MULTIMILLION pound plans for a safe pedestrian and cycle path linking Barmouth Bridge and the town’s harbour’ have taken a step forward.

Top Welsh Government officials met with the Barmouth Viaduct Access Group on Thursday to discuss the plans following major concerns about people risking their lives on the A496.

Welsh Government minister Ken Skates, Cabinet secretary for economy and transport, and shadow secretary of state for Wales, Christina Rees MP, travelled to Barmouth for a formal visit to discuss plans for an alternative route.

Approximately 150,000 people cross the bridge every year but in order to reach the bridge from the harbour, pedestrians and cyclists must take their life in their hands and walk along the busy A496 for a stretch to reach the iconic wooden viaduct.

The Barmouth Viaduct Access Group (B-VAG) has already completed the groundwork of establishing a safe route to the bridge that follows the edge of the beach.

B-VAG carried out a survey in 2016 that discovered that, while over 90 per cent of bridge users think the bridge path is an excellent-value facility, 98 per cent also think the access is “dangerous” and “impossible­ for those with add­itional needs”.

It is estimated the project will cost approximately £3m, according to an economic report.