Hewelsfield and Brockweir Parish Council – Multi-use Path Survey
Summary of comments on Multi-use path survey
Positive comments
12 people either said they had “no concerns” about the multi use path or fully supported it. One of these suggested that “car parking is a red herring”.
8 people commented on the improved safety for cyclists, some referring to a “safe car free surface” whilst others focused on safety for young cyclists.
6 people were in favour of the multi use nature of the path referring to benefits for walkers, runners and horse riders.
2 made reference to the tunnels, 1 saying “bats will not be affected” and the other said “Have experienced similar tunnel in Bristol-Bath Cycle Route with no lighting - it's a little spooky but safe - much safer than cycling on the road.”
Other advantages suggested were “a successful strategy for halting the rise of obesity”, “access to parts of the Valley which are difficult to reach”, “reducing numbers commuting by car at busy mid week times” and the “new bridge”.
Negative comments
4 people commented that it was difficult to rank the issues as they were all of great or equal importance and 9 people felt the scheme would offer them nothing or “would not improve resident’s lives.” 2 others said they were against the scheme.
18 people had concerns about safety which included “single lane roads”, “danger posed by multi-use” and “safety of pedestrians, horses..” as well as “Increased traffic would put on added pressure trying to cross over at Hewelsfield crossroads”. 3 mentioned the Coldharbour Road in particular e.g. “bikes coming down narrow Coldharbour Road, blind bends etc. meeting cars, bikes meeting cars at Brockweir end of bridge.” One person thought that “commuting would be impossible for children and females.”
6 people referred to issues re car parking and three of those were concerned about a lack of toilet facilities. 3 raised concerns about emergency access.
10 people had concerns about future maintenance of the multi-use path and 5 people made reference to the local landscape or the AONB e.g. “the nature of the valley will be lost forever”.
3 people expressed concern for “bats in the tunnels”.
Mixed responses
7 people were for the path subject to issues such as parking, personal and road safety being addressed.
“Appropriate accompanying literature with a route starting in Monmouth or Chepstow should just make Brockweir somewhere en route”.
“Preferred option would be to stay on the Monmouthshire side at Brockweir and keep predominantly to the old railway line”.