The Big Pit
Pedestrian and cycle routes in Blaenavon have received a £150,000 infrastructure boost after a bid for transport improvement cash was successful.
Torfaen Council as part of the South East Wales Transport Alliance (SEWTA) has been awarded the cash by the Welsh Assembly to better link tourist attractions to the town centre with improved signs and infrastructure for walkers and cyclists on routes to Big Pit, the Ironworks and World Heritage Centre.
Councillor John Cunningham, interim-Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “This is fantastic news. The funding will provide a welcome boost for residents, cyclists, walkers and tourists in the Blaenavon area.
“The money will encourage healthy living and better link the tourist attractions in the town.”
Plans for Blaenavon were included in SEWTA’s five-year plan and Torfaen Council is already considering further transport improvements in north Torfaen.
Welsh Assembly funding of £200,000 will pay for a study by AECOM (formerly Faber Maunsell), on ways of improving transport facilities. This work will assess the full range of potential transport improvements between Pontypool and Talywain, including increasing opportunities to access employment within and beyond the borough and help the growth of the Blaenavon World Heritage Site as a tourist destination.
