North Ayrshire councillor calling for better lighting on footpaths
Councillor Ian Murdoch has suggested using solar powered lights to reduce costs
Urgent calls are being made for improved lighting to keep people safe in North Ayrshire.
The plea comes from North Coast independent councillor Ian Murdoch to cabinet member for the green environment and economy Tony Gurney.
He cited the campaign launched by Radio Clyde which called for lighting to be installed along the main routes of Glasgow’s parks.
Speaking at last week’s full council meeting, Cllr Murdoch said: “My concern is for everyone’s safety using the unlit footpaths in North Ayrshire.
“Does North Ayrshire have any plans to light up the many footpaths across North Ayrshire that are not currently covered by street lighting of any kind?”
Cllr Gurney said: “There are many popular areas of open space that can be utilised for outdoor recreational safety within North Ayrshire which are illuminated during the hours of darkness, these are, but are not limited to:
Promenade areas within Largs, Irvine, Saltcoats and Ardrossan
Nethermains footpath, Kilwinning
Jack’s Road footpath, Saltcoats
Stanley Burn footpath, Ardrossan
Orr’s Trust Park, Beith
Dalry Public Park
Kilbirnie Public Park
Low Green, Irvine
Riverwalk, Irvine
“At present, there are no budgets available to invest in the introduction of lighting to currently unlit areas.
“If the member wishes, he could propose a budget growth proposal for additional lighting at the council’s budget setting.”
Cllr Murdoch replied: “Does the cabinet member agree with me that solar power lighting should be explored for our unlit footpaths in the most cost-effective way and grant funding explored to make this happen?
“I have recently been asked about lighting the area behind Skelmorlie Community Centre. There has also been a wish to light up the Largs prom footway between Anthony Road and Largs Yacht Haven for around 25 years.
“I have had two solar street lights for around a year and they have never failed. Would the cabinet member support that?”
Cllr Gurney said: “I can confirm that offices continually explore funding support for schemes such as this and many others and where funding becomes available it will be explored diligently.”