CONTROVERSIAL plans to allow a multi-use cycle path through the Gloucestershire part of the Wye Valley have been given the go-ahead.

The proposed path from Chepstow to Brockweir was debated at a packed meeting of the Forest of Dean District Council's Development Control Committee earlier this week (November 9).

Cllr David Thomson said: "This is a tourism initiative not a scheme to benefit local people."

Local member, Cllr Patrick Molyneaux said: "The idea of a cycle path is excellent but sadly the reality is completely different especially when it comes to car parking provision."

Cllr Norman Stephens said: "There are a lot of concerns about this, but a lot of safeguards as well."

After a 90 minute debate, the vote was eight for, six against and one abstention.