Upgrading the Mill Lade track and improving or creating a network of other paths linking to it in order to provide local opportunities for recreation, health and educational benefits in a safe and quality greenspace environment.

Increasing the landscape and wildlife value of the Mill Lade through additional tree and shrub planting at appropriate locations to provide further important habitats for wildlife, as well as dredging sections of the Lade itself to provide openwater habitats.

Encouraging the community to take on a more proactive role in the care of the Lade through setting up a community management group, developing promotional and educational materials and hosting events.

Developing alternative routes in conjunction with Braveheart for local Health Walk activity.

This is an ambitious vision and, as such, the LASER Group aims to work with Falkirk Council, the Central Scotland Forest Trust as well as the wider community to make the vision come true. As it will be difficult to achieve all the plans in one go, work is likely to be broken down into chunks, with funding being sought for each part.

As an initial phase of work, it is proposed that a new bridge be installed across the Lade and 200 metres of new footpath laid to join it with South View. This will help create opportunities for short circular walking routes as well as helping to connect with the footpath network to the north of Larbert. Work will begin on this new link in late 2007/early 2008.

Later phases of work will include upgrading the footpath along the length of the Lade itself as well as other habitat management work to help safeguard this attractive area of greenspace. There are also aspirations for developing a longer circular walk from Carronvale Road, over the ‘Swing Bridge’ and following the southern bank of the River Carron heading east to join Stenhouse Road by the old Carron Works. We will attempt to keep the web page updated with news on progress.