A NEW cycle route in the Wye Valley could bring great benefits to the area.

It is hoped to transform the old Wye Valley Railway line into a walking and cycling route between Chepstow and Tintern and Brockweir.

The proposal from transport group Sustrans, which can be seen at Monmouthshire council planning offices, has been welcomed by Wye Valley cyclists who should soon be able to travel in safety along the lower Wye Valley.

Wye Valley Communities for Safer Cycling has been supporting plans for a cycle path for more than a year.

Group member Rob Barker said: "The proposed cycle route between Tintern and Chepstow, with the new link over the river to Tintern Station and Brockweir, will provide a real boost to the quality of life for lower Wye Valley residents and visitors alike."

As part of the plans a new lightweight bridge would span the Wye, replacing the railway bridge on the approach to Tintern Old Station Visitor Centre and giving better access between Brockweir and Tintern.

Chris Vanburen, from Tintern. a member of Wye Valley Communities for Safer Cycling, said he was pleased at the plans.

He said: "Right now for the kids to ride their bikes we have to load them in the car and take them somewhere even though we live in Tintern.

"People will be able to ride safely on the cycle path between the two towns."

Rupert Crosbee, from Sustrans, said they had made every effort to produce a proposal which is environmentally sensitive for the location.

He said: "We believe that the path will become highly popular and well-used without detriment to the environment."

A previous proposal submitted by Sustrans two years ago for a route through the whole of the Wye Valley received opposition from local people and groups and was rejected.

A spokeswoman for Sustrans said this recent proposal was for local links and added that although they may receive opposition the plan also has supporters.