Landowner support is crucial to the completion of a footpath to link an “island village” to vital services.
That much is clear from the latest update on plans to develop a safer route from Stoneyburn to Fauldhouse.
Funding for a bridge to cross the busy A706 main road from Lanarkshire into West Lothian has already been agreed but design plans will have to be drawn up before negotiations can start with a landowner on one side of the road.
READ MORE: West Lothian community councils could split after only a year together
The footpath and cycle path is need to connect Stoneyburn to medical facilities in Fauldhouse. Bus services through Stoneyburn are few and there are no pavements alongside narrow winding B roads around the village.
Provost Cathy Muldoon questioned the delays when the update was delivered at the latest meeting of the Fauldhouse and Breich Valley Local Area committee.
Ronnie Fisher, Design Engineering Manager, explained the extent of land required in the area of the proposed bridge will be established once the design of the bridge is complete. Once this is established, discussions with the affected landowner can progress.
He added: “The council owns the land on the west side of the A706 but on the east the land is privately owned so we need to negotiate with the private landowner. That will be done once we have a better idea of the footprint of the bridge.”
Mr Fisher said in his report: “As part of the bridge design, a ground investigation will be carried out once the required site clearance work has been carried out in the area. Scottish Water has confirmed that the proposal to provide a new cyclepath through their land up to Stoneyburn Crossroads is acceptable in principle and have passed this matter on to their legal team. Discussions are ongoing with landowners along the route between Bents and the A706.”
The estimated cost to construct the proposed foot/cyclepath from Stoneyburn Bents linking into the old railway line to Fauldhouse, including a crossing over the A706 is £960,000. A bridge and a toucan crossing were both options looked at for the A706 which connects Lanarkshire and West Lothian.
The cost estimate for both crossing road options were around £500,000 as extensive ground levelling works leading up to a toucan crossing would be needed .
Provost Muldoon said: “It’s good to see the progress that’s been made. One of my questions, it’s something that seems to be holding us back and it’s discussions with landowners. This can be a long drawn out process if we have to go down the road of CPOs.
Mr Fisher agreed: “Some discussions have been more fruitful than others.”
Provost Muldoon asked Councillor Craig Meek chairing the meeting: “It would be helpful to keep this on the menu for the next meeting These discussions with the landowners seem to be the biggest stumbling block.”
Councillor Pauline Clark agreed: “I think all of us have been waiting a long time for this. I know that it’s something around Stoneyburn, Breich and Longridge that cycling paths are impossible.
“I have had local folk asking when are going to be able kids out on their bikes. It would be wonderful if we could link up all our villages to the national cycle route.” The N75 national cycle route traverses West Lothian.
READ NEXT:
West Lothian council to buy back houses for homeless young people
West Lothian leader attacks Westminster's 'ideological' tax cuts
Controversial West Lothian greenbelt housing backed by Scottish Government
West Lothian Council approve plans for block of flats for homeless young people
Date for West Lothian by-election sparked by death of councillor agreed
