engineering works on either side of the A706, the main road from Lanarkshire north to Whitburn, to make the gradient easier. The path will use stretches of a former railway line for some of the route.
Mr Fisher told the meeting: “At a meeting, Sustrans’ representatives indicated that they are still supportive of the project.
“It was also recommended that the project continues to be progressed through Sustrans’ Places for Everyone funding to provide a project from Bents to Fauldhouse railway station. This type of project is eligible for 100% design fees and 70% of the construction cost through Places for Everyone grant funding. Funding through this route is therefore the most prudent option for the council, especially if the desire is to provide a bridge crossing over the A706.”
Further meetings have to take place with Sustrans and also with Scottish Water, who are landowners on the route.
John Stirling from the village community council welcomed the assurance from committee chair, Councillor Cathy Muldoon, that the paths plan would be kept on the workplan for regular updates.
