THERE was standing room only as objectors and supporters of the proposed multi-use Sustrans cyclepath between Chepstow and Brockweir spoke at an extraordinary meeting of Brockweir and Hewelsfield Parish Council last Wednesday (October 27).

Chaired by Luke Wilson, around 14 speakers were allowed two minutes each to put their cases.

Boat owner, Jim Simpson, queried clearance for craft under the proposed truss bridge to be built across the Wye to Old Station Tintern.

Michael Gordon was concerned about the bridge and how it would stand up to: "The winds that come up the river. It could corrode very badly, what with the salt from the river."

Sean Cassidy said: "I totally oppose this cycle track. It has split our village and is totally divisive. I am not a NIMBY there is room for cyclists, walkers and for people walking their dogs and I am not against them at all. But with this path we will be flooded with people thinking this is paradise. They'll come, do what they want for the weekend and then we'll have to clean up the mess. If this path happens our whole village will change forever."

Other voices were raised with fears of the impact on wildlife (particularly bats), the maintainence costs and who would pay to clear up after landslides. But particular concern was reserved for parking. There is genuinely no feasible parking in Brockweir at all and claims by Sustrans about useage of 4,167 cars for the Tintern Connect 2 (Wye Valley route) as compared to 28,139 for the nearby Peregrine Path between Monmouth and Symonds Yat were widely derided.

"Where, oh Lord, are they going to park?" said an exasperated Milly Hollinshead.

Judy Millis said: "Sustrans were told to produce a national assessment of users. Do they really think there's going to be less users on a national route when it is published nationally? They have grossly underestimated numbers."

In support, David Rook said: "We now have about 1,000 plus members in support and 90 per cent live within two miles of the river. A good proportion, 34 per cent in this parish have voted for the path. Ninety per cent of under 18-year-olds voted for the path. Are you thinking about younger residents or older residents? We think this will be a really positive amenity."

Guy Worrall also spoke in favour.

"We're in favour of the cyclepath. We've got children in Wyedean, this will give them the opportunity to socialise with their friends in Chepstow rather than spending all their time here. And we believe people will be starting out from Chepstow (Sustrans has agreed parking with Wyedean School)."

Bob Brown, one of the last speakers, said: "In principle the path is a good idea but there are serious inconsistencies. The path will totally change our environment, something I consider very precious. I think the cycle track will change it forever and ruin it, and it is much too unique to do that."

The parish council said it would consider the feelings of the community and report its findings to the district council.

•Cllr Alastair Fraser (Tidenham) says he has suggested to Sustrans that it puchase a former oil storage depot behind the Brockweir Inn and by the Horse and Pony Protection Association's rescue centre.

Cllr Fraser told the Review: "It is contaminated land so shouldn't cost too much and it could be used for car parking which could solve some of the parking issues and help the pub and HAPPA."