Council backs down on Clyne Valley tarmac plan after public outcry
The Old Carriage Drive bridleway, which links Derwen Fawr and Killay, became the focus of fierce local anger last year after residents discovered proposals to lay a hard tarmac surface along the rural route. Walkers, horseâriders and cyclists warned the scheme would âurbaniseâ one of the valleyâs most cherished green corridors, prompting protests, petitions and packed public meetings.
Now the council has confirmed it is rowing back on the original plan and will instead restore the bridleway using a more traditional surface dressing, improved drainage and lighterâtouch repairs designed to keep the routeâs natural character intact.
A clear shift after community pressure
Cllr Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, said the rethink came directly from the strength of feeling shown by residents and community groups.
âOur discussions with residents and community groups have come up with suggestions that will help enhance the route while also maintaining the look and feel of the local natural environment.â
âWeâve listened to what people have been saying about our original proposals and the result will see enhancements aiming to reflect many of their suggestions.â
He said the new approach would still improve accessibility, but without the hard urban finish many feared. The revised plan includes clearing drainage ditches, restoring the bridlewayâs original surface and improving connections to adjoining paths.
A woodland section of the Clyne Valley path network, part of the area set for a softer, natureâfriendly upgrade. (Image: Swansea Council)
Residents claim victory after months of opposition
Locals had slammed the tarmac plan as âcompletely inappropriateâ, staging a protest walk through the valley in a bid to stop it. The councilâs reversal is already being seen by many as a significant climbdown.
Campaigners had warned that tarmac would damage the valleyâs ecology, increase speeds on the route and erase the historic feel of the Old Carriage Drive. Some accused the council of pushing through a scheme that ignored the bridlewayâs rural status.
Part of wider investment â but with a lighter touch
The council says the new works will complement more than ÂŁ1 million already spent upgrading the main Clyne Valley Path, which has been widened and resurfaced in recent years to cope with rising footfall. But unlike the main route, the Old Carriage Drive will now retain its woodland character.
Cllr Stevens said the upgrade would âadd to and continue the significant investmentâ in the country park, while ensuring the bridleway remains in keeping with its surroundings.
What happens next?
Detailed designs for the revised scheme will be drawn up in the coming months, with work expected to focus on restoring the bridlewayâs original surface rather than replacing it with tarmac.
For many residents, the shift marks a rare moment where community pressure has directly reshaped a council project â and a win for those determined to keep Clyne Valleyâs woodland routes as natural as possible.
More on the Clyne Valley row
Protest planned over Clyne Valley bridleway resurfacing
Residents organise a protest walk after plans emerge to tarmac the historic route.
Residents voice anger over plans to resurface historic Clyne bridleway
Walkers, cyclists and horseâriders condemn the proposal as âcompletely inappropriateâ.
#ActiveTravel #bridleway #CllrAndrewStevens #ClyneValley #ClyneValleyCountryPark #ClyneValleyWoods #DerwenFawr #Killay #OldCarriageDrive #SwanseaCouncil #tarmac
Low Orbit Tourist đđ·
mirror
Johan Noldal
Editor
