Improving cycling routes and pedestrian safety will feature in a new Largs travel study - with an emphasis on improving pedestrian safety at the new Academy campus.

Largs Community Council has already been successful in providing travel improvements for cyclists and pedestrians to the new Largs Campus.

However, chairman Douglas Blair said: "We continue to have grave concerns over pedestrian safety overall for the site both for residents and pupils."

Douglas believes that improving the cycling network in general would have benefits for all the communities in the north coast, and pointed out that the Isle of Cumbrae was a successful example for good cycling, and together as a unit, the new Locality Partnership could help.

Access charity Sustrans, North Ayrshire Council and Largs Community Council agreed to the study after a meeting last year.

Applications were submitted to Strathclyde Passenger Transport in November 2015 and Sustrans in February 2016 to secure funding.

A draft brief has now been prepared for the study which will be issued to Largs Community for their consideration when approval has been obtained from the funder.

This will provide an opportunity for the Community Council to provide their own thoughts on improving cycling and pedestrian access in the community, to commence in October/November depending on the successful consultant's availability.

Meanwhile, in Fairlie, the length between Fairlie Burn Bridge north to Craiglynn, the second stage of the seafront path, is being completed this month, The section from the south car park down to the A78 lay-by is likely to start at the end of October, it was reported in the Fairlie Parish Church newsletter.

Cycling opportunities have improved in the local area with a new cycle path in Millport, and an extended cycle path at Hunterston with LED lighting, while the new footpath in Fairlie is expected to boost a range of uses including cycling, walking and wheelchair access to the shore front. There are long term plans for an extended cycle path between Cumbrae ferry slipway and Millport.