QUESTIONS have been raised around the status of "one of the most beautiful places in south east Wales" - which has been closed to cars for the past five years.
Cwmcarn Forest Drive was closed to cars in 2014, when Natural Resources Wales (NRW) began felling trees to halt the spread of disease. Although it is open to walkers and cyclists, it remains closed to traffic five years later.
South Wales East AM Mohammad Asghar raised questions over the continued closure in the Assembly this week, saying opportunities posed by the end of tolls on the two Severn Bridges in December, as well as the impending opening of the new International Convention Centre at Newport's Celtic Manor Resort in May meant visitors could flock to the site.
Calling the area "one of the most beautiful places in south east Wales", the Conservative AM said: "Cwmcarn forest offers visitors a wide range of activities, including walking, fishing, mountain biking and, more than everything else, going with friends and family for barbecues there.
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"It's a wonderful place to go.
"However, this popular and scenic Cwmcarn Forest Drive still remains closed, since 2014, to cars, which is totally unacceptable.
"It is only for Natural Resources Wales to cut down thousands of diseased trees."
Addressing deputy culture, sport and tourism minister Dafydd Elis-Thomas, Mr Asghar asked: "What discussions have you undertaken on the effect of this closure on visitor numbers to Cwmcarn forest?
"And, what discussions have you had with ministerial colleagues to ensure the speedy reopening of this road so that visitors can come and enjoy the breathtaking scenery?"
Cwmcarn Forest Drive, pictured by Richard Morgan
Saying he would speak to NRW about the issue, Lord Elis-Thomas replied: "There are very exciting projects located near the Cwmcarn adventure hub, which is part of a £4.6 million Monmouthshire and Brecon canal adventure triangle, which is being promoted by Caerphilly County Borough Council, as well as Torfaen County Borough Council, and there will be a substantial benefit for this investment.
"This could include an enhancement at Cwmcarn forest for glamping accommodation, infrastructure works to the Crumlin arm of the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, and also improvements to trails to the wonderful Twmbarlwm in west Torfaen.
"All these are under discussion.
"I'm quite frankly more interested in people getting out of their cars and using our facilities.
"Of course, people can come in cars, but I would equally like to see people coming along our canal."
Cwmcarn Forest Drive
In July the Forest Drive was hit by wildfires, which spread across the area during the hot weather.
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