Blaenau Gwent Council has welcomed the announcement of over half a million pounds in funding from the Welsh Government to improve Active Travel routes.
Active Travel is walking, running or cycling on everyday journeys such as to work, school or to the shops. This week it was announced that more than £1.2million is being handed out to schemes across Gwent as part of a £14.5million boost from the Welsh Government.
In Blaenau Gwent a shared use active travel road from Garnlydan to Brynmawr will receive £295,000 and another leading from Ebbw Vale Hospital will get £185,000, with £55,000 available for associated works. The routes will be completely resurfaced and signage improved to help encourage greater use of the trails by residents.
As part of the Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013, local authorities are required to map their existing routes and show where improvements can be made and new routes added as part of its Integrated Network Map (INM). Blaenau Gwent consulted with local people over this through an online survey and several roadshows, giving them the opportunity to help shape the area’s future active travel provision. This feedback was used to develop the funding bid.
Richard Crook, the Council’s Corporate Director for Regeneration & Community Services, said:
“We’re delighted at the success of our bid to improve Active Travel Routes in Blaenau Gwent and can’t wait to get started on the work! As a Council we are passionate about working with our partners to improve the health and wellbeing of our residents and look after the environment and this funding gives us a fantastic opportunity to carry on with this important work. Hopefully we will be seeing more people ditch the car in the future and walk or cycle where they need to be.”
