REVAMP TO CYCLE ROUTE

A major programme of maintenance for Dundee's Green Circular, the premier cycle route, is to be undertaken by the city council writes Brian Allison, local government reporter, The Courier. Leisure and arts director Steve Grimmond said the capital cost of bringing the route up to acceptable standard would be £54,000. He said the circular had been the subject of many different standards with techniques of maintenance, with no continuity throughout its length or consideration of extra demands on well-used sections. An audit of requirements to bring it up to standard over its entire length has been carried out. Mr Grimmond said sections of the route will be resurfaced to improve access and reduce future maintenance needs. Some stretches of verges will be upgraded, as will barrier fences and road crossings. More signs to provide additional information and improve public access will be introduced. At present maintenance arrangements are spread among city council departments. Scottish Enterprise, the Executive and the Tay Road Bridge Joint Board. To ensure maintenance is carried out appropriately, the leisure and arts department will take responsibility for non-adopted lengths of the circular under one central budget. An annual maintenance programme is to be drawn up and the department will do the work where the circular lies within a park. Outwith parks, maintenance will be carried out by the council's direct labour organisation, Dundee Contract Services.