The public are being asked for their views on an ambitious plan to develop a green corridor for walking, cycling and wildlife on Ynys M\u00f4n.<\/p>\n
The Glasffordd M\u00f4n Steering Group\u2019s vision is to connect Newborough in the south to Amlwch in the north by creating a long-distance route linking communities along the way. The route in its entirety is under consideration and it is hoped that the new consultation will help inform its future development<\/p>\n
If progressed, it will provide a quiet path for everyday journeys, showcase the unique landscape of the island, and distribute the benefits of tourism more evenly across Ynys M\u00f4n.\u00a0 It will also increase biodiversity by creating, linking, and extending habitats to enable movement of wildlife.<\/p>\n
The project has been led by Menter M\u00f4n with the support from other Steering Group members, which includes: \u00a0the Isle of Anglesey County Council, Natural Resources Wales, and Welsh Water.<\/p>\n
Dr. Wyn Morgan, the Menter M\u00f4n Chairman explained, \u201cWe completed L\u00f4n Las Cefni fifteen years ago and it has proved very popular.\u00a0 This is an opportunity to build on that success and ensure the route is accessible to people of all abilities.\u00a0 It will also deliver wildlife benefits including tree planting, habitat restoration and hedge laying.\u201d<\/p>\n
He continued \u2018The Glasffordd M\u00f4n Study sets out the ambition and proposes several projects. However, we also want to involve residents in order foster pride and ownership within the communities through which the route passes.\u00a0 This is why we are running the consultation exercise\u2019.<\/p>\n
The Isle of Anglesey County Council have been involved from the beginning and are already progressing one of the projects in the south of island, between Pont Marquis and Newborough. They have also recently completed improvements to the L\u00f4n Las route to the south of Llangefni through the Welsh Government\u2019s Active Travel Fund.<\/p>\n
Councillor Dafydd Rhys Thomas, the portfolio holder for Highways, Waste and Property has welcomed the public consultation process. He added, \u201cThis proposed project will provide an exciting mix of benefits \u2013 most notably helping to improve the health and well-being of local residents.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAs well as an important resource for our residents and communities, it would also benefit the tourism sector on Ynys M\u00f4n.\u00a0 It would certainly have the potential to bring economic benefits to a number of communities in central and north of the Island, such as Llannerch-y-medd and Amlwch.\u201d<\/p>\n
The economic, health and environmental benefits of these type of projects are well documented.\u00a0 Studies show that for every \u00a31 million spent on walking and cycling projects, \u00a313 million of benefits are returned to the economy.\u00a0 They also improve wellbeing, with 54% of people who cycle to work feeling happy and energised during their commute.<\/p>\n