PLANS for a shared cycle path near Newent Lake have been quashed by local councillors over safety concerns.

Newent Cycling Group had proposed installing a shared user path along the Jubilee Walk. However, Newent Town Council rejected the plans because they feared 'cyclists would collide with pedestrians'.

According to the group this would provide a safe cycling area within the town and would link the east and west sides of the town.

A spokesperon for the group said: "We are disappointed with the decision. There's nowhere in Newent were parents can take their children to ride a bike safely.

"The main reasons for having the multi use cycle path is to reduce congestion in the town, for people to more active lifestyles and build cycling into people's everyday lives.

"We had thought of using an all weather surface that could be used by both cyclists and wheel chair users."

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