Road safety campaigners in rural Perthshire have claimed a major victory.
After a battle lasting several years, Doune residents have been told that a much-needed pedestrian crossing will finally be installed on the A84 trunk road.
Transport Scotland has agreed to install the link between the village and the Wood of Doune, after formal backing from local councillors. The Government body will share the cost of the scheme with Stirling Council and Sustrans Scotland.
Kilmadock Community Council chairman James Innes said: “This has been a long-running issue for the community and it’s great to see all the organisations involved finally finding a way to take it forward.”
Michele Gibbons, who chairs the Doune Primary School parent council, added: “We are delighted to hear that the toucan crossing will be installed on the A84, after several years of actively campaigning for safer routes to school.
“Children will now be able to come to school safely whether by bike, scooter or on foot and this will be a welcome addition to our travel map, which highlights the safest routes to Doune Primary School and both village nurseries.
“As a cycle friendly-school, we are especially pleased that with Sustrans’ support, the children and community will have greater cycling opportunities.”
The village primary school recently introduced a series of programmes aimed at encouraging pupils to think twice about road safety. Staff are also reviewing its school travel plan.
Danny Gibson, the council’s environment committee convener, said: “This was a major issue for the local community and it’s testament to their persistence and resolve that by all of us working together we have persuaded Transport Scotland to install a new crossing. The council and the community have been working with Sustrans and Transport Scotland to make this crossing happen.”
He said the new crossing was likely to be in place by April.
A spokesman for Sustrans told The Courier: “We are very pleased to see this project go ahead as it allows a community to be reconnected and improves access to the local school.”