SIR,
I have been informed by Monmouthshire County Council that planning permission is being sought again for a shared path for walkers and cyclists between Chepstow and Tintern along the former Wye Valley railway line (application number DC/2010/00783).
A similar request for planning permission has been made to the Forest of Dean district council (application number P1626/10/FUL).
I have noticed on the Forest of Dean council's website that yet again there are a small number of people in the Brockweir area objecting to the plans.
Reading the objections, it does seem to me that some of these objectors seem to believe that the Wye Valley exists solely for their benefit and any visitors to the area are a nuisance.
Inconveniently for this small number of objectors, I would point out that the Wye Valley area is understandably a tourist area and that myself and many other residents of the area are keen to have this excellent facility in our locality.
I am retired, in my 60s, and have lived in the local area for over fifty years. I try to cycle off road, away from traffic fumes, at least once a week.
I regularly use the excellent Peregrine Path from Monmouth to Symonds Yat, but it is rather a short path to cycle.
I am usually forced to drive to the Taff Trail or the Sustrans route from Llanfoist to Brynmawr for some off-road cycling with no severe gradients.
Like many other local people, I would greatly welcome this proposed new route in the Wye Valley. It would be particularly good for children who will be able to walk and cycle safely separated from traffic.
I would urge those many local people who would welcome this splendid proposed facility in the Wye Valley to write in support of the scheme both to Monmouthshire County Council and the Forest of Dean district council.
Mike Mason (Trellech)