A CYCLE route through Dumbarton and the Vale has had a 'major upgrade' to improve access and include picnic benches.

The works to the six-mile path between Dalreoch and Balloch include the addition of benches, picnic benches, cycle stands and litter bins along the route, as well as a major upgrade to improve access at the A82 underpass.

The latest improvements follow a recent art project under the A82 Bypass and the addition of a bike maintenance station at Bonhill Bridge which provides a marker point on the NCN7.

Councillor David McBride, convener of Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development, said: “These improvements are a great example of successful community engagement and strong partnership between multiple agencies to improve facilities throughout West Dunbartonshire.

"The improvements will benefit both local users and visitors to the area, and I’m pleased that the route is now much more accessible for those using trailers or adapted bikes.”

West Dunbartonshire Council's Greenspace team worked in partnership with West Dunbartonshire Environment Trust to deliver the project, which was supported by the Sustrans Scottish Greenways Programme and Transport Scotland.

Councillor Lawrence O’Neill, vice convener of Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development, added: “It is great to see the upgrades to this stretch of the route just in time for the nicer weather coming in.

"The addition of picnic benches means West Dunbartonshire is a great place to have a pit stop, and the extra bins mean cycle path users can dispose of their litter easily.”