New walking routes are set to be created, which will link the communities of Cwmaman, Aberaman and Abercwmboi thanks to additional funding (£36k) being secured as a result of the Aberaman Colliery Reclamation Project.
The funding secured is a result of the Welsh Assembly Government’s Derelict Land Grant, Countryside Council for Wales and Rhondda Cynon Taf Council.
The aggregate concrete debris recovered from the former colliery site will now be crushed and recycled to pave 2 new walking trails which will result in a 1.7km pathway being created.
A key element of the Council’s Local Development Plan is the construction of the Cynon Trail and links to the surrounding communities. The link from the Gas road industrial estate Aberaman to Forge Row was completed in 2009 and the new lower route extension of this to the footbridge will increase the proportion of the Aman valley population with off road access to the Cynon Trail.
The new upper route, following the disused line from North View Terrace to Llanwonno road, forms part of the proposed 24 mile Aberdare Circular walk. This route has been identified to showcase the countryside around Aberdare and link existing countryside attractions such as Dare Valley Country Park, Fedw Hir and the Sculpture Park and Environment and Heritage Centre in Cwmaman.
The communities of Cwmaman and Abercwmboi have both been actively involved in developing the proposals for improving countryside access in the Aberaman area. Both of the new proposed routes will provide accessible connections between the surrounding villages as well as potential for local circular walks using the existing paths as connections.
Councillor Paul Cannon, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Safer Communities said: “The Aberaman Colliery Reclamation Scheme is of massive importance to residents in this area of the Cynon Valley and it is great to think that the debris from the site can be recycled to further benefit the local community. I’m sure the new walking routes will make a great difference to residents. Work is currently continuing on the colliery site, which will bring long-term benefits to the local community.
