Plans to build shared use path in Wye Valley move a step closer

A-B Connecting Communities, set up to resurrect the project more than five years after it was put on hold, is launching a new bid to build a path through the Wye Valley from Chepstow to Tintern, known as the Wander Path project.

Jennifer Goslin, co-ordinator at A-B Connecting Communities, said recent discussions with MCC proved successful.

"There was no discussion about whether it is going to happen, it was about how it is going to happen," she said.

"The first stage of the plan is to upgrade the Wales Coastal Path from the Severn Bridge to the National Shipyard Site.

"We discussed forming a strategic plan to assist with a lottery funding application."

The shared use path for cyclists, walkers, runners and others would link to the Severn Bridge via the Wales Coastal Path and include a new footbridge across the River Wye.

Campaigners say the new 'Wander Wye Route' would benefit millions of people in the long term and raise Chepstow's status to a "true gateway to Wales."

It is also intended to help mitigate the high levels of air pollution in Chepstow, while creating business opportunities.

The proposal closely mirrors plans which were submitted by sustainable transport charity Sustrans in 2010 and is broken down into four phases, costing several million pounds.

The path includes a new footbridge and follows the disused 19th century Wye Valley railway line.

A petition in support of the cycle path has gathered 5,600 signatures.

Everybody who has signed the petition receives updates on the plans.

Funding totalling £20,500 has also now been secured by the group.

More cash is still needed to pay for the costs of the potential lottery funding bid.

Mark Hand, head of planning at Monmouthshire County Council, said: "We’ve held a positive meeting with Jennifer Goslin featuring staff from our planning, tourism, leisure and culture, countryside and active travel teams."

View the petition by visiting bit.ly/2BMZKgd.