Growing calls for safe off-road access across the Teifi Valley

On Sunday morning, around 170 people turned out at Newcastle Emlyn for a four kilometre walk in support of the Trac Teifi campaign, which is looking to ‘join up’ the Teifi Valley with investment in safe, off-road cycling and walking routes

Organisers were delighted at the turn out which was supported by all sectors of the community. People were present from not only Newcastle Emlyn, but also most of the surrounding villages, Llandysul and even Cardigan where there are similar hopes for the old railway line there.

The walkers heard at the start that Carmarthenshire County Council has recently confirmed their intention to look at a feasibility study and are waiting for confirmation of a site visit.

"We are not over the line yet though and intend to keep up the pressure," said Anna Thompson, of Pentrecagal.

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.

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

One of the reasons organisers feel this area has been so neglected in this respect is that the community is divided by the River Teifi, the county boundary.

The project will ultimately need Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion to work together to achieve good access for both communities.

"A great place to start would be the old railway line which runs right next to the main road on the eastern approach to Newcastle Emlyn," said Christine Davies.

“This is a very dangerous piece of road".

There was a great atmosphere as people left in socially distanced groups of 30 with a steward at each end and stewards to escort each group over the road.

All were in agreement - safe, off-road access is essential and something that the local community desperately needs.

"We want to be able to leave our cars behind. Many of the journeys that we make are short - traveling to school, shopping and pre-covid visiting friends,” said Sian Owen, of Llandysul.

“We are poorly served by local transport, but many of us are fit enough to get around locally under our own steam if there was safe access off the main roads.

“The railway line would appear to offer the ideal opportunity. We need to set up healthy habits for life.”

Organisers would like to thank the land owners for allowing access to the walkers onto what is normally private land.

There is still chance for people to give their feedback on how they would like to see off-road, traffic- free travel developed in the area by completing the online consultation for Carmarthenshire; it is open until Sept 1...... https://cyclewalkcarms.engaged.space/

Similar comments for Ceredigion should be addressed to forms.ceredigion.gov.uk/ufs/ENQUIRY.eb?FORM_ID=112&ebd=0&ebz=2_1593118796807