The second phase of an active travel scheme in Welshpool is set to move forward with the backing of Welsh Government funding.

Powys County Council has confirmed that further Welsh Government funding to extend and improve the active travel routes currently under development, such as in Welshpool and Llanidloes, has been secured.

Beginning in November 2023, the first stage of the project has involved widening the pavement on Severn Road to transform it into a shared path for cyclists and pedestrians, while the second phase of the design means the project will take until March 2025 to be completed.

Powys County Council confirmed that the next phase will focus on improving the surface of the path between Tesco and the bus interchange.

The scheme will also see a disabled access ramp installed from the upgraded path to the canal, which will also mean there is a direct link to the new active travel path on Severn Road.

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Matt Perry, Powys Count Council’s Chief Officer, said: “We are delighted to have secured this latest instalment of Welsh Government funding, which allows us to keep the momentum going and begin work on the next set of active travel projects.

“Welsh Government have made it clear that active travel must be the natural mode of choice for short everyday journeys, or as part of a longer journey in combination with other sustainable modes, and the continued investment into practical active travel routes within Powys, like these planned for in Welshpool and Llanidloes, will help towards achieving this vision.”

Powys Council added that work to develop the designs will begin shortly, while the community will be kept informed throughout all stages of the project.

The Welsh Government funding will also contribute to an active travel route in Llanidloes, as a Safe Routes in Communities scheme will upgrade the existing footpath on Llangurig Road to create a shared use path leading directly to the primary school and high school.

Powys County Council hope that the development will improve accessibility and allow more pupils and their families to walk or cycle to and from school.