IMPROVING and developing new cycle and walking routes around Cardigan area and across the rest of the Teifi Valley could have a huge beneficial impact on the area.

Residents living around Newcastle Emlyn are already campaigning to make use of the old railway line as a new route into town and now Cardigan mayor Cllr Clive Davies is keen to raise the profile of the issue.

Cardigan town council has long campaigned - without success - for a footpath from Caemorgan Road out to Penparc, along with a route from Cardigan to Llechryd.

But with Welsh Government keen to invest in Active Travel plans, pressure is now being stepped up to further promote such schemes and attract investment to rural areas.

“With the pandemic, many people have been out on bikes or walking,” said Cardigan mayor Cllr Clive Davies at July’s meeting of the town council.

“There is a real need for such cycle paths and walkways and we should be taking advantage of the assets we have here, especially if they are accessible to all abilities.

“The world is changing and if there is funding from Welsh Government level, then we should be looking at that.

“I have been in discussions with Llechryd Community Council and Cynnal y Cardi regarding the feasibility of a cycle and walking route between town and Llechryd and to look at a long term project to link to Newcastle Emlyn along Teifi Valley.”

Cllr Sian Maehrlein said a walking group she had set up on Facebook had proved very popular.

“It has really taken off and people are enjoying it. It is very informal, anyone can join in and do just bits of the walks and suits people of different abilities,” said Cllr Maehrlein.