AN AMBITIOUS plan to create a new family friendly cycle track along the old railway line from Usk to Little Mill has just been unveiled.

The group believes that an initial investment of £350,000 would be enough to cover the costs of clearing the track and upgrading the surface.

And by using a team of volunteers to work on the labour intensive part of a community project it will keep the overall costs of the complete project down to a minimum in a scheme that has been estimated at £2.3 million.

The scheme is still very much in the negotiation stage as the group are currently seeking permission from the routes various landowners, which include BAE Systems at Glascoed, Monmouthshire County Council and Coleg Gwent.

But the success of the project relies on getting permission from

Network Rail as the proposed cycleway would need to link with the main road at the railway bridge in Little Mill.

Monmouth Assembly Member Nick Ramsay said last week that he was supporting the initiative and has promised to do all he can to help promote the scheme after being approached by a constituent who told him that local families are missing out on safe cycling provision.

He added: "Although there is a Sustrans route through the town, this is mainly road based and not safe for families who currently have to travel to Abergavenny, Newport and into Torfaen to find safe cycle provision.

"Local horse riders are also restricted to using a limited number of rural tracks.

"I believe there is a very strong case for creating a cycleway by making use of the disused railway track.

Not only would local families benefit from safe cycling provision but it would also be an added attraction for visitors to the area and would help boost tourism.

"College staff and students might also be encouraged to use the route as an alternative, safe and healthy means of travel.

"I will be lobbying Network Rail about gaining access near the railway bridge and I shall be doing what I can to help take the scheme forward."