CONSTRUCTION on a long-awaited new seafront path is finally getting under way after six YEARS in a move hailed as life-changing by one campaigner.

Access supporters have welcomed the move as a key step forward in providing seafront access in Fairlie.

One woman says it will mean she can independently access the length of the shore for the first time in her life when it is completed.

Workers arrived on site on Monday morning in Bay Street as the council confirmed that construction on phase one was beginning at last.

The move to build the seafront path was backed by councillors as far back as 2014, but progress has been limited after several public consultations.

Access campaigner Zoe Maclean, 35, who has cerebral palsy, says the path will open up whole new horizons for her.

She said: "I had given up on it as I didn't think it was going to happen.

"Being able to have a seafront path the full length of Fairlie will be a big bonus and would mean I could do more independently."

Zoe, of Montgomerie Avenue, added: "It is going to make a massive difference and will help local businesses like the Village Inn, who have been very supportive in terms of providing disabled access.

"It also means I can access the church and Fairlie community garden more easily.

"This is going to be great for me."

Villager Frank Donnachie, 84, a local historian and author, has called for the whole village to get behind the project after some dissent.

He said: "There was criticism that the spring tide would come in during the winter months and render parts of the way unusable, but it should still happen to allow pedestrians another option than having to use the narrow pavements on the busy main road.

"I am delighted to see the works are at last going ahead.

"I am surprised some villagers objected to it - I think it is a good idea.

"People are looking forward to it - particularly those with prams and mobility scooters, as they can only go so far along the Main Road.

"It is only right that everybody can now enjoy the beauty of the rest of the shore.

"It will be multi purpose which means it will be good for wheelchairs, prams and bikes.

"People like myself can now go to the library or the Village Inn without having to walk along the narrow pavements with big lorries thundering past.

"There are a lot of young families in the village and we need the shore path as an alternative route.

"There will be lots of benefits."