20 years of pedal power and a special link is celebrated
THE Swiss Valley Cycleway which links Llanelli and Cross Hands is 20 years old and the milestone was marked by those involved in the scheme, cyclists and children from Tumble Primary School.
They gathered at the milepost sign in Tumble to commemorate the two decades since the cycleway opened.
It follows a disused railway line, climbing gently from the Millennium Coastal Park in Llanelli into the rolling hills of Carmarthenshire, passing the Cwm Lliedi Reservoirs and on to Cross Hands.
David Judd, former Sustrans manager responsible for the project construction, said: “Most of the cyclists and walkers that frequent the 10-mile route with its scenic views of the Gwendraeth Valley are unaware of the groundbreaking method of construction or those unemployed New Deal trainees that built most of it and gained certification in construction at the same time.
“I thought a celebration 20 years on to thank those involved in its preparation, construction and subsequent maintenance was overdue. It was appropriate to hold it on St David’s Day because the last celebration was on that day in 2004 celebrating the Welsh translation of the poem Tracks, which is cast on the milepost, and be joined by the pupils of Tumble Primary School who sang for us, as they did in 2004.”
Mr Judd added: “I am particularly proud of this scheme, not only the fantastic facility it provides for tourism and recreation, but because of the method by which it was constructed and the enthusiasm and effort put into it and its subsequent maintenance.
“I thought it appropriate to organise this local event in praise of those involved 20 years ago and who have looked after it since.
“I would be happy indeed to hear from any former trainees on this project to thank them personally as we were unable to contact them – it was, after all, a long time ago.”