The public are being asked for their views on 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 it is hoped that the new consultation will help inform its future development
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 has been led by Menter Môn with the support from other Steering Group members, which includes: the Isle of Anglesey County Council, Natural Resources Wales, and Welsh Water.
Dr. Wyn Morgan, the Menter Môn Chairman explained, “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.”
He continued ‘The Glasffordd Môn Study sets out the ambition and proposes several projects. However, we also want to involve residents in order foster pride and ownership within the communities through which the route passes. This is why we are running the consultation exercise’.
The Isle of Anglesey County Council have been involved from the beginning and are already progressing one of the projects in 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 public consultation process. He added, “This proposed project will provide an exciting mix of benefits – most notably helping to improve the health and well-being of local residents.”
“As well as an important resource for our residents and communities, it would also benefit the tourism sector on Ynys Môn. It would certainly have the potential to bring economic benefits to a number of 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.
The Glasffordd consultation will run throughout October and the public can read the study and complete the questionnaire by visiting the Menter Môn website. There will also be an opportunity to discuss the project at a drop-in session at the Llangefni Town Hall on Wednesday, October 26th between 2pm and 6pm.
