PLANS for a multi-user cycle path in Newent will be revisited by town councillors next week.

Newent Cycling Group’s proposals to install a shared user path along the Jubilee Walk near Newent Lake had been quashed by Newent Town Council earlier this year.

However, three councillors came forward and proposed revisiting the council’s decision at the meeting.

The Newent Cycling Group plan to link the Jubilee Walk with the bypass (B4215) by upgrading it to become a multi user path.

David Price, of Newent Cycling Group, said: “We are pleased to have been given the opportunity to discuss our vision with the Council.

“We understand that there were some concerns, so our presentation will try help allay these concerns with the councillors.”

District Councillor Craig Lawton (Conservative, Oxenhall and Newent North East) said: “This looks like a great opportunity for the Jubilee Walk to be improved and, in doing so, also increase the public awareness of it.

“The cycling group realise that this is just one part of the bigger picture in terms of connecting Newent and the Forest via active travel routes.

“As the Forest’s Health Champion I am behind any projects that can help people become more active and, in this case, also stay safe.

Mr Price added “Our ultimate aim is to see a designated shared space continue up to Picklenash School and then eventually link up with other networks so you could travel to Gloucester.

“This would mean that parents and children could travel across Newent, and further, safely, whether by cycling or walking.

“There are many examples across Europe of shared spaces being extremely safe for everyone using them.

“Sustrans, a national organisation promoting sustainable transport, advises that where there are not large amounts of people using a space at the same time, not dividing it between cyclists and non-cyclists is in fact safer as everyone takes care.

“We would like to work with Newent Town Council on this project so that we can all improve our area.

"We are more than happy to discuss alternative viable routes with them as well as other surfaces, if they wish, so we can make sure this helps everyone."

Newent Town Council will hear a presentation from Newent Cycling Group at their next meeting on Monday 26 October 2015.