Anglesey council is encouraging Benllech residents and visitors to have their say on proposed new active travel provisions in the area.

Potential improvements to walking and cycling routes in and around the seaside village form part of a newly launched consultation.

If supported, it is hoped that these improvements would encourage more people to take advantage of active ways of travelling.

Active travel means walking and cycling for the purpose of making journeys. The definition includes travel to work, travel to educational facilities, shops, leisure facilities and travel to public transport interchanges.

Previous studies have highlighted a lack of active travel provision in Benllech. Historical issues such as road safety concerns in the square and illegal parking in the village centre have also discouraged people from walking and cycling around the area.

This active travel proposal now under consideration include:

• improvements to the active travel infrastructure in the village centre (the square).
• introducing a one-way system along Beach Road and a short section of the B5108 towards Ysgol Goronwy Owen.
• amendments to the B5108 / Lon Pant y Cudyn junction
• improvements on the A5025 in the village.

The online consultation is now live and will close on 16 August 2023. 

There will also be an opportunity to attend in-person at a public consultation event held at Neuadd Goronwy Owen on 19 July between 3pm and 7pm.

Anglesey’s Head of Service Highways Waste and Property, Huw Percy said:

“Active travel schemes are about making walking and cycling for short journeys safer and more pleasant, whilst cutting emissions and protecting people’s health.”

He added, “We are also aware of road safety issues in the vicinity of the Square and have attempted to overcome such barriers as part of the proposals.”

“The proposed scheme will support our aims to make the area more accessible for pedestrians and cyclists and creating a generally safer road safety environment.”

The project, which is led Anglesey Council, is supported by both Welsh Government and Transport for Wales.

Anglesey Council’s Highways Waste and Property Portfolio Holder, Dafydd Rhys Thomas explained:

“We are committed to providing active travel opportunities for residents and visitors to walk or cycle safely around Benllech - whether travelling to work, school, local shops or just to keep fit and healthy.”

He added, “I would encourage anyone that lives in or visits Benllech to take part in our consultation and have their say on the proposed plans.”

Notes to editors

For those unable to access our online engagement material, printed copies of the survey can be made available upon request.

Please contact the Sustainable Transport team for further information on: ActiveTravel@anglesey.gov.wales / 01248 752 300

Ends 5 July 2023