Funding secured for further active travel improvements in Powys

Powys County Council have secured further Welsh Government funding to extend and improve the active travel routes within the county.

Committed to improving facilities for residents wishing to make short journeys on foot or by bike, the council have been working with communities to find potential active travel routes across Powys. Through engagement exercises and consultations, active travel routes which could either be improved or introduced have been identified and added to the councils Active Travel Network Maps (ATNM).

The latest Welsh Government Active Travel funding will support continued work on the following two Newtown schemes:

• Continuing development of active travel provision in Treowen, Newtown.In 2021/22 an active travel route was established to improve walking and cycling access between Dolfor Road and Treowen Primary School. Funding has now been awarded to extend this route by constructing a path from Brimmon Lane, crossing the road after Colwyn and continuing down the hill to Kerry Road. This will not only significantly enhance active travel provision and access for residents, it will also expand the local active travel network.
• Following a successful planning application, the funding for the long-awaited Newtown Bridge has been secured. This cycle and pedestrian bridge will span the River Severn and connect the riverside path and Pool Road in Newtown, creating a safe active travel link between the communities, businesses and amenities on each side of the river.

The council has also been awarded Safe Routes in Communities funding to improve the walking and cycling route to Llanelwedd Primary School from Builth Wells.

Following discussions with the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agency and landowners, the scheme will widen the path along the road from Llanelwedd Primary School, include a safe crossing point across the highway and improve the path within field behind Jewsons yard. With this active travel provision, the route between Llanelwedd and Builth Wells will be safer for all users, particularly for families and pupils going to and from school.

“The active travel routes throughout the county are already making a real difference to our communities.” Explains Cllr Jackie Charlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys.

“By ensuring we have the facilities in place we are endeavouring to make it possible for everyone in Powys to make short journeys such as our commute to work, school or local shops, by physically active means, like walking or cycling.

“The Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013 aims to make Wales a walking and cycling nation and we are really pleased to have secured this latest instalment of Welsh Government funding, allowing us to begin work on the next set of active travel projects that will improve road, pedestrian and cyclist safety.”