Swansea Council recently faced disappointment as it was granted only £50,000 for a project it had hoped to secure £1m for. The project in question was a cycle and pedestrian path in Gower, specifically the proposed Bishopston to Mayals route across Clyne Common. This funding shortfall marked the lowest sum awarded to Swansea Council for Active Travel projects in 2025-26, despite the council’s track record of receiving higher sums in previous years.
While the council had initially requested over £1m from the Welsh Government for the project, it received a mere fraction of that amount. The cycle campaign group Wheelrights expressed their disappointment at the funding announcement, stating that local residents had long awaited a safe route away from heavy traffic. The intended 2.4km shared-use path, which would also accommodate horse riders, has already obtained planning permission and aims to link Bishopston to the seafront on Swansea Bay.
Cllr Andrew Stevens, the cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, reiterated the council’s commitment to the Clyne Common project despite the funding setback. He assured that the received funds would enable the council to progress the scheme and bring the route to fruition promptly. Additionally, plans for any construction work on common land would be subject to Welsh ministerial consent under the 2006 Commons Act.
The Welsh Government clarified that funding applications for transport projects were evaluated based on their alignment with specific criteria. While some projects might receive less funding initially, it is often due to the need for further preparatory work before they can be successfully implemented. Swansea Council had previously encountered obstacles when a planning inspector ruled against the initial proposal in 2023, citing concerns related to commoners’ rights and environmental conservation.
The project to build a shared-use path across Clyne Common has garnered significant support, with over 2,500 signatures on a petition advocating for improved safety for cyclists and pedestrians. Gower Access Path, a group championing the initiative for the past seven years, highlighted the positive reception the project has received during consultation events. Despite the funding setback, councilor Lyndon Jones expressed confidence that the project would proceed with community backing.
Swansea Council’s allocation of core Active Travel funding for 2025-26 includes provisions for various schemes aimed at enhancing sustainable transport options within the city and its surrounding areas. While the council did secure funding for other transport-related projects, including bus enhancements and flood drainage improvements, the partial allocation for key schemes like the Clyne Common shared-use path has raised questions about the pace of progress on the ground.
In conclusion, the Clyne Common project stands as a testament to Swansea Council’s ongoing efforts to promote active travel and improve connectivity for residents and visitors alike. Despite the initial setback in funding, the council remains resolute in its commitment to delivering the proposed cycle and pedestrian path, underscoring the importance of sustainable transport infrastructure in enhancing the quality of life in Swansea and its environs.