A WALK is to be held on the abandoned old railway track outside Newcastle Emlyn to highlight the growing call 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.

Campaigners are calling for the old railway line to be ‘recycled’ to allow for traffic-free access and to highlight their case, a 4km walk is being organised along part of the line on Sunday, August 23.

Those interested should meet at Cawdor car park, Newcastle Emlyn, at 10.15am for a 10.30am start. Bring a drink and snack and good footwear. Wear hi vis or brightly coloured clothing.

The idea to ‘join up’ the Teifi Valley – ‘Trac Teifi’ - along the old railway line is gaining support, with Cardigan town mayor and Ceredigion county councillor Clive Davies keen on the plan.

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.

“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 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.

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