Backlash over council's plan for new cycle lane

Businesses blast proposals over fears of harm to trade

- STUART WILSON

Businesses protest against proposed town centre cycle lane in Ayr's Alloway Street

Council chiefs want to lay a giant cycle lane in the heart of Ayr town centre.

The shock plan-which would slash parking spaces and axe a taxi rank - has sparked a backlash from furious businesses.

Officials working on the 'Accessible Ayr' project are looking to rip up Alloway Street as part of a blueprint to open the town to more pedestrians and cyclists.

But in a move reminiscent of the botched Holmston Road cycle lane, they have stoked a livid reaction from locals.

The plans would see 10 parking bays cut to just four with a taxi rank completely removed.

A large loading bay used by shops would be removed in favour of two smaller bays.

Affected businesses are lining up to slam the project - saying it will negatively impact a town centre already struggling for trade.

Allessandro Varesse, who bosses the Blue Lagoon chippy, said: "Installing cycle lanes may be 'politically correct' but the reality is when they impact on parking provisions it has a detrimental effect on local businesses.

"We do not have the climate to prioritise cycle lanes over cars."