Minutes

Councillor Towensend asked:

Further to the recent announcement of the award  of active travel transport grants to  the Council, by Welsh government, could the cabinet member outline how schemes were identified and prioritised?

In the past few years, travel grants have gone largely towards Devon Place, St David’s RC Primary, Gaer and Gwastad Lock bridge.

There seems to be none allocated to any community east of the River Usk?

Given the poor air quality as well as a shortage of green areas in some parts east of the river, there is a need to demonstrate that all communities within Newport are being given appropriate consideration.

Will the cabinet member commit, in future, to reviewing the schemes that are put forward and which will ensure a better geographical coverage of the city?

Councillor R Howells responded:

Thank you for your question.

I can confirm that it is not correct that no active travel allocation has been made east of the river.

This year includes work at Hendre Farm Drive and Glan Llyn for example and in recent years we have seen investment in multiple sites such as Monkey Island and school walking routes for Maindee and Glan Usk funded through active travel.

Selection criteria for the schemes took place as part of the 2021-2022 review of the Active Travel Network Map.

I’m not sure if the councillor responded to the consultation at the time, but the next review will commence in 2026 and I would urge her to put forward any candidate sites for consideration as part of this process.