Work begins on Ayr underpass

Feb 6 2009

WORK has started on a £200,000 facelift on one of Ayr’s most notorious pedestrian underpasses.

The dingy route linking King Street to Lymonds Wynd will be given an overhaul, including CCTV, after residents claimed that they were too scared to use it.

Councillor Peter Convery explained that brick wall cladding will be installed with new metal parapets and handrails.

Street lighting will also be replaced and anti-slip pavements introduced.

Work is expected to be completed in April.

He said: “The underpass is located next to a busy road and provides a convenient and direct route for pedestrians to move from one side of King Street to the other.

“For everyone in the local community, including parents and carers with children in prams, school children, older people and those with disabilities, it is much safer to use the underpass rather than attempt to cross a very busy dual carriageway.

“The refurbishment will make the underpass safer and more user friendly and I believe that this will encourage more people to use it.”

Councillor Convery was one of a handful of South Ayrshire councillors who visited the site when work started.

He added: “The changes at the underpass will make it easier for the council’s small street sweeping vehicles to access the underpass.

“The changes will also make the underpass easier to maintain in the future.”