West Dunbartonshire Council wants to hear feedback on the designs for the Connecting Dumbarton project, which focuses on strengthening the wheeling, walking and cycling links between the Dumbarton Central Rail Station and the town centre.

The consultation opened today for four weeks.

Work will initially focus on College Street providing a pedestrian and cycle route running between Dumbarton Central Station and Risk Street and St Mary’s Way to the rear of the Artizan Shopping Centre.

Further phases of the project will include improvements to the underpass linking Bankend Road and Station Road and enhancements to Station Road itself.

Along with increasing opportunities for active and sustainable travel, the project will create quality space which opens up a gateway welcoming to both residents and visitors.

It is hoped the enhanced safe route will be used by residents, school children and commuters, and could reduce cars using Station Road making it more attractive to pedestrians and cyclists.

Councillor Iain McLaren, convener of infrastructure, regeneration and economic development, said: “The aim of these proposals is to improve people’s impression of Dumbarton when they arrive at the station after a train journey, walk or cycle and make it easy for them to orientate themselves and identify the route to the places which they want to get to.

“I would urge all residents and visitors to the area to take part in this consultation and give their feedback on the designs.”

Councillor Marie McNair, vice convener of infrastructure, regeneration and economic development, added: “This project has its origins in charrettes and earlier consultations where the community identified the need for action to improve links between the train station and town centre, as well as to enhance the look of the area. It is extremely important to get their views on the designs before the project moves forward, so they can help us shape the work being done in their community.”

Engagement on the project to date has included a stakeholders workshop, a Town Centre Forum, one to one meetings with business and land users in the vicinity of the site as well as targeted emails and discussions with specific community groups and local organisations.

Residents can view plans and give their feedback at http://www.connectingdumbarton.com.