Campaigners have accused planners of making a U-turn on laying the last half mile of a cycle path bypassing a dangerous main road.

Residents, landowners and those backing the Campaign for the Drem-Gullane Path, have been unable to agree an off-road route between the two communities and the cycleway has remained unfinished for more than 10 years.

Campaigners have accused East Lothian Council of failing to carry through a pledge to provide a safe path after starting construction at one stage before downing tools and mothballing the project.

The dispute is said to be one of the longest-running modern right of way battles in Scotland.

The Herald: Campaigners traverse existing off-road route. Picture by Gordon TerrisCampaigners traverse existing off-road route. Picture by Gordon Terris

Above: Campaigners traverse existing off-road route. Picture by Gordon Terris

The council said it remains poised to complete the project but it is the lack of consensus in the community over the route through farmlands that has halted progress.

It also said an existing path across fields is walkable and that other routes are available.

Campaigners said the dispute is “the outstanding blot on the landscape from the Land Reform Act” adding it is “astonishing that it is still going on now and that it’s all over a tiny final section – less than a mile, or 300 metres by the most direct link”.

One landowner, who declined to comment, has offered an alternative route – one of a number suggested - across his fields but it was claimed to have been too expensive an option.

Iain Monk, campaign spokesman, said the council had already spent £5,000 on preparatory work and earmarked around £30,000 for the path bypassing the route from Gullane to Drem railway station.

He said the local authority has a duty to steer such disputed proposals through.

He said: “There is a real feeling of solidarity and a determination from the community to keep pushing to deliver a safe, off road path linking Drem and Gullane, free from the busy and dangerous main road.

“A core path for the remaining 1.2km section in dispute at Drem is the final link needed to make this happen.

“East Lothian Council believes it has no legal powers to enforce the path, but despite FOI requests, wishes to keep the basis of its legal advice undisclosed
“We do not intend to let this matter rest.”

He added: “It is simply unacceptable for councillors to sit back now and wash their hands of it, given the campaign’s overwhelming call for action.”

A spokeswoman for East Lothian Council said: “We have worked to establish an extensive network of core paths across East Lothian which includes one linking Gullane and Drem.

“The council has held numerous discussions with landowners, local householders, East Lothian Local Access Forum and a range of community groups and individuals including the Gullane – Drem campaign group over the past eight years to secure this core path but unfortunately consensus between the various stakeholders has not been reached.

“Options including alternative routes have also been rejected.

“The council remains committed to supporting this proposed route but until consensus can be reached this route cannot be secured.”

In a separate dispute, some residents and shopkeepers are to protest against a proposed cycle track from Roseburn to Haymarket in Edinburgh tonight at the city’ council’s consultation event at Roseburn Primary School.

It is claimed the cycle path will mean parking restrictions that would hit trade.