A £1.6 MILLION bridge linking a path for walkers and cyclists has officially been opened in Conwy.
The new railway overbridge crosses the railway at Conwy Cob and links the Conwy Estuary Trail, which runs from West Shore in Llandudno to Conwy Quay, with the RSPB reserve at Llandudno Junction. It was officially opened by Cllr Glyn Jones, the chair of Conwy County Borough Council, last week after funding was secured through the Welsh Assembly Government and Conwy County Borough Council.
Visitors will now be able to reach the RSPB nature reserve and, by paying the appropriate admission, access another 1.5km of walking and cycling there as well as the centre’s facilities.
Mike Priestley, Conwy County Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “It’s really satisfying to see this project officially opened. The overbridge is a significant piece of the Estuary route. It provides a wonderful facility for residents and visitors, and is part of a valuable, sustainable transport route for the future.”
The majority of the 6km Estuary Route was officially opened in the summer of 2008. It had been created as part of a £9 million project, managed and part funded by Conwy County Borough Council together with £3.9 million of European Funding and £3.5 million of Welsh Assembly Government Funding.
Julian Hughes, RSPB Conwy manager, said: “We’re already getting good feedback from visitors who can more easily get to the reserve's wildlife and fantastic views of the Valley. People are getting the bus or train to Llandudno Junction and take a pleasant walk to our Visitor Centre and coffee shop. We're hoping someone will help to fund bike parking facilities so more people can cycle to the reserve, then enjoy a walk around it.”
Cllr Graham Rees, local member for Glan Conwy added: “The Estuary route provides access to Conwy’s wonderful coast and is an important element for helping towards objectives to encourage heath and well-being in the community. We’re now keen to explore the funding opportunities available to extend the route to Glan Conwy which would open up a way for people there to access facilities in Conwy, including children using the route to get to school.”