New active travel schemes to be rolled out in Pembrokeshire

A new walking and cycling route to Saundersfoot railway station is among £1.6m worth of new active travel schemes announced for Pembrokeshire.

Funded by Welsh Government following a successful application by Pembrokeshire County Council, the new schemes will make it easier for people to use active travel in their day-to-day lives.

Active travel is walking and cycling (including the use of mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs) for everyday journeys, such as going to work or the shops, or to access services.

“We’re delighted that Welsh Government is once again investing in Pembrokeshire,” said Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services.

“The active travel schemes put forward by the Council will all have environmental, economic and health benefits.”

The £500,000 ‘Active Travel core allocation’ aims to improve connections within and between communities. It will go towards:

·       feasibility and design works on new routes and improvements to existing routes in St Dogmaels, Fishguard, Haverfordwest, Pembroke Dock, Saundersfoot, Tenby, and Penally.

·       the development of the disused Cardi Bach railway as a cycle and walking route between Whitland and Cardigan, linking settlements in North East Pembrokeshire.

In addition to the core travel allocation, £938,553 has been received for schemes in Saundersfoot. A key project is the development of a new shared used path to Saundersfoot railway station.

Saundersfoot South County Councillor Chris Williams said it was fantastic news for the local community.

“The active travel link is so important for the community to have safe access to all areas of the village,” he said. “It supports individuals who may want to visit friends and families and is really positive for people’s wellbeing and ensuring that all parts of the village are accessible.”

Cllr Williams added that linking up the railway station with the village was a major improvement.

“For too long this has been a difficult route for visitors navigating narrow windy roads. It’s long overdue for Saundersfoot but I certainly welcome the investment which will make a considerable difference when visiting the area. I hope in the future there will be continued investment to address other areas of the village to form the active travel link.”

Cllr Alec Cormack, County Councillor for Saundersfoot North, said: “The proposed traffic calming measures, including narrowing the carriageway of the Fan Road junction with The Ridgeway/Valley Road in Saundersfoot are welcome safety improvements at this junction.”

Other schemes receiving active travel funding from Welsh Government include:

·       £130,000 to develop better connections between Milford Haven and Johnston with facilities for walking and cycling

·       £50,000 to develop a scheme in Tenby for a route between The Croft and The Green

Cllr Rhys Sinnett said: “It’s great to see so many active travel routes being developed in the County. Local authority staff will now be able to start to bring these routes to fruition and the award granted is a testament to their hard work.”

·       For more information on active travel routes, schemes and areas in Pembrokeshire, please view the Council’s website.

Pictured above at the construction of the new shared use path between Saunderfoot village and the railway station are (left to right): Chris Frearson, foreman for contractors Evan Pritchard Contractors Ltd, Cllr Alec Cormack, Cllr Rhys Sinnett, John and Caroline Davies from Bonville Court Country Park who have supported the project by the dedication of land for the construction of the path, and Cllr Chris Williams.