Pupils from Alloway Primary School took part in a special "outdoor class" to see for themselves construction work which has been under way to create a link road from Doonholm Road to Murdoch's Lone, Alloway.

South Ayrshire Council Provost Winifred Sloan went to the construction site and met the children, who were accompanied by staff from the school, and John Turner from Barr Limited, the company who is creating the new road and pathway.

In order to comply with Health and Safety standards everyone visiting the site was given a fluorescent jacket and hardhat to wear. John Turner then gave everyone a talk on the importance of following safety guidelines when on a construction site.

After walking along part of the new roadway with the children Provost Sloan said:

"I think that this is a great way for children to learn about road construction, it gets them out of the classroom and gives them a chance to speak to those people who are actually building the road and accompanying path.

"John Turner from Barr Limited spent a lot of time explaining the whole process of how a road is constructed, and was able to answer any questions from the children, and they seemed to all enjoy speaking to him.

"The road is particularly important to the children as it should cut down the amount of traffic that goes by their school which is situated in Doonholm Road. It will also provide better safer routes for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.

The new road will join Doonholm Road to Murdoch's Lone, which will provide improved access from the A77 trunk road to various tourist attractions.

It will also provide suitable access to important leisure facilities further afield and its creation has been recognised as helping facilitate the return of The Open Championship and other major golfing events to Turnberry.

Provost Winifred Sloan is pictured at the new roadway with children from P3 at Alloway Primary School and the staff who accompanied them.

February 2006