Volunteers Help Improve Community Walk
Wed 07 August 2010
A footpath in a Powys village is being improved and expanded thanks to the support of local volunteers.
A public right of way within Abbeycwmhir is undergoing improvements to make it more accessible for people to use. Work undergone so far includes the replacement of old stiles with self-closing pedestrian gates. Further signage improvements are also planned.
The work is being carried out as part of Powys County Council's Circular Trails Project which aims to create 12 new circular trails within communities around Powys. The project is concentrating on more remote areas of Powys where there is little general rights of way input.
Working closely with Community Councils and local people, the project liaises with landowners and a team of local volunteers to open up or improve chosen routes. A team of volunteers takes on the general upkeep of the route, keeping gateways clear of vegetation growth and reporting more serious maintenance issues for attention.
The Abbeycwmhir improvements were chosen after consultation with the local Community Council and residents. The route passes along existing public rights of way, forestry land and minor road network. When finished, the route will be around five miles long and take in a variety of terrain and views including a 360 degree panoramic view at the top of the forestry section. When complete, the route will be included in the Leaping Stiles website (www.leapingstiles.co.uk) - a web based collection of circular walks around Powys.
As part of the project, further circular trails are being established within the communities of Nantmel and Llanbadarn Fawr. A further three communities are also beginning to develop a community trail in St Harmon, Llangyniew and Trefeglwys.
Kevin Straw, Circular Trails Project Officer with Powys County Council, said: "I must thank all the volunteers who have given their time to work on these projects and I look forward to continue the project on through the twelve communities involved."
The Circular Trails Project is delivered by Powys County Council and funded through the European Union as part of the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013.
