Drivers have been urged not to try to use a cycle and walking path as a shortcut during a road closure in the south of Scotland.

The A702 at Penpont is shut for roadworks with an official alternative route signposted in the area.

Kier, Penpont and Tynron Development Trust (KPTDT) said it understood it was a "major headache" and added to travel times but said it was aware of motorists trying to use the path to bypass the diversion.

It said it was designed for walking, cycling, mobility scooters, wheelchairs and prams and using it as a detour was putting vulnerable pedestrians, children and cyclists at "serious risk".

The work is being carried out for essential road reconstruction and drainage improvements.

An official diversion has been put in place via the B729 and A76.

However, the KPTDT said it had been made aware of people trying to use the pathway to avoid taking that route.

"Please remember - the active travel path is not a road," it said.

"All motorised vehicles are strictly prohibited.

"The only exceptions are emergency services on duty and authorised maintenance vehicles."

It added that using the path put its users at risk.

"It is physically separated from the main road precisely to keep people safe," it said.

"Please follow the signed diversion routes, drive safely, and let's keep our community paths safe for everyone.

"Thank you for your patience and co-operation."

KPTDT development officer Michelle Johnston said it wanted to remind all road users that the path was "strictly reserved" for walkers, cyclists and wheelers.

"Driving any unauthorised motorised vehicle along the path is strictly prohibited by law," she said.

"While we recognise this involves only a small minority of drivers seeking shortcuts during the current roadworks, this restriction is essential to ensure the safety of walkers, cyclists, families, and local wildlife."

She said KPTDT was "incredibly grateful" to local residents who had challenged drivers trying to use the path and also civil engineers John McGeady Ltd for putting additional safety precautions in place.

"We thank the community for working together to keep this a safe, welcoming space for everyone," she added.

The £2.3m path has been built in sections to create a traffic-free, 2.5-mile (4km) path connecting Penpont and Thornhill.

The aim is to enable residents to safely walk, wheel and cycle between the two villages.