A COASTAL path fan councillor is supporting calls to extend the scenic walkway between Parklea and Langbank.

David Wilson was approached by Langbank Community Council with the proposal to make the route safer for walkers.

The community council says at present once people reach Parklea/Woodhall they have to continue along a footpath that runs alongside the busy A8 with no protection for walkers or cyclists.

The secretary of the community council had written to Councillor Wilson and the two other ward councillors, Renfrewshire elected members and Stuart McMillan MSP with the request.

It says many people enjoy walking the current path but are blocked once they reach Parklea/Woodhall area or have to make their way along the footpath which runs alongside the busy A8.

There are currently no barriers to protect walkers or cyclists from the fast-moving traffic.

The group has also raised the idea of a footbridge and raised walkways.

The community council secretary said: "We would like to explore a footbridge being located at the west side of the village and then a path being created along the bank of the Clyde between Langbank and Parklea – this would involve some areas of raised walkway along the embankments as well."

Mr Wilson says he is right behind the campaigners and has written to the head of planning and regeneration at the council and to Strathclyde Partnership for Transport to ask for funding.

He told the Telegraph: "I very much support this proposal.

"It encourages active travel, more and more people are exercising as a result of the pandemic.

"It gives people another walk, an interesting walk along the river and there is plenty to see.

"I have written to Stuart Jamieson at the council about the feasibility of it and to SPT regarding finance as it is very keen on active travel.

"The view here at Parklea is gorgeous and this idea could help bring other people into the area."