A PETITION calling for a new shared use cycle path running from Chepstow to Tintern has generated more than 2,000 signatures. Members from Transition Chepstow are requesting the re-opening and revamp of the disused railway line between Chepstow and Monmouth. Nik Peregrine and Jennifer Goslin of Transition Chepstow felt the area needed a safe place for children to practise their cycle skills. The group says the county would benefit from having a cycle path which would allow people to enjoy the Wye Valley. If it goes ahead Transition Chepstow predicts a boost in business opportunities and an increase in sustainable forms of transport. After being approached by the group, voluntary organisation Sustrans who support safe and environmentally friendly links, submitted a planning application for the path in August 2010. The petition was posted earlier this year by Transition Chepstow volunteers following their disappointment over the speed of the application going through Monmouthshire County Council (MCC). So far the petition has received more than 2,000 signatures and according to the group it will run until it has enough to persuade the Welsh Assembly and MCC that the path is a vital resource to the area. A spokesperson for MCC said: "The Sustrans planning application has not been progressed because of outstanding parking concerns raised by our highways department affecting Tintern itself and we understand that Sustran does not have any funding set aside to progress the scheme. "If Transition Chepstow submits a fresh application, the council as planning authority would be happy to discuss this with them at the pre-application stage. "We understand that Transition Chepstow is considering a more piecemeal proposal using former railway land but much of this (at least within the initial stages) is in the Forest of Dean area and would be dealt with by that planning authority." For more details about the path and to sign the petition, visit: wyecycle.co.uk