AYR could be getting it's very own dose of Amsterdam fever as a new cycle hub is expected to be installed at Ayr Train Station.

The cycle hub will be operated by Dutch company Abelio, who will be operating Scot Rail for the next five years and have already been doing so for the past two.

Cllr Bill Grant thinks this is a fantastic idea which will benefit the community in many ways.

Speaking to the Ayr Advertiser Series he said: "They wanted to bring some new ideas about and set up the cycle hub at the train station. It will cost £3.40 a day to hire the bikes.

"It will establish a partnership with Sustrans as well as South Ayrshire Council. This is one of 10 units across the country and I think one in Kilmarnock has already been established.

"The hub, which will be manually operated, has ready to be delivered. An agreement has been reached about who will provide the bikes for it which means the council has stepped in to provide the bikes to allow the project to proceed.

"It won't be completely successful straight away but it will grow as it is part if the Safer Routes for Scotland. I think it will be in place this side of Christmas."

The hired bikes will be able to cycle along the National Cycle Route 7, from Troon, the Ayr Esplanade, Greenan and Coylton. It is hoped it will expand to Annbank and Mossblown. 

Cll Grant continued: "It is going to expand over the next 10 to 15 years. It will be a good form of exercise, healthy living and a low carbon emission."

It is hoped 10 bikes will be available to hire initially which will allow the craze to grow over the summer months.