By Stuart Wilson

Copyright dailyrecord

Council chiefs want to dump 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 businesses 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.” Brandon Van Rensburg, co-owner of the popular Spudbuds baked potato hit, will see the proposed cycle lane trundle straight by his front door. He said: “These changes could have a very detrimental impact on the businesses along this street. “Our goal should be to encourage more people to visit this part of town, but the proposed changes appear likely to restrict customer access even further.” Keith Cochrane, who runs Cochranes of Ayr, added: “A town centre is for shopping and dining, not recreation. Cyclists are well catered for outwith the town centre and I don’t believe many cyclists would have the desire to cycle through the town centre anyway. “The cycle lane, if it goes ahead, will be massively underused. If anything the council should be looking to increase town centre parking and disabled facilities.” Red-faced officials were forced to backtrack on the infamous Holmston Road cycle lane when it was laid in 2016. Furious councillors later called it a “debacle.” But almost 10 years on, the council has returned with a plan to redraw one of the town’s key streets. Accessible Ayr’s stated vision is to make Ayr a “vibrant and more attractive place for people to visit and enjoy.” Simon McCrindle, who runs Ayr Guitar music shop, said: “Our customers frequently call us to ask about available on-street parking. “Removing the loading bays and parking near our shopfront in favour of a “cycle highway” seems totally counter-productive to a high street shoppers’ needs. “We would be curious to see the official survey of cycling traffic down Alloway Street that necessitates a development of this scale, as from our glass shop front it is quite rare to see a bike go past.” And Hayley and Ewen Logan, of Logan the Jewellers, added: “We have yet to hear of a single business or resident who supports this idea, keen cyclists included. Even they like to get their takeaways home while they’re still hot. “We would also like to remind the council of the adverse effect the delays to the Hourstons and Arran Mall developments have already had on the businesses of Alloway Street. “These buildings have been left to rot, with the street in a disgusting state most days. Rubbish, filth and rats left to run wild by the council, driving customers away. “As is often the case, greenwashing is overriding common sense at South Ayrshire Council, and this is another thinly veiled attempt to polish their (already blinding) green sheen. “We can only assume the idea originated from the same “eco experts” who suggested the solar-powered talking bins. “Or perhaps it was the planners of the Holmston Road cycle lane? With the outstanding success of that venture, the council must be eager to repeat it. Why learn from past mistakes when you can waste taxpayer’s money by repeating them? “But as usual, the council have little idea of what local businesses want or need. Unfortunately it seems that no matter who is at the head of the council, the same lack of common sense prevails.” South Ayrshire Council has been contacted for comment.