A project to create a linked-up series of cycle and walking paths around Monmouth has been making progress.

The Monmouth Links Project was started in 2005 with the aim of creating eight inter-linking routes around the town centre, connecting it to Wyesham, Osbaston, Overmonnow and the Rockfield estate.

The project is partly responsible for the new crossing point on Hereford Road, which is designed to help children going to and from Osbaston Primary School and Monmouth Comprehensive School.

Substantial work has also been carried out on the cycle path which runs alongside the River Monnow and past the allotments underneath the A40.

New paths have been laid and fences constructed, and the project also accounts for the work taking place on Beech Road.

The realignment of the island at the junction of Rockfield Road and Watery Lane is to improve the junction for cyclists and pedestrians.

Links project co-ordinators are now looking for permission to go through Drybridge Park and provide cycle racks at Monnow Vale Hospital.

At a recent group meeting, Gwyn Smith of Sustrans said the hospital were "extremely supportive of the scheme."

He also said the group had looked at the possibility of improving the May Hill area for cyclists and pedestrians.

"The Connect 2 team cannot do much in that area – the roads are already the minimum size for trucks moving through the area," he said.

"We are also looking to improve safety in Redbrook Road, but there will be no physical measures – it will be done with warning lights, road markings etc."