PRESTEIGNE’S Safe Routes in Communities scheme will be officially opened by Welsh Education Minister Kirsty Williams today (Friday, June 1).

The opening ceremony of the town’s active travel facility will be held at the Memorial Hall at 10am and will be open to members of the public.

Powys County Council’s Active Travel Team has improved paths in Presteigne as part of a Safe Routes in Communities project, which has been funded by the Welsh Government and Cllr Phyl Davies, Powys Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “I’m delighted that the Cabinet Secretary for Education will be officially opening this important safe routes scheme, which has provided Presteigne with one of the leading active travel facilities in Wales.”

The project aims is to improve active travel facilities in the town so that more residents are encouraged to travel short journeys by walking or cycling rather than by vehicle.

The improvements are proving to be a great success since the works were completed in March. The council says there has been a noticeable increase in the number of residents and pupils making use of the new and improved paths.

Cllr Davies added: “It’s great to see that a number of residents and pupils are using the improved paths and I hope others will also embrace it and choose to make short journeys within the town by walking or cycling.”