Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 2:06 pm Post subject: Cycle path planned for disused railway line
Quote:
A DISUSED railway line in Blaenau Gwent could be turned into a cycle path before its uncertain reopening.
Despite Blaenau Gwent Council’s efforts to secure funding for Phase 2 of the £30m Welsh Assembly Government Gwent railway scheme, the abandoned line between Abertillery and Aberbeeg could be converted into a cycle route.
Leader of Blaenau Gwent Council Des Hillman, said: “We have been lobbying for the next stages of investment in the Ebbw Valley Railway – the extensions to the railway bringing two trains an hour in and out of Blaenau Gwent – for some time. We are also looking to secure funding to develop a community cycle route along the disused railway corridor between Aberbeeg and Abertillery. This plan has received support from local people.
“However, I would like to emphasise that this is a short scheme and will in no way jeopardise any potential rail link between Abertillery and Aberbeeg should the funding become available in the future.”
In August last year The Gazette reported how there is concern the scheme missed out on further investment because of an inaccurate forecast.
During the construction phase, a decision was made to provide just three miles of double track instead of nine.
That rules out any additional services over the line, including a link to Newport, an omission that has been strongly criticised, without major expenditure.
However, Blaenau Gwent AM Trish Law said she welcomed plans by Sustrans to develop and extend the National Cycle Network throughout Wales.
“Perhaps the most challenging part of it is the creation of the Valleys Cycle Network which envisages 500 miles of walking and cycling routes across the South Wales valleys. Old tramways, railways and canal towpaths provide a unique opportunity to develop this network,” she said.
“While I am constantly pressing for a rail link to Abertillery, as well as a new station at Cwm and an extension from Parkway to Ebbw Vale town centre, I am satisfied that the current cycle path proposal is for the medium term and will in no way jeopardise the longer term aim to provide the Abertillery rail spur from Llanhilleth.”
Obviously it wouldn't be able to follow the railway line from Aberbeeg to Llan, since its now in use. But it would reduce the attractiveness of using the line to get to the station if you had to cycle up the hill at Aberbeeg and compete with traffic on Commercial Road to get to Llan. _________________ The compliments pass when the quality meet.
Cycle path?? What is the point! there are plenty of places to go cycling in Abertillery, it's one of the few things that is in abundance. Why not spend it on re-surfacing the old six bells to Llanhilleth Road? or invest it giving the ambitious youngsters (of which there are many)? maybe give them a chance to start a small business of there own (music shop, clothing shop etc etc)
In the now almost defunct town centre one thing that is thriving is youth... why not spend it on sports equipment that the young sports stars we have in our town so need, or instruments for the what seems like hundreds of ambitious struggling musicians. Children that are wasting there lives but trying to make the most of it by doing something they love are STILL being overlooked, these are the important people, these are the ones our councillors should be thinking about, not the 3 people that will use this cycle path every sunday , but the majority, of which are young, that are the future of a town that's been chewed up and spat out in the past, the one's that can give the community the reputation it deserves. PLEASE COUNCILORS!!! INVEST IN THE KIDS AND YOU INVEST IN THE FUTURE!!! ASK THEM WHAT THY WANT BECAUSE THEY MATTER, OR YOU ILL BE COMING UP AGAINST SOME SERIOUS OPPOSITION. Thank you
Cycle path?? What is the point! there are plenty of places to go cycling in Abertillery, it's one of the few things that is in abundance. Why not spend it on re-surfacing the old six bells to Llanhilleth Road? or invest it giving the ambitious youngsters (of which there are many)? maybe give them a chance to start a small business of there own (music shop, clothing shop etc etc)
In the now almost defunct town centre one thing that is thriving is youth... why not spend it on sports equipment that the young sports stars we have in our town so need, or instruments for the what seems like hundreds of ambitious struggling musicians. Children that are wasting there lives but trying to make the most of it by doing something they love are STILL being overlooked, these are the important people, these are the ones our councillors should be thinking about, not the 3 people that will use this cycle path every sunday , but the majority, of which are young, that are the future of a town that's been chewed up and spat out in the past, the one's that can give the community the reputation it deserves. PLEASE COUNCILORS!!! INVEST IN THE KIDS AND YOU INVEST IN THE FUTURE!!! ASK THEM WHAT THY WANT BECAUSE THEY MATTER, OR YOU ILL BE COMING UP AGAINST SOME SERIOUS OPPOSITION. Thank you
Antony P
Hi Antony.
Well, where do we start ?!
Firstly, money for the cycle path will come from a different pot to that which could be used for sport and the arts. There's no competition between the two, they are totally independent of each other.
The Six Bells - Llan road has almost entirely been resurfaced in the past 2 years. Now that's an example of wasted money. The length of road done there ( and it runs all through Llan as well btw ) could have done all of the Avenues and a few more streets in Aber - now that's robbing Peter to pay Paul.
Small business startups come from a completely different funding arrangement - nothing whatsoever to do with the council. Our Regeneration dept does however have a team of advisors who can get government grants to cover Business Rates, startup costs etc.
Back to your point about sprots and musical equipment.
Are you not aware of the many 'self-help' organisations - and most especially the people that run them - that are dedicated to providing youngsters with the chance to do something.
Lord knows how many football teams there are. There's rugby, swimming, gymnastics, martial arts, pool and probably others I haven't mentioned.
There's the Youth Music & Drama.
All of these organisations are eligible for support from the Council and individual councillors - and most probably receive it.
We've just set up 'detached youth worker' teams, taking activities to youngsters, since they seem reluctant to come to us and our Youth Centres.
I'm a bit disappointed that you don't seem to know this, mainly because it shows that the council isn't perhaps getting the message across that there are these opportunities.
PM me and let me know what gives you the impression you've put over. I'll consider what you say and then suggest a few things that might enable us to get it better.
QUOTE ROCKE
The Six Bells - Llan road has almost entirely been resurfaced in the past 2 years. Now that's an example of wasted money. The length of road done there ( and it runs all through Llan as well btw ) could have done all of the Avenues and a few more streets in Aber - now that's robbing Peter to pay Paul.
Well I must say that's a new take on prudential borrowing, I'll have to ask your leader to organise a seminar for new members _________________ This is my truth. Now tell me yours.
Potholes will become a thing of the past when the council turn the lights out you wont be able to see them,( SIMPLES). _________________ "Assert your right to make a few mistakes. If people can't accept your imperfections, that's their fault".
I think the cycle-way is a very good idea. I may well be wrong but I don't think we have any cycle-lanes in Abertillery do we let alone proper cycle-ways? At present wherever you go you have to compete with motor traffic. _________________ The compliments pass when the quality meet.
QUOTE ROCKE
The Six Bells - Llan road has almost entirely been resurfaced in the past 2 years. Now that's an example of wasted money. The length of road done there ( and it runs all through Llan as well btw ) could have done all of the Avenues and a few more streets in Aber - now that's robbing Peter to pay Paul.
Well I must say that's a new take on prudential borrowing, I'll have to ask your leader to organise a seminar for new members
On a cost/value-for-money basis which would a) most benefit; and b) benefit most of the public - Six Bells-Llan ( how many users of that road ) or 1.5 miles of residential areas having their roads upgraded ?
Don't tell me you were thinking that resurfacing Six Bells-Llan would save wear and tear on the Civic Car ?
btw I think we're into double figures on the number of times certain councillors have availed themselves of the chauffeured civic car since last May. _________________ Rocke
Also just to mention how pleased I am that this administration, whilst publicising less-than pleasing news, hasn't become a messenger shot.
Lowering people's expectations is at least better than letting them down completely, as past administrations seem to have done. _________________ Rocke
I for one am all for the opening of the disused railway line as a cycle path, I regularly cycle and find that cycling off road is safer for the cyclist !
Sustrans have done a great job throughout Wales opening up different disused railway lines and canal tow paths, and it is a good way of enjoying the scenery that you wouldn't regularly get to see !
It would be great to see them extending the path down to Newport where you can pick up on other canal paths etc. and even extend your journey onto the Brecon Monmouthshire canals.
Also the Aber to Aberbeeg line will never be used again !
WAG is committed to providing funding to encourage healthier lifestyles, be it walking, sports, eating, exercising, gardening or cycling. If the funding is not used for a cycle path or any other healthy lifestyle option project it will be lost to the borough entirely. _________________ 'Unqualified Jedi Knight'. Are Dildo Baginses Hobbit Forming? Is Muffing the Mule a Crime? Makers of Flabbers to be Ghasted!
It's no good you just got to "Ger on yer bike" Anthony _________________ 'Unqualified Jedi Knight'. Are Dildo Baginses Hobbit Forming? Is Muffing the Mule a Crime? Makers of Flabbers to be Ghasted!
Cycle path?? What is the point! there are plenty of places to go cycling in Abertillery, it's one of the few things that is in abundance. Why not spend it on re-surfacing the old six bells to Llanhilleth Road? or invest it giving the ambitious youngsters (of which there are many)? maybe give them a chance to start a small business of there own (music shop, clothing shop etc etc)
In the now almost defunct town centre one thing that is thriving is youth... why not spend it on sports equipment that the young sports stars we have in our town so need, or instruments for the what seems like hundreds of ambitious struggling musicians. Children that are wasting there lives but trying to make the most of it by doing something they love are STILL being overlooked, these are the important people, these are the ones our councillors should be thinking about, not the 3 people that will use this cycle path every sunday , but the majority, of which are young, that are the future of a town that's been chewed up and spat out in the past, the one's that can give the community the reputation it deserves. PLEASE COUNCILORS!!! INVEST IN THE KIDS AND YOU INVEST IN THE FUTURE!!! ASK THEM WHAT THY WANT BECAUSE THEY MATTER, OR YOU ILL BE COMING UP AGAINST SOME SERIOUS OPPOSITION. Thank you
Antony P
Hi Antony.
Well, where do we start ?!
Firstly, money for the cycle path will come from a different pot to that which could be used for sport and the arts. There's no competition between the two, they are totally independent of each other.
The Six Bells - Llan road has almost entirely been resurfaced in the past 2 years. Now that's an example of wasted money. The length of road done there ( and it runs all through Llan as well btw ) could have done all of the Avenues and a few more streets in Aber - now that's robbing Peter to pay Paul.
Small business startups come from a completely different funding arrangement - nothing whatsoever to do with the council. Our Regeneration dept does however have a team of advisors who can get government grants to cover Business Rates, startup costs etc.
Back to your point about sprots and musical equipment.
Are you not aware of the many 'self-help' organisations - and most especially the people that run them - that are dedicated to providing youngsters with the chance to do something.
Lord knows how many football teams there are. There's rugby, swimming, gymnastics, martial arts, pool and probably others I haven't mentioned.
There's the Youth Music & Drama.
All of these organisations are eligible for support from the Council and individual councillors - and most probably receive it.
We've just set up 'detached youth worker' teams, taking activities to youngsters, since they seem reluctant to come to us and our Youth Centres.
I'm a bit disappointed that you don't seem to know this, mainly because it shows that the council isn't perhaps getting the message across that there are these opportunities.
PM me and let me know what gives you the impression you've put over. I'll consider what you say and then suggest a few things that might enable us to get it better.
Cheers.
I'm not asking for a politicians "this money's for this this is for that" answer. Forget about that, that's not what's important, what's important is the VAST silent majority being overlooked, and ignorance certainly IS to blame.
Maybe I jumped the gun when it came to sports because, as you say, sports are in abundance.
Music, not so much. You would take HUNDREDS of kids off the streets if you offered FREE rehearsal spaces for youngsters in bands with no money but a whole lot of ambition and drive. I know you'll say this money's for this and this is for that but if we can afford to build a cycle way with the funding that that sector has, surely something is wrong, it's like that sector has money to burn whilst others have nothing.
Maybe another important thing for people to look in to is why the vast majority aren't taking advantage of what you say is on offer??
Maybe it's because there's no research in to what the kids want, or maybe it's because people don't care enough to ask. As long as it looks good on paper, that's what matters, tally up the books before offering a real service.
Obesity, serious health problems, depression, don't just occur because people can't ride there bikes on some tar mac, there is a huge deal of psychology involved. If people have no confidence and are not stimulated or inspired they will let themselves sink in to the inevitable pit that is an accpeted existence of self pity, ignorance and will be left wollowing in there own struggle with nothing to please them but drinking and eating and watching the TV. I've seen it happen over and over and over again with TALENTED people that could've well done if they had been given the chance. But at least they're quiet about it right???
The tories tore the soul out of this place 20 years ago and we have not even come close to recovering, and little projects like this are not the way to do it. They just shut up the locals who need to see change to trust a clueless council.
The people don't care where money comes from as long as it's here. Where it's needed. If you ask me this independent party have done nothing for this community but ease an acceptance of defeat by overhyping a 2 carraige train!!! EVERYWHERE has trains, it's everyday life, you have to ask yourself some serious questions when people see it as a luxury, it should go without saying DEMAND MORE. It makes a mockery of good honest people if you don't.
I lived in Abertillery for 22 years and saw about 6 cyclists, I couldn't move for musicians. It's more simple than you make it sound.
There is certainly a place and a need for cycle tracks in life agreed, i think they are very worthwhile.
But i whole-heartedly agree with anthony on his point of politicians answers to questions this pot for this this pot for that.
If that is the unbending fact that money is earmarked for one particular cause in individual pot's.
THEN WHAT HAPPENED TO THE MONEY EARMARKED FOR THE ABERTILLERY RAIL LINK, IF THEY DID'NT HAVE ENOUGH TO COMPLETE THE WHO SCHEME IT SHOULD'NT HAVE BEEN STARTED.
_________________ "Assert your right to make a few mistakes. If people can't accept your imperfections, that's their fault".
Dr. David M. Burns
Last edited by IAN(boco)jones on Sat Jul 04, 2009 9:35 am; edited 1 time in total
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