AFTER years of campaigning, work on the Maybole Bypass could begin next April.

At a meeting held at the Carrick Buildings on Friday, June 9 MSP Brian Whittle told activists that he had received a letter from Transport Minister Humza Yousaf.

It stated that work will commence in 2018 and the procurement process, purchasing of land, has already began. John Campbell, who has been campaigning for the Bypass for more than 30 years, is delighted with the progress. 

He said: "We have now got the backing of Stena Line and P&O Ferries. They have been helping us in a variety of different ways. We've got full backing from the National Farmer's Union and Glennapp Castle.

"There are many individuals and business from Ayr to Port Patrick supporting us. We have spoken to the Forehill, Holmston and Masonhill Community Council and every single community council in Ayr is backing us.

"Everything is positive and we are moving forward."

There will be another meeting at the end of next month to discuss the duelling of the A77 to Cairnryan but the exact date and location has yet to be confirmed.

John continued: "We are just volunteers trying to find the time to do something about the issue. We are still waiting to hear back to secure a date and a place. It might be in Cairnryan so Transport Ministers can see what the problem is.

"We created 1000 postcards to send to the Transport Minister to tell him what the problem is. We have sent 800 of those and we think we have got our message across."

The online petition to send to the Scottish Government can be signed until June 19 before it is taking to the Scottish Parliament and scrutinised by the petitions committee. Humza Yousaf will also have to be present.

John added: "We just want our fair share and to bring jobs back into the area. We believe that a safer communities create jobs. It will also be beneficial for ambulances trying to get to Ayr hospital from Girvan without traffic slowing them down.

"At the moment, it is just a dangerous road."

To sign the petition visit http://www.parliament.scot/GettingInvolved/Petitions/a77upgrade.