CALLS are growing for improved walking and cycling routes along the Teifi Valley and other rural areas.

A major new £15.4m package of funding was recently announced by Welsh Government to create more space for people to travel under social distancing restrictions but is mainly concentrated on urban areas.

Councils will get investment for schemes that widen pavements and create more space for cyclists to embed those new habits for the long-term.

The £15.4m move is part of the Welsh Government’s ‘Transforming Towns’ approach by making it safer and easier for people to get around their local towns.

Now campaigners are arguing that some of that cash should make its way into rural areas such as the Teifi Valley.

Pentrecagal Village Committee wants residents to lobby their county councils to try to improve the situation and residents in north Carmarthenshire are being urged to fill in a survey being run by the county council.

A spokesperson said: “The Teifi Valley is poorly served for safe walking and cycling options.

“As the recent growth in cyclists during the lockdown has shown, many would be happy to cycle if the roads were safer. Carmarthenshire County Council would welcome your comments on their Active Travel Consultation which will be open for comment until September 1.

“The consultation is available online. The council is welcoming input from everyone who wants to make journeys on foot, by bike or via mobility aids. Comments will then be viewed alongside opinions from transport and planning experts to help plan the Carmarthenshire Active Travel Network.

“This network will be planned with people, not cars, as the priority, to form routes that are safe and accessible for all.

“This is an opportunity for the residents of the seemingly neglected northern part of Carmarthenshire to show that there would be much support for good access to safe facilities to enable leaving the car at home.”

The young Peckham family from Pentrecagal have already filled in the online consultation form and are telling their friends about it. They would love to be able to cycle into Newcastle Emlyn but are too frightened to attempt the road.

“Emlyn is only two miles away. We would love to be able to cycle to school, visit the library and do our shopping by bike in Newcastle Emlyn,” said dad Jon.

“But no one in their right mind would take their family on that road. Yet right next to the road there is the old railway track. It would make a great walking and cycle path”.

To add your comments go to https://cyclewalkcarms.engaged.space/ or email shicks@carmarthenshire.gov.uk or write to Room 9, Block 2, Parc Myrddin,Richmond Terrace,Carmarthen.SA31 1HQ

Ceredigion residents wishing better walking, cycling or mobility aid facilities should address their comments to the contact form available on; https://forms.ceredigion.gov.uk/ufs/ENQUIRY.eb?FORM_ID=112&ebd=0&ebz=2_1593118796807