Costing £90,000, the new facility was built by North Lanarkshire Council as part of its Local Development Programme.

The boardwalk links to the existing path, allowing visitors to avoid busy Westfield Road as they walk around the loch.

Moreover, the green credentials of the new amenity are entirely intact - no chemicals were used in its construction which could poison plant life in the loch. And it requires no maintenance, won't become slippery when wet and has a 40 year lifespan!

Nor could environmentalists complain about the materials used in its construction.

For the boardwalk is made entirely from waste recycled plastic including bottles, carrier bags and food packaging.

Nor will there be long to wait for the completion of the new path as this will be finished later in the year by Walker Homes as part of the planning conditions of their nearby development.

Martin Dickson, local regeneration manager, said: "The boardwalk is an excellent addition to the facilities here at Broadwood Loch and I am sure that the many visitors who come here will enjoy being able to stroll around the loch.

"It is a beautiful location and the boardwalk brings visitors closer to the loch and the wildlife. I would like to thank everyone involved in creating the boardwalk, particularly Westfield Community Council and Cumbernauld Community Forum, for their support throughout the project."

Local councillor Barry McCulloch has been among those involved with the campaign to beef up the existing facilities at the loch.

He said: "This is to be warmly welcomed and is good news for the walkers and cyclists who visit the loch.

"I too would like to thank everyone involved in this latest development and particularly the Westfield Community Council members for their support. I look forward to the completion of the footpath network around the loch."