Petition to Link up the Beacons

3.09.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 15th Jan 2008

Lucienne Bennett, Kirsty Williams AM, Neil Bennett hading over petition to Mike German AM

Lucienne Bennett of the British Horse Society today presented a petition, calling for a non-motorised multi-user track along the A40, to Mike German AM representing the Assembly's Petitions Committee.

The petition follows Mrs Bennett's long term campaign, supported by Kirsty Williams AM for Brecon & Radnorshire, to open up a safe link between the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons rights of way networks by installing an 800 metre track along the A40 between the new Talybont-on-Usk junction and the Bwlch Picnic lay-by.

A Mid Wales Trunk Road Agency feasibility Study in September of last year recommended that the scheme be progressed but Transport Wales has put it on the back burner describing it as not a high priority.

Kirsty said: "This petition has received widespread support, from the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority to the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme; from local accommodation and pub owners to cycling and riding bodies.

"This clearly reflects the widespread benefits that the track would bring. By making this link between two important rights of way networks within the National Park there would be crucial economic benefits for the surrounding communities; providing improved access for visitors along with greater safety for walkers, cyclists and riders.

"By adding this safe stretch of track the Usk river and A40 divide between the Park's Black Mountains, Central Beacons and West region will be broken and a vast network will be opened up for locals and tourists alike.

"I am pleased that despite the Assembly Government's refusal to take on board the recommendations of both the feasibility study and the requests of local people this scheme will now be considered by the Assembly's cross-party petitions committee."