Uninterrupted Welsh Coastal Path Will Not Benefit Public

Improving access to the Welsh coastline would be better served through the effective maintenance of the existing network of footpaths, rather than by creating an uninterrupted coastal path hugging the length and breadth of the country, according to farming union NFU Cymru.

Commenting on the Welsh Assembly Government's proposals to set up a Welsh coastal path NFU Cymru Rural Affairs Chairman, Bernard Llewellyn said, "The economic advantages of having a continuous coastal path are not proven, but what is needed is for the public to have better access to the coast. Many more people will benefit from getting access to parts of the coast, rather than to every single inch of the coastline.

"It is one thing creating a route but the crux will come in its maintenance and management afterwards. It is much better to spend on maintaining what you already have to a high standard, rather than creating a new network from scratch."

Mr Llewellyn added, "It is disappointing to see that the Assembly has not given due consideration to the primary users of much of the land immediately surrounding the Welsh coast, namely livestock farmers. Slopes running down to the sea are an integral part of livestock farming in many areas, and every year livestock is lost from being frightened by walkers or chased by dogs. If a coastal path is implemented there should be clear rules banning all but working dogs from the network."

Mr Llewellyn added, "Key link routes should be the starting point of any coastal access improvement programme and more importantly, they need to be developed with local communities and local landowners and occupiers. Without taking this approach the goodwill of the farming community, built up over many years in these areas, will be lost to the detriment of overall access."