Work to begin on improving walking and cycling links between Builth Wells and Llanelwedd

24 November 2022

Work to introduce an improved walking and cycling route between Llanelwedd and Builth Wells will begin early next month (5 December).

The route for the shared use path was identified and agreed during previous public consultations on the county's Active Travel Network Maps. To be funded by the Welsh Government Safe Routes in Communities Grant, this scheme will mark the first phase of establishing an active travel route connecting Builth Wells and Llanelwedd, and the beginning of a local active travel network.

Expected to be completed in approximately eight weeks, the scheme will consist of two safe highways crossings, one crossing the A483 on the corner from the Llanelwedd Arms Hotel across to the Jewson's entrance, and the other crossing the A483 from Station Yard across to the showground side of the road.

The path between through Station Yard will be renewed with an improved surface accessible for pedestrians and cyclists and the path between the crossing opposite the showground and Llanelwedd primary school will be widened.

"Following consultation and the development of the county's Active Travel Network Maps, it is great to see plans for these safer routes for communities being implemented." Says Cllr Jackie Carlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys.

"The Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013 aims to make Wales a walking and cycling nation. These routes within our local areas will improve road, pedestrian, and cyclist safety. This is particularly true for families walking to and from school and this route between Llanellwedd and Builth Wells provides a direct safe route between the two communities and Llanellwedd primary school.

"We appreciate that any roadworks can be frustrating at times, especially on busy trunk roads, but the creation of these accessible shared-use routes will ultimately encourage more of us to make shorter journeys, such as our commute to work, school or local shops, by physically active means, like walking or cycling, meaning less cars on the road.

"On completion, the route will allow people to confidently choose to walk or cycle rather than using the car, improving our health and wellbeing as well as reducing our carbon footprint and going someway to help tackle the climate emergency."