The lane, more properly known as Lon Waungau, is a convenient walking route from the village, past farmland and over the hill, to the town of Aberystwyth, a couple of miles away. Like many others, I walk this ancient, banked path almost daily as it offers an excellent window on the changing seasons – with the bonus of often meeting someone you know for a chat.
One such encounter occurred earlier this year, when talk of plans and proposals sent me scurrying home to check the council website. Sure enough, a new combined cycling and walking route had been agreed to help safely connect the small communities in the area – currently linked by a fast, narrow trunk road. An official notice in the local paper set the start date for August – with the lane to be closed for months.
August came and went, but the lane stayed open. Then a few weeks ago things got serious. From the top of the village came the unsettling sound of chainsaws and woodchippers as the new route was cleared in a robust but clinical fashion. The lane was closed with sturdy barriers and substantial excavations began to improve drainage and rebuild a side section of footpath that has been dormant for many years.
As the biggest event in the village for some time, the work has led to much discussion at the bus stop – and, naturally, opinions vary. Most people are broadly supportive, especially regarding improved safety, but the scale of the project has caught folk by surprise and there is concern for the future of the wildlife that is such a feature here.
Looking again at the plans, a lot of thought seems to have gone into this issue – with a new pond, turfed earth banks and replanted hedgerows included in the schedule of works, and the workers on the ground seem thoughtful and engaged. When complete, if things go to plan, the raw scars that are still emerging will blur and heal. The process will be long, but if properly supported the project will allow more people better access to enjoy the varied environments around the village – and that has to be a good thing.
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