The public have given their support to an ambitious plan to develop a green corridor for walking, cycling and wildlife on Ynys Môn.
The Glasffordd Môn Steering Group’s vision is to connect Newborough in the south to Amlwch in the north by creating a long-distance route linking communities along the way. The route in its entirety is under consideration and the consultation provided an opportunity for members of the public to have their say on the Glasffordd Môn vision.
If progressed, it will provide a quiet path for everyday journeys, showcase the unique landscape of the island, and distribute the benefits of tourism more evenly across Ynys Môn. It will also increase biodiversity by creating, linking, and extending habitats to enable movement of wildlife.
The project is being led by Menter Môn with the support from other Steering Group members, which include, the Isle of Anglesey County Council; Natural Resources Wales; Welsh Water; the North Wales Wildlife Trust; the Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board and local businesses.
Of those that responded, 91% agreed or strongly agreed with the Glasffordd Môn vision and 94% stated that they would use the proposed route. The most important element is access to a high-quality route that minimises the need for people to come into contact with traffic. Respondents were also of the opinion that the proposal would bring economic benefits.
Dr. Wyn Morgan, Menter Môn Chairman explains: “We completed Lôn Las Cefni fifteen years ago and it has proved very popular. This is an opportunity to build on that success and ensure the route is accessible to people of all abilities. It will also deliver wildlife benefits including tree planting, habitat restoration and hedge laying.
“It was important that we involved residents in order foster pride and ownership within the communities through which the route passes. The response to the consultation clearly demonstrates an appetite among the public for this type of provision on Ynys Môn.”
The Isle of Anglesey County Council has been involved from the beginning and is already assessing a potential project to the south of island, between Pont Marquis and Newborough. They have also recently completed improvements to the Lôn Las route to the south of Llangefni through the Welsh Government’s Active Travel Fund.
Councillor Dafydd Rhys Thomas, the portfolio holder for Highways, Waste and Property has welcomed the results of public consultation. He added: “This proposed project will provide a combination of exciting benefits – most notably helping to improve both the physical health and mental well-being of local residents.
“The response clearly shows that the public are very supportive of the vision and proposals. It would certainly have the potential to bring much needed economic benefits to communities in central and north of the island, such as Llannerch-y-medd and Amlwch.”
The economic, health and environmental benefits of these type of projects are well documented. Studies show that for every £1 million spent on walking and cycling projects, £13 million of benefits are returned to the economy. They also improve wellbeing, with 54% of people who cycle to work feeling happy and energised during their commute.
A copy of the Glasffordd Môn Study and the full Glasffordd Môn Consultation Report are available Menter Môn’s website.
