A new bridge for Govilon

A newly installed bridge was officially opened last week in Govilon on the popular walking and cycling route that links the village to Llanfoist. Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority Member Margaret Underwood attended the celebration on Thursday 5^th May, to cut the ribbon. Margaret was joined by walkers, cyclists and the National Park Wardens who look after the path.

The original bridge, above the B4246 Govilon to Llanfoist road was installed in 1994 on what was previously the railway link between Abergavenny and Brynmawr. After 22 years the wooden A frame structure had reached the end of its life and has been replaced with a new sturdier timber frame to make sure that the many people, both on foot and by bicycle who use the route can cross it safely in the years to come. The works were made possible by funding from the Welsh Government’s Rights of Way Improvement Plan grant which is overseen by Natural Resource Wales. Further funding also came from the Welsh Government’s Access Grant.

Mrs Underwood said, “This bridge is part of a much loved walking and cycle route used by both the community and visitors to the area and some of those users have joined us here today. It is wonderful to see the volunteers who work to keep this path clean and tidy all year round and on behalf of the Authority I would like to thank them. We hope that everyone will continue to enjoy this route and I am happy to cut the ribbon and officially declare this bridge open once more –  returning the route to the community.”

Cath Barton, Chair of the local ‘Abergavenny Walking for Health Group’ who came along to the opening with group members added, “The new bridge is fantastic as it shows this path is well cared for, making it appealing and encouraging people to get outdoors and walk over it. For our group this route is particularly important as it is accessible to everyone, allowing anyone to join us to enjoy the wider social and health benefits of being outside in the countryside.”

-ENDS-