P-05-913 Creation of Lôn Las Môn Multi-Use Path
P-05-913 Creation of Lôn Las Môn Multi-Use Path
P-05-913 Creation
of Lôn Las Môn Multi-Use Path
This
petition was submitted by Gethyn Mon Hughes having collected a total of 2,216 signatures.
Text of Petition
We call on the Welsh
Government to withdraw its objection, and offer support, to the proposal for
Network Rail to permit the Anglesey Central Railway to be re-purposed into an
18 mile traffic-free multi-user path from Amlwch through to Gaerwen. Having
been out of service for the past 26 years, it is our belief that the line could
no longer serve any useful purpose for passenger services or freight between
Gaerwen and Amlwch. Instead, the Lôn Las Môn multi-user path would be open for
use by families, walkers, runners, equestrian users and leisure cyclists,
including those with disabled access requirements.
Additional Information
Unlike the neighbouring
counties of Gwynedd and Conwy, Anglesey has very few sections of traffic free
paths. Although two national cycle routes are in existence on the island, they
are primarily B-roads which are signposted principally for use by experienced
road cyclists. Sixty percent of people who do not cycle state fear of traffic
as a reason for not using a bicycle as a means of transportation. A traffic
free route such as Lôn Las Môn is crucial to encourage more people to cycle for
leisure and transport purposes. In addition, with an average of one rider
involved in a road traffic incident every day across the UK, equestrian users
on Anglesey would also benefit from a traffic free route, away from fast moving
vehicles which pose a major hazard for both horse and rider. Once completed,
the multi-user green-way would be a traffic free long-distance corridor from
the South West to the North East of the island, allowing users to link with the
Anglesey coastal path as well as other footpaths, cycle routes and bridleways.
The project would also have knock-on economic benefits for the tourism sector
on Anglesey. This is demonstrated by the Camel Trail in Cornwall, a disused
railway trail of a similar length to the proposed Lôn Las Môn trail at 17.3
miles. In 2015 users of the Camel Trail spent around £6.7m and generated
approximately £13m of business turnover. With obesity, mental health issues, as
well as levels of type 2 diabetes increasing at an alarming rate, Lôn Las Môn
would allow the public to exercise in a traffic free environment, away from
vehicle emissions and pollutants, and over terrain which is readily accessible
to those with disabilities and access needs. The benefits to residents,
businesses and visitors that would result from this project are substantial and
would undoubtedly improve the quality of life for everyone on Anglesey.
Status
This petition was considered completed by the
Petitions Committee at its meeting on 29/09/2020.
The Committee considered a number of updates on the
petition and In light of the responses received, including the Welsh
Government’s desire to maintain a rail solution cited by both the Minister and
Network Rail, and the ongoing negotiations over a lease of the line for
heritage rail, it is unlikely that the aims of the petitioners can be met.
The Committee agreed to close the petition and thank
the petitioners for their engagement with the process.
Full details of the consideration of this petitions
by the committee and related documents can be seen on the Meetings tab above.
It was first considered by the Petitions Committee
on 19/11/2019.
Assembly Constituency and
Region
- Ynys Mon
- North Wales
Further
information
Business type: Petition
Reason considered: Senedd Business;
Status: Complete
First published: 04/11/2019
Documents