16/12/2022
An Update on the Llynfi Valley Route.
Very slowly, a small group of us – local residents and campaigners - have been continuing to push the case for developing an Active Travel Route along the length of the Llynfi valley from Maesteg to Tondu, which will provide a safe route for cyclists and walkers.
Progress has been glacially slow, but we do not give up easily! We’re in this for the long haul, but we still need your support. The more voices we have to support this, the more likely we are to get progress quicker.
To create a new Active Travel route, a lot of work needs to be done by the local authority and consultants to identify possible route options, engage with the public, do costings, identify sources of possible funds (it is expensive) and so on. This is called the Weltag process.
The good news is that this has been underway for some time. The first stage of the Weltag process is now completed. The second stage is under way.
Summary of the Weltag 1 stage – already completed.
This explored the Strategic Outline Case (SOC) for developing an active travel route between Maesteg and Tondu, specifically connecting the settlements of Maesteg, Llangynwyd, and Tondu, along the Llynfi Valley.
The Strategic Case set out the case for improving active travel infrastructure between Maesteg, Llangynwyd, and Tondu, based on a review of existing conditions, identification of issues and constraints and opportunities identified from the Stakeholders’ Workshops and the Bridgend County Borough Council (BCBC) Active Travel consultation. Five SMART objectives were developed, as follows:
1. Create an active travel route between Maesteg Comprehensive School and Tondu, connecting Llangynwyd and NCN route 4 and 885.
2. Create a high-quality, low maintenance active travel route using durable low carbon footprint materials, with a minimal impact on ecology, or landscape.
3. Improve active travel safety and personal security of all road users.
4. Increase access via an integrated network of multi-modal transport to key trip attractors, including new residential developments, schools, and employment sites.
5. Promote healthy lifestyles, improve air quality and decarbonise transport by encouraging a modal shift towards inclusive active travel accessible to all.
Summary of the Weltag 2 stage – work in progress.
Consultants have been commissioned by Bridgend council to carry out the Weltag 2 study and progress so far is as below:
1. An ecological survey has been carried out and result are currently being analysed. A mini report will form part of the appendix to the WelTAG report
2. Other aspects of the Study are in progress
3. A stakeholder engagement meeting will be held in the new year, most likely a date before mid-February. All stakeholders will be notified of date well in advance.
4. Just for information, this study is being funded partly by active travel grant (about 1/3rd ), and S106 contribution (2/3rd) from the paper mill development.
HOW YOU CAN HELP RIGHT NOW!
Add your name to our campaign! Your voice will add to the momentum to get this Active Travel route into the council’s plans and funding sooner than later. We really need lots of people to add their support. So as well as yourself, get your friends and family to add their names too! We will also keep you informed of any further developments, including the stakeholder and public engagement in Spring 2023.
Remember, low support from the public means less likelihood of this succeeding. Big support means it helps the local council make the case for funding to Welsh Government and others. So we need hundreds of people to show their support. Do it now, join our campaign, and let’s get this Llynfi Active Travel Route off the drawing board and make it happen for real.
Add your name to our campaign by clicking on the link below. or just send us a DM with your name, address and email. Thank you!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfyZbSBcCDWXKBK_HjfS8WZASFM1sPfpHdy58whceJANqinWA/viewform?usp=pp_url
