Work to resume on woodlands footpath

Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford welcomed a commitment from Stirling Council to carry out reinstatement works to a footpath through a wooded area off Limecraig Avenue, Aberfoyle.

At recent surgeries held in the area, Mr Crawford was approached by a number of constituents who had concerns about the state of the area following flood defence work.

Mr Crawford contacted Stirling Council calling for the state of disrepair to be addressed.

Road and land services manager David Crighton said drainage work was carried out within the area in October last year as part of the back drainage work required for the Aberfoyle flood alleviation scheme.

The work included installation of 253 metres of large diameter pipe along Trossachs road and Limecraig Avenue.

A smaller pie was also installed in a clearance in the woodland to allow discharge into the Allt a’ Mhangan stream.

The area would have been tidied when the pipes were connected but the work stalled due to budgetary constraints.

Mr Crighton added: “It is now intended to recommence work at this location in November at which point a pipe of suitable size and gradient will be installed, together with a backdrop manhole.

“In the meantime, we will arrange for the reinstatement works to be undertaken within the woodland by removing large stones and over seeding the area.”

Mr Bruce Crawford said: “Having seen the wooded area myself, I can understand fully the disappointment felt by local residents at the state it has been left in and I am delighted that Stirling Council have agreed to address this.

“There is a lot of work left to be done in order to tackle the issue of flooding in the area.

“This work is of paramount importance to people and businesses but must be carried out in a respectful way that restores the surrounding environment to its original state.”