Move to re-route cycle path signals victory for campaigners

Oct 22 2009

Llandudno promenade

CAMPAIGNERS are claiming victory after it was decided a cycle route will not run along Llandudno promenade.

Protest group Save Our Promenade (SOP) are delighted that councillors have agreed to go along with a report which takes the cycle path from Craig-y-Don to West Shore via Maesdu Road and Bryniau Road avoiding the prom completely.

"We’re pleased with the outcome and happy that the promenade has been retained as a cycle-free area for the benefits of the residents and thousands of holidaymakers," said SOP spokesman Mike Pritchard.

But cyclists who had hoped to see the route link with the North Wales coastal cycle path via the prom and the town centre say the council is missing an opportunity to make Llandudno cyclist friendly.

"It is disappointing that the council doesn’t seem to have grasped the nettle and used the opportunity to set up a network of cycle paths within the town which would have linked residential areas to schools and the town centre.

"We should be thinking of the safety and welfare of children who cycle to school not just keen cyclists," said Neil McKenzie of the Llandudno Safe Cycling group.

Cyclists groups had argued that the track should run from Craig-y- Don paddling pool along the promenade and Gloddaeth Avenue to West Shore.

But Save Our Promenade and land owners Mostyn Estates argued cyclists could endanger pedestrians if the track goes along the prom. There was also opposition to a suggestion that the promenade flowerbeds could be removed to accommodate the path.

And at a meeting of a county council scrutiny committee on Tuesday it was agreed that the route via Craig-y-Don and Maesdu Road be approved in principle to enable officers to prepare detailed plans which will then be displayed in a public exhibition to give residents input into the proposals.

Gogarth ward councillor Margaret Lyon said she was pleased with the outcome.

"The most sensible option is to take the cycle route along Maesdu Road and over the new Maesdu Bridge to West Shore. I am so pleased that it is not going along the promenade where cyclists would be putting pedestrians in danger.

"The promenade is one of Llandudno’s main attractions and removing the flowerbeds would have detracted from its appeal," she commented.

And Cllr Philip Evans said the preferred route was also the most cost effective.

"At the moment there is funding in place for detailed plans to be drawn up, but no money allocated for constructing the route. The proposed route incorporates stretches already designated for cyclists’ use and this will be an important factor when we look for funding to complete the project," he said.