PEOPLE power has won over pedal power last week.

The campaign began just about two months ago as drivers and local residents were outraged at the decision by Ayrshire Roads Alliance to erect the new blue cycle lane over the old one that existed there.

John McGuire, Chair of the Forehill, Holmston and Masonhill Community Council spoke his satisfaction at the decision by South Ayrshire Council.

He said: "I think common sense prevailed. It was incredibly satisfying and interesting to see political differences put aside for the best interests in the community.

"Our original thought was the road to be put back to its previous condition however, we know there are some issues. End of the day, we just want to be consulted unlike last time."

John continued to say how he happy he was with the community reaction.

He commented: "I need to admit, I don't do Facebook or Twitter and I know there has been praise for the social media aspect of the campaign. But really, I felt the old fashioned techniques like putting letters through doors worked more."

The reaction when the Ayr Advertiser Series broke the news online that the cycle lane would be ripped up was overwhelming. 

One Facebook user said: "The level and sheer scale of buffoonery involved in the project is staggering. What a disgusting waste of money. Heads should roll."

Another user said: "Psychopath more like who makes these decisions?"

Ayrshire Roads Alliance released a statement following the decision by South Ayrshire Council.

It said: "East Ayrshire Council has today (Thursday, October 6) expressed surprise with a decision taken by South Ayrshire Council to remove a recently installed cycle lane on the A70 at Holmston Road, Ayr.

"The cycle lane was built by the Ayrshire Roads Alliance – a partnership body set up by East and South Ayrshire Councils in April 2014 – to deliver local road services and policies, agreed independently by each Local Authority.

"The cycle lane forms part of South Ayrshire Council’s longstanding commitment –which pre-dates the formation of ARA – to create a continuous cycling corridor along the A70, linking Ayr town centre to Coylton, connecting local communities and schools.

"The project was inherited by ARA who continued implementing the well-documented South Ayrshire Council policy, with updates on funding and progress made known to South Ayrshire Council, with no objections, concerns, or issues being raised at any stage of progress, up and until work actually began.

"The cycle lane has been built to appropriate standards, with all costs met by external funders. An independent road safety audit found no major concerns on the road as a result of the works and a significant number of cyclists have indicated their support for the lane.

"It is, of course, a matter for South Ayrshire Council, as the local Roads Authority, to determine its own roads policy and ARA will carry out any works as instructed.

"However, East Ayrshire Council is clearly of the view that the costs of the proposed re-instatement of the original cycle lane arrangement will require to be met by South Ayrshire Council, as well as the costs of the initial works, which it is no longer anticipated will be met by the various external funders as was originally intended.