A RIVERSIDE cycle track proposal for the lower Wye Valley looks certain to run into considerable local opposition. Objectors have called a public meeting for next Tuesday.
Though members of the Joint Advisory Committee for the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty have delayed a decision on the route – they want further information on levels and patterns of usage and the advantages and disadvantages to the local economy – opponents of the scheme are gearing up for a major battle.
In a statement to the Review they say an alternative and less damaging route should be sought away from the river.
"The route of the cycleway has been moved well away from the river between Hereford and Ross-on-Wye to a quiet lane route. Why not do the same for the lower Wye Valley gorge area?" said Mr Allan Carpenter, of Bigsweir.
Another local man, Mr Ian Norman, has created a photo montage which he claims will give residents an idea of how the track would look on the riverside meadows at Brockweir.
"It would be a tragedy if they are allowed to go ahead and build this ugly, mini road in the middle of the Wye Valley which is famous for its beauty. It would be a scar on the landscape forever and be very visible from many parts of the valley. How can they be allowed to disfigure the Wye Valley in this way?," he said.
The public meeting is to be held at the Moravian Church Hall, Brockweir, next Tuesday at 7.30pm.