NORTH Ayrshire Council have reassured locals in the Garnock Valley that everyone in their power is being done to ensure safe transport links between towns in the area and the new Garnock Community Campus. 

In a question at last week's meeting of the full council, Labour Councill John Bell asked a question on the progress of ensuring that adequate bus services are in place between Kilbirnie and Beith and the new campus. 

Cllr Bell, who serves the towns of Kilbirnie and Beith, noted that it was six months until the new campus is due to open and Cllr Tony Gurney, the Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Housing, said: ""There are a number of bus companies who operate services along the B777.

Officers continue to engage with bus operators within the area to pursue revisions to the stopping pattern and frequency of services to more closely align with the proposed school campus timetable. 

"Parents have been consulted regarding the new timetable and this is expected to be finalised imminently. One company (Stagecoach) has, to date, responded positively indicating they will engage further once the school campus timetable is confirmed. Discussions continue with other operators pending the confirmation of the timetable. Stagecoach have also confirmed that they are keen to visit the schools to promote the various travel passes/multi-rider tickets available; this will take place closer to the opening of the facility.

"Officers are also engaging with Scotrail and have met with them on-site to review the potential for users to access the campus by rail. They are positive about the scheme and are keen to promote rail travel to the new campus to the wider community."

Cllr Bell said that he welcomed the meetings but asked if it was possible to 'beef up' the route which serves the school, specifically the X32 service. 

Cllr Gurney said that there were several matters to take into account and that there were multiple measures being implemented including cycle paths, changes to speed limits as well as students behaviour when walking and cycling to school. He added that the Council continued to take its responsibilities seriously and would do its best for all the pupils at the new campus.