Monmouthshire County Council has launched a survey seeking views on how residents would like to use existing paths and access points for Castle Meadows in Abergavenny.
Plans have been launched that propose improvements to the existing walking and cycling routes across Castle Meadows. This entails resurfacing and widening specific existing routes across Castle Meadows to 3m wide, to make them Active Travel compliant shared pedestrian/cycle routes. The proposals also include a replacement of the existing footbridge over the River Gavenny, with a new 3m wide, Active Travel compliant shared pedestrian/cycle bridge. This proposal fits in to the wider Abergavenny active travel scheme, including a new bridge across the River Usk and community connections into Llanfoist and beyond, providing a cohesive network of routes across the settlement. The proposals can be found on the council’s website: Castle Meadows, Abergavenny – The Proposals – Monmouthshire
Each of the proposed new routes, including the upgraded bridges, will be fully lit by low-level lighting. In addition, it is proposed to upgrade the existing gates on entry/exit from Castle Meadows, to make them more accessible to all users. These gates will allow to retain the cattle within Castle Meadows. The biodiversity and ecological sensitivity of Castle Meadows is a key factor in the management of the site and will remain so. The active travel programme takes these matters very seriously and will be looking to add benefit to the biodiversity of the site as part of the scheme.
Active Travel remains a key priority to Monmouthshire County Council in the response to Climate Change and in line with the Welsh Government Transport Hierarchy. The purpose of Active Travel is to provide a network of routes, initially focusing on the Council’s seven designated localities, to provide opportunities to change shorter car journeys for more active modes of transport, such as walking, cycling and wheeling.
Monmouthshire County Council’s cabinet member for Infrastructure, Cllr. Jane Pratt said: “We want as many residents as possible to participate in the survey so we can shape the county’s accessibility in the best way possible. It is extremely important that residents share their thoughts and opinions.”
Cllr. Lisa Dymock, Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing and Social Justice said: “Currently, existing routes across Castle Meadows do not comply with current Active Travel standards, and do not cater for all users, especially those with mobility impairment. These decisions will impact those who use the fields regularly, so residents’ feedback is hugely valuable.”
The survey asks general questions about the way residents usually travel to the area, asking about your experiences in using Castle Meadows and Ysbytty Fields. The survey can be completed online here: Microsoft Forms (office.com). The survey will close on 25th March.