We, the residents and business owners of Frongoch and Penllyn area, wish to emphasise our need for a cycle / walking path from the National White Water Centre to the town of Bala.

The Social Services and Well Being Act looks to encourage a more independent and healthy population.  The Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013 aims to incorporate cycling as a means of transport to help achieve this.  In Frongoch we are not on any bus route.  The main A4212 to Bala is a busy and dangerous road that is certainly not safe to walk along.   In fact, there is no space at all in parts of it to walk along.  A local resident has twice been knocked off his bike and many more have had close shaves along this stretch of road. 

 A feasibility study has already been completed by the National Park around a path from the National White Water Centre in Frongoch down to Bala with several possible routes having been explored.  They have been very supportive of this idea.  Such a path would link up nicely with the Bala Lake Cycle Path.

Most households in the area have to own two cars because of the lack of any other way to get into Bala for work, education and leisure.  Children in Frongoch have to be transported the 2.5 miles to the local secondary school and if they attend the 6^th Form their parents are expected to pay for this transport! 

At present, young people can only access the variety of activities, clubs and work experience opportunities available in Bala if their parents are able to transport them.  Would it not be much healthier for both adults and children alike if they could be encouraged to use a safe path every day?  This would encourage young people to develop their independence and freedom.   Such a path would also benefit parents and very young children that could be wheeled, toddle, peddle or run along it freely and safely.

This area relies heavily on the tourist industry to survive economically.  There are many camp sites, as well as bed and breakfast and self-catering accommodation.  The National White Water Centre is an excellent facility and a cycle path would be a great asset to this business.  Businesses cannot advertise this area as a cycle friendly area because it is not safe to cycle.  If visitors have to get into their cars they are more likely to take their business (shopping and leisure) further afield rather than using the facilities available in the Bala area. 

We have received several messages of support from our A.M., M.P., local councillors, the National Park and the local community.  We ask and hope that your committee can push forward this initiative with those people who can make it happen.  We firmly believe that this will improve the quality of people’s lives in this area and indeed help to make it a more prosperous, healthy and safer place to live.        

Yours faithfully,

A group of Frongoch residents