Blazing a trail to Caerleon

By Councillor Gail Giles

A safe passage for local cyclists will be one step closer this year, now that work has started

on the Pillmawr Road – Home Farm section of the Newport to Caerleon cycle trail.

The latest phase will give cyclists, walkers and the users of disabled vehicles the chance to

reach the outskirts of Caerleon from this Autumn without the current off-putting prospect of

meeting cars and steep hills on most of Pillmawr Road.

The new route will allow cyclists and others to enjoy the natural beauty of the Lower Usk

Valley, since it will take them along the riverbank and through the relatively unspoilt open countryside, which still exists between Newport and Caerleon.

The final go-ahead for the £1.6m section was made possible by a £425,000 grant under the

Welsh Assembly Government’s Safe Routes in Communities scheme, and the signing of an agreement between Newport City Council and Sustrans, the sustainable transport charity.

Other funding came from Newport Unlimited, the regeneration body supported by Newport

City Council and the Assembly, and the South East Wales Transport Alliance – a body which represents local authorities.

Sustrans, the sustainable transport charity, are working in partnership with the Assembly,

Newport Unlimited and Newport City Council. They will be contributing £400,000 to various

sections of the route, including the Pillmawr Lane-Home Farm section, having won the

People’s £50 Million National Lottery competition at the end of 2007.

What next....?

Ultimately there are plans for a Newport to Wentwood cycle route, via Caerleon and the Celtic

Manor Golf Course. The two University campuses in the city centre and Caerleon will also be

connected. But there are many bridges to cross yet – some of them still unbuilt! The next

phase will include a link to Lodge Road through the grounds of St Cadoc’s Hospital and a

new cycle bridge across the railway line near the allotments. Tenders and applications for

further funding will be processed between now and 2010.

There is well-documented evidence that cycle routes help to boost house prices, encourage

tourism and improve the local image. I’m sure we’re all for that. But I am particularly keen to

support our own cycle route for other reasons as well – it’ll be healthy, non-polluting and it’ll

make Caerleon a fun place to be in. I hope that local people, landowners and the various

supporting bodies will all get together and work out the best way forward. There may be a few

uphill struggles ahead, but I’m sure that plenty of downhill freewheeling at the end of the day

will make it all thoroughly worthwhile!

Gail Giles April 2009