Newport West AM Rosemary Butler is spearheading a bid in the Assembly to build up support for a cycle net work which could open up the countryside to thousands of cyclists, walkers and disabled people throughout Wales.

She is hosting a reception in the Assembly on November 13 on behalf of Sustrans, the sustainable transport charity. Sustrans are bidding for money from the Big Lottery Fund’s The People’s £50 Million contest, with the winner being ultimately decided by a television vote in December.

If successful Sustrans would be able to improve cycle routes in 79 locations throughout the UK, including nine in Wales in Rhyl, Carmarthen, Clydach, Port Talbot, Merthyr Tydfil, Treforest, Cardiff, Newport and Monmouth.

Mrs Butler says:
“I’m obviously excited about the plans for my own area. Sustrans, under its Connect2 scheme, could develop a stunning riverside route from the centre of Newport, through Roman Caerleon to the Celtic Manor area and onwards into Wentwood forest.

“It would be of enormous value to a wide range of people in Newport who find it difficult at the moment to access these attractions. Busy roads, railways and rivers act as a barrier, not only in Newport but in towns and cities throughout the UK.

“A large number of Assembly Members will see their areas benefit similarly if the bid is successful. That’s why it’s so important for AMs to get together on this and persuade their constituents to vote for Connect2 when the programme is televised in December. ”

The scheme could benefit more than a quarter of a million people living within a mile of Connect2 in Wales. Last week Sustrans heard that they are now on a shortlist of four. Theirs is the only scheme which would affect Wales.

Note
Each project will be the subject of a television programme on ITV1 in the week commencing 3 December. Sustrans' Connect2 will be featured on Tuesday 4 December. Full programme details will be released in mid November. Voting will take place online and by telephone.

Online voting for The People’s £50 Million Lottery

Giveaway will open at 9am on 26 November at at www.thepeoples50million.org.uk. Telephone voting will be over the weekend 7-10 December.
You can register your support on the Sustrans website at www.sustransconnect2.org.uk or text Connect2 to 80010.

Tuesday October 30