Cycle bridge makes link between Blackwood and Markham (From South Wales Argus)
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Cycle bridge makes link between Blackwood and Markham
9:40pm Wednesday 15th February 2012 in News
Markham primary school pupils, from left; Bethany Parry, 11, Holly Horton, 10, Dylan Elliott , 10, Evan Bunston 10, and Emily Jones, 10, ride across the new Sustrans bridge at Argoed
A NEW walking and cycling bridge was officially opened in Argoed last week.
Pupils from Markham Primary School opened the bridge which is on route 467 of the National Cycle Network between Blackwood and Markham.
The new bridge makes it a safe route for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
It is designed to enhance tourism and is part of a project to get an extra 100 miles of new walking and cycling paths created in the area.
The three-year project will receive £17 million worth of funding which includes £9 million from the Welsh Government, £6.4 million from the Convergence European Regional Development Fund and £1 million from the Big Lottery Fund.
The pupils, who tried out bikes and scooters on the bridge, also revealed the bridge's new name - Quoits Wood Crossing - as Argoed was once a famous place for playing the traditional game of Quoits.
Sustainable transport charity Sustrans Cymru, Newport Gwent Dragons rugby players and local politicians were also at the opening.
A local resident raised some concerns at the opening about the cost of the bridge and its location.
But project manager Rachel Lister said he later apologised by telephone and said he was happy with the bridge.
She said he would be meeting with a planning officer to discuss his concerns.
