Maybole bypass gets a big thumbs-up

Feb 27 2008 By Edwin Lawrence, Ayrshire Post

ONLY one person who attended a special Maybole display thinks the town doesn't need a bypass.

But just about everyone else believes it’s an absolute essential.

That was feedback from a two-day Town Hall display.

A total of 339 people visited the exhibition, open four hours each day.

And of 190 who completed a questionnaire, 189 said Maybole needed a bypass.

Comments included everything from good luck and the sooner the better to this is required before there is a major disaster in the town.

Maybole Bypass Committee chairman Peter Mason said he was delighted by the turn-out to the display.

The committee wanted to show townspeople possible routes which emerged following a survey.

Consultants Atkins were there with maps for people to study, as was a representative from Transport Scotland.

Some of the routes start on the Minishant side of the Smithston railway bridge, which existing A77 traffic twists under.

And these would remove this notorious accident blackspot.

The preferred option goes above the town. And its two big advantages are: getting rid of the Smithston blackspot; and not having to cross the railway at any point.

However it would have to cross both the Alloway and Culzean roads, before coming out on the south side of Maybole.

The route is virtually the same as one suggested by the old Strathclyde Region around 20 years ago.

And it is likely to command most support in the town.

Superintendent John Hazlett, who has specialist knowledge of traffic matters, opened the Maybole exhibition.

MSPs Cathy Jamieson and Adam Ingram both attended as did local councillors Brian Connolly and Mhairi Low.

Peter Mason said: “There is overwhelming support for a Maybole bypass.

“Now we have to wait for an announcement this summer to get the political go-ahead.”

Mr Mason hopes and believes this will be forthcoming, after years of campaigning.

He said: “We had the DVD made by Carrick Academy pupils playing continuously during the display.

“Primary school pupils and pensioners’ groups also turned out, in poor weather, to underline almost unanimous support for a bypass.”

Mr Mason said Maybole Community Council and other groups are already planning the signs and infrastructure to regenerate the town, if and when a bypass is built.

He said: “There will be greater opportunities available in a less-congested town. And we aim to make sure a bypass is a boost for tourism and commerce, as well as for safety.”