Deadline looms for views on new walking routes
RESIDENTS and businesses in Swansea have until the end of November to give their views on early plans for a new walking and cycling route in the city centre.
Swansea Council has identified Walter Road and Sketty Road (A4118) as a key strategic route into and out of the city centre and is hoping the route, which travels through the heart of Uplands and Sketty, can be improved to encourage more people to cycle and walk.
An online consultation has been under way since last month, giving everyone the chance to comment on the idea of a new route.
Residents within the Uplands and Sketty communities also attended a series of drop-in sessions recently, so they can give their views on the proposals – which would see individual cycle lanes created, along with improved pedestrian footways and better crossing facilities.
The council has previously secured funding from the Welsh Government’s Active Travel programme to look at the design and feasibility of creating a route.
Mark Thomas, Cabinet Member for Environment Enhancement and Infrastructure Management, said: “If we want to see an increase in people cycling and walking, particularly for those wanting to commute into the city centre, we need to ensure we have good, safe infrastructure to meet the needs of everyone.
“Residents and businesses in the area have been talking to us about the plans and we want to hear from as many people as possible prior to us agreeing a scheme.”
Once a scheme has been approved, the council will aim to secure funding for development of the route.
Cllr Thomas added: “Our hope is we can secure the funding to build the route and in the future look at developing further walking and cycling links between Walter Road and nearby communities and increase the opportunities throughout the city for more sustainable transport.”
The public can view current active travel schemes in Swansea, including the proposals for Walter Road/sketty Road, as well as taking part in a short survey on their travelling habits along the road.
Visit www.swansea.gov.uk/active travelschemes