Waterside works cause Swansea diversions

BETTER cycling and walking facilities will soon be available along Swansea's River Tawe waterside.

Work will start from next week on improving the pedestrian and cycle path between the Tawe river bridge and Swansea Yacht Club.

Surfaces will be improved and new trees, seating, bins, railings and public lighting columns will be installed under the scheme.

The footpath between the Dylan Thomas Centre and Sainsbury will also be closed for four weeks from the outset of the project.

Swansea Council and the Welsh Assembly Government support the upgrade and expect the works to be complete by the end of April next year.

The main route will be closed to enable the works to be carried out and a diversion will be put in place.

Access to the Sailbridge and SA1 from the East Burrows car park will be unaffected.

The upgrade scheme is being funded by the Assembly Government's Strategic Regeneration Area programme and Swansea Council and forms part of an enhancement programme under the City Centre Strategic Framework- a policy that will guide the regeneration of Swansea and generate better links between the city centre and waterfront.

Cllr Gareth Sullivan, Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Economic and Strategic Development, said: "This is another major pedestrianised upgrade that follows on from the near £4million improvement of the city centre's pedestrianised area.

"The project will further develop better links between the city centre and the waterfront and will lead to an upgraded recreational facility that both residents and visitors to the city can enjoy once the scheme is complete.

"Disruption will be kept to a minimum and I'd ask foot and cycle path users to be patient while the upgrade takes place."

Leighton Andrews, The Welsh Assembly Government's Deputy Minister for Regeneration, said the work will not only extend the existing cycling network in the city but will also open up and improve the River Tawe corridor.

He said: "The Tawe is one of Swansea's most attractive natural assets and it's good to see that this project goes some way towards making the most of this feature and making it accessible for people to enjoy."