PLANS to make roads and paths across Dwyfor and Meirionnydd safer have been welcomed.

A £1.8m investment is to be spent on footpaths and cycling throughout Gwynedd over the coming months and years.

Plaid councillor Peter Read, who represents the residents of Abererch on Gwynedd Council, said he has been pushing hard for investment from the Welsh Government to improve provision in his area.

“I’m proud of this news and delighted that we have been able to achieve this after years of correspondence, discussions and lobbying to the Welsh Government to invest in these local routes,” he said.

“Making a safe route for the people of Y Ffôr and Abererch to use on foot, with prams and by bike has been one of my priorities as a local councillor.

“So when the news finally came that investment will be made to create a new walking and cycling route on the A499 from Llanaelhaearn to Pwllheli, I was elated.

“There was no sense whatsoever that so much investment had been made to the paths previously in the area and having the path stop at Llanaelhaearn.

“Contracting work, negotiations about land purchase and plans are currently underway. It is hoped that the work will start in spring of next year.”

Throughout Dwyfor and Meirionnydd, several projects are under way to help make routes more cyclist/pedestrian friendly.

A new crossing point and improved footpath will be installed at Ysgol Cymerau, Pwllheli; route improvements will take place on the A496 between Llanelltyd and Barmouth; and a safer cycle route linking Trefor to Llanaelhaearn will also be constructed.

See this week’s north papers for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition on Thursday