THE proposal to build a cycle track through the Wye Valley

has been the subject of many emotive articles and

published opinions. It must be remembered that much of

that material has no bearing on planning criteria and

planning committees must restrict their deliberations to

appropriate matters or they may find themselves subject

to judicial review. Monmouthshire County Council has

already been scrutinised and their procedures found

wanting over their handling of a previous application by

Sustrans and the outcome was costly for local tax payers.

The financial cost of the project is not a planning

criterion but should planning consent be achieved in this

case it would become very significant. Sustrans' charitable

charter allows it to contribute 50 per cent of the capital

costs of the project and the remaining capital and all

future maintenance costs must be met locally. Given that

the Wye Valley and the Forest of Dean already offer

considerable "off-road" opportunities for cyclists and

walkers it might be considered profligate in this time of

financial hardship for local tax-payers to have to

contribute to this scheme. If councils really have any spare

resources perhaps they should be spent on increasing

public transport provision which would enable larger

numbers of folk of all ages and abilities to travel in all

weather conditions.

– Mrs R.Dagger, Fox Cottage, Llandogo.