Work has started on an improved traffic-free walking and cycling path in the Llangollen area, Denbighshire County Council has announced.
Phase One of the Llangollen Canal Walking and Cycling Path project, which is being developed by the council in partnership with British Waterways TAITH and Sustrans, involves the re-surfacing of approximately 3km of the canal towpath between Llangollen and Trevor Uchaf.
Funding for the project has come from the Welsh Assembly Government as a key project in the Taith North Wales Regional Transport Plan.
This traffic free route will provide increased accessibility for local residents and will improve opportunities for cycling and walking along this important section of the canal. The route will be a vital first stage in Denbighshire’s long term plan to improve opportunities for walking and cycling in the area and deliver sustainable accessibility.
Future phases of the project are planned to extend the path all the way to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct Canal World Heritage Site.
Councillor Sharon Frobisher, Cabinet Lead Member for Environment, said: “This is a prime example of a number of agencies working together for the benefit of local communities. This area is a haven for visitors and residents looking to enjoy the great outdoors while taking in some fantastic scenery. We look forward to seeing the project develop – it will be a great asset to the area.”
Councillor Tony Sharps, Chair of TAITH welcomed the projects: ‘’This is a major new project in the Dee Valley that adds to the growing network of walking and cycling projects across North Wales. TAITH is committed to supporting the development of strategic routes such as this which do so much to benefit tourism and provide safe routes for communities to access work and leisure opportunities.
Glyn Evans, Sustrans’ Area Manager in North Wales, said: ‘The new section will remove the problem of negotiating traffic-filled roads for those on a bike or on foot. It will also be a great help to wheelchair users and families with pushchairs, who may otherwise find it difficult to cross the busy local roads.’
Jason Leach, Senior Regeneration Manager for British Waterways said: “We look forward to enhancing the visitor experience within the World Heritage site for both local users and visitors.”
