New traffic-free route in Pembrey to boost local economy

An important new walking and cycling route linking the villages of Pembrey and Kidwelly with Pembrey Country Park, Burry Port and the Millennium Coastal Path will be officially opened this Friday (5th August). The new route will provide enhanced, traffic-free access to popular tourism destinations along the Carmarthenshire coast and also link to two existing walking and cycling routes that are already a hit with tourists and local users.

The path will enhance the experience of visitors and increase the numbers using local services and facilities, rather than bypassing them.  It has been estimated that the route will attract an additional 9,250 tourist trips each year and increased annual spending of up to £287,000 in the town. It will also encourage people to travel actively, improve connectivity and enhance the quality of life of the community and visitors.

The £300,000 project has been delivered by Sustrans Cymru, Carmarthenshire County Council and the Coastal Communities Fund. The new route is a 1.6km path along a disused railway line that runs through the heart of Pembrey. It will provide access to the popular tourist attractions Pembrey Country Park and to the Millennium Coastal Path. The project has also upgraded and installed new signage along the 10km route between Burry Port and Kidwelly.

The original route consisted of a narrow, worn and muddy track with overgrown vegetation. The new path has been constructed along a disused railway line and includes safe road crossings. Users will benefit from an improved surface making it accessible all year round. It also provides an alternative alignment for the Celtic Trail, part of the National Cycle Network, avoiding sections in Pembrey Forest which have been severely affected by flooding in recent years.

A bicycle ride will be held to celebrate the opening of the new path. Invitees to the event include the local MP, AM, Councillors, and representatives of local businesses.

Jane Lorimer, National Director at Sustrans Cymru said:

‘I am delighted that Sustrans in partnership with Carmarthenshire County Council has been able to provide this new route, thanks to funding from the Coastal Communities Fund (CCF).  We know where routes have been built in coastal areas in Wales they have resulted in people walking and cycling for more of their everyday journeys, helping them to lead healthier lifestyles, save money and enjoy the beautiful scenery around us.  This new route offers great potential to boost tourism and have an impact on how local people choose to get about every day.’

Executive Board Member for the Environment Cllr Hazel Evans said: “The new path will link up the communities of Burry Port, Pembrey and Kidwelly to the very popular coastal path creating a safe, traffic-free route for people to use for commuting and for pleasure.”

Council Leader Emlyn Dole said: “Carmarthenshire is set to become the cycling capital of Wales; the county already has a reputation for being a great place for mountain biking and future plans include a new velodrome in Carmarthen and a £5million expansion to the Tywi Valley cycleway.

“We welcome this latest investment in Pembrey which will complete the route that links Burry Port Harbour, the MCP, and Pembrey Country Park with Kidwelly and the Gwendraeth Valley cycle route.

“As well as being a healthy and environmentally friendly way of getting around, cycling is a growing sport and a major contribution to Carmarthenshire’s thriving tourism industry.”