There have been fresh appeals to build a cycle path along a busy route.

The lack of a safe passage for cyclists between Cowstead Corner roundabout and Eastchurch, Warden Bay and Leysdown was raised at a Swale council meeting last week.

In a question submitted by Cllr Andy Booth (Con) to the cabinet member for regeneration, Cllr Mike Cosgrove (Con), he said hundreds of cyclists, “literally take their life in their own hands” while travelling along Lower Road.

He said: “Currently there is no provision for a cycle path or separate lane along this route – making it treacherous and potentially fatal.

“There is growing concern from not only cyclists but also other road users that a catastrophe is imminent as there has been a spate of minor accidents and collisions already.”

In his response, Cllr Cosgrove said a feasibility study commissioned by Sheppey Tourism Alliance had looked at creating a link between Leysdown and Eastchurch and a previously unsuccessful bid to the government’s local transport package for 2016/17 will be put forward again this year.

He said cycling charity Sustrans was in discussions with Sheppey landowners and Kent Highways to find a suitable path.

Cllr Booth said he was concerned the majority of the route between Cowstead Corner and the Rowetts Way roundabout in Eastchurch had not been addressed and it was only going to become more dangerous as traffic increases due to new homes being built.

He called on the council to insist an up-to-date report is carried out, and said a cycle lane would be beneficial to the health and wellbeing of cyclists as well as attracting more tourists and visitors to the east end of the Island.

The Lower Road Campaign Group is also lobbying for safer cycling provision on the Island.

At a Swale Joint Transportation Board meeting in March, chairman Helen Knell put forward an alternative suggestion of resurfacing Donkey Hill at the top of Thorn Hill Road, Warden Bay, to establish a link for people travelling on bicycles.