Newtown bids to become exemplar for sustainable travel under Assembly Government Sustainable Towns Initiative

10.08.20am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 19th Jun 2008

In the midst of National Bike Week 2008, Montgomeryshire AM Mick Bates is taking action to put Newtown on the map as an exemplar of sustainable transport, by proposing the town as a demonstration town under the Assembly Government's 'Sustainable Towns Initiative', which aims to enhance opportunities for walking and cycling, improved public transport and better travel planning.

Commenting Mick Bates AM: "In Newtown we have long faced particular challenges relating to poor road infrastructure, poor rail links and a limiting network of buses, whilst being the industrial and commercial heart of Mid Wales.

"Just last week Powys County Council announced that it would axe the 'Book a Bus' service between Llanidloes and Newtown, as well as the service in Machynlleth. 'Book a Bus' has provided a lifeline for many residents who often struggle to access local services.

"At a time when fuel prices are escalating and when public transport must be improved and promoted, this decision will weigh heavy in peoples' pockets as well as on the environment, as people are forced back into their cars.

"It is vital that we begin to build cheap, low carbon travel opportunities for people in rural areas. One of the best ways to remove local traffic from congested highways is to provide excellent cycling and walking facilities and the health gains from this are undisputed.

"Over 60% of the journeys we make in Wales are less than 5 miles, so travelling by foot or by bike is often far quicker than driving, not to mention better for the health and the environment.

"We have long called for a bypass in Newtown, but the real solution lies in improving our public transport system and providing better routes and facilities for cycling and walking, to make it easier for people to leave their cars at home.

"By making these improvements we can encourage more people to walk or cycle for everyday journeys such as shopping, getting to work or visiting friends and family.

"I have written to the Minister for Transport, Ieuan Wyn Jones, to put forward the case for Newtown to become a demonstration town under the Sustainable Towns Initiative, so that we can become an exemplar of sustainable travel. This could form part of a package of measures for Newtown to improve air quality, congestion on the roads, improve our health and encourage access to outlying villages via the canal and riversides."