Welshpool misses out as cash secured for more cycle, walking routes

Work to improve key walking and cycling routes in Newtown and Llanidloes is set to begin in the new year after Powys County Council secured further Welsh Government funding, but there's nothing in the pot for the Welshpool area this time around.

The latest round of Safe Routes in Communities and Active Travel funding, supported by Transport for Wales, will see construction start on two schemes from as early as January 2026, aimed at making short everyday journeys safer and more accessible.

In Newtown, improvements will be made along Dolfor Road, between Plantation Lane and the railway bridge. The scheme will upgrade the existing footway, introduce a new road crossing and create a direct connection to the Treowen Active Travel paths. Green infrastructure will also be added along the route, improving the environment for pedestrians and cyclists.

The work is expected to strengthen links between residential areas and established active travel routes, encouraging more people to walk or cycle for local journeys.

In Llanidloes, a separate scheme will focus on Llangurig Road and Smithfield Street, upgrading the footway between Gro Car Park and Llangurig Road. The improved route will connect directly to the shared use path installed during 2024 and 2025, creating a continuous active travel link between the car park and local schools.

Once complete, the route is expected to improve access for pupils and families travelling to and from school, while also helping to reduce traffic congestion on Llangurig Road at peak times.

Cllr Jackie Charlton, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys, said the new funding would help build on recent progress.

“With work soon to begin on these schemes, we are delighted to keep up the active travel momentum and increase the growing network of routes within the county,” she said.

“Welsh Government have made it clear that active travel must be the natural mode of choice for short everyday journeys such as commuting to work, school or local shops. Continued investment into practical routes like these in Newtown and Llanidloes will help us move closer to that goal.”

Work in Newtown is expected to start in early January, with construction in Llanidloes following a few weeks later. Traffic management measures will be in place throughout the projects, and the council has said it will aim to keep disruption to a minimum.