Agenda item

The Committee, received a presentation on the Tywi Valley Path Project in as requested by the Committee at its meeting on 12^th February 2018 [minute 8 refers].

The presentation provided the Committee with information and illustrated key aspects of the project which included:-

·         The background and key objectives of the project;

·         The proposed route;

·         Economic benefits to the region;

·         Associated health benefits;

·         Impact on road safety;

·         Benefits realised on other similar schemes.

In addition, the Committee was afforded the opportunity to view the fly-through promotional video of the Tywi Valley Path.

The following queries were raised on conclusion of the presentation:-

·         It was asked, if the money spent on the Tywi Path would have a detrimental impact on the other cycle routes within the County?  The Transport Strategy and Infrastructure Manager clarified that there were currently two funding streams and that the money for Tywi Path was predominately funded from external sources which had been ring-fenced and not included within the Active Travel fund.

·         It was commented that whilst the Tywi Path development was welcomed and the benefits were recognised, it was queried if officers could provide further information with regard to opportunities for the local building trade.  The Head of Transportation & Highways reported that due to the scope and scale of the entire scheme, there is a significant construction element to the works which will provide opportunities for employment. Framework contract arrangements were in place which included local suppliers.  Furthermore, the Transport Strategy and Infrastructure Manager also confirmed that the Framework arrangements including an obligation for contractors to deliver community benefits.

·         In response to a query relating to the costs per kilometre of the path, the Transport Strategy and Infrastructure Manager stated he would not be able to provide detailed information on the costs per kilometre until after the land negotiations had been completed.  However, the total scheme would cost in the region of £5-8m.

·         A concern was raised that cyclists would not utilise the path in a circular motion and perhaps use the A40 as a leg of their journey.  It was asked what measures were being put in place to encourage cyclists to stick to the path.  The Transport Strategy and Infrastructure Manager confirmed that there would be many attractions at located at various points along the length of the path to encourage users to remain on the safe passage of the path.

·         With regard to the completion date for the Tywi Valley Path, the Transport Strategy and Infrastructure Manager stated that the estimated completion date was set for August 2020.

·         Following a query, the Transport Strategy and Infrastructure Manager confirmed that through the cycling strategy, the scheme would be seeking to work closely with other cycle routes throughout Carmarthenshire, in order to present and promote the common branding ‘Carmarthenshire, the cycling hub for Wales’.

·         Following a query raised in relation to the increase in local objections, the Transport Strategy and Infrastructure Manager explained that a number of years ago Sustrans tried to develop the route and did receive objections during early consultation.  However, in November 2015, the Council re-addressed the pre-consultation phase and invited all land owners to attend a presentation which provided information on the proposed development of the Tywi Valley Path.  The success of the presentation resulted in the public being more informed and reduced the number of objections significantly.  Furthermore, the project team continued to work with landowners in order to achieve mutual suitable solutions.  The Director of Environment added that landowners had raised legitimate concerns and the team have worked hard to alleviate those concerns raised, adjusting the route where possible to better meet the needs.  Furthermore, due to good relations with landowners, the timeframe of the project has shortened, allowing an earlier than anticipated completion date. 

·         It was asked, how many employment opportunities would the project create?  The Transport Strategy and Infrastructure Manager stated that following the completion of the project there would be between 17 and 41 jobs created both directly and indirectly, which included the hospitality trade.

·         It was recognised that on a practical level, areas of the path would be surrounded by trees. It was therefore asked if there was a cleaning plan for the leaves and debris which could prove to be hazardous to users.  The Transport Strategy and Infrastructure Manager stated that there would be a dedicated resource to the scheme providing an effective and robust maintenance programme.

·         A query was raised regarding access to motorised vehicles.  The Transport Strategy and Infrastructure Manager stated that there would be access restrictions in place to motor vehicles with expectation of emergency service vehicles and that there would be measures in place in order to deter and prohibit the use of motorised vehicles.

·         It was asked, how much the total scheme was to the Authority?  The Transport Strategy and Infrastructure Manager stated that the 5 year capital budget had included capital funding of circa £2m.  However, it was reported that the scheme costs could reduce as and when alternative funding was made available.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the report be received.