Year 6 pupils from Ysgol Glan Conwy were recently invited on-site to view the development of a new Active Travel route beside the RSPB reserve in Glan Conwy and to take part in naming elements of the scheme. The route, which council officers say will open access to local amenities and natural spaces, is scheduled for an official opening later this year.
Children shape names and leave legacy
During a school council session pupils shortlisted names put forward by residents and considered how each option reflected the route’s purpose: encouraging walking, improving connections and celebrating local heritage. The final selections made by the project team give the overall route and its bridges Welsh names that reflect the village’s history and landscape.
“It’s been wonderful to see the pupils get so engaged with this… I’m really proud of them all.”
That comment came from Michelle Evans, a teacher at Ysgol Glan Conwy, who praised pupils for taking the task seriously and for their enthusiasm. Pupils also contributed a time capsule to be buried at the site ahead of the route’s formal opening.
Why the route matters locally
Conwy County Council members involved in the project have emphasised the scheme’s practical aims: to provide safer walking and cycling connections within Glan Conwy, to reduce the need for pedestrians to use the busy Black Cat Roundabout crossing, and to improve access to community facilities and green space.
- Community engagement: school council involvement gives young people a direct voice in local projects.
- Active travel benefits: encourages walking and cycling, promoting healthier travel choices.
- Heritage recognition: bridge names reflect local legend and village history.
Councillors described the scheme as a long-term investment in sustainable travel for the village. Cllr Sharon Doleman, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Glan Conwy ward member, said involving the school council strengthened the connection between residents and the project. Cllr Mike Priestley, Cabinet Member for Environment, Roads and Facilities, noted the amount of work involved in creating the route and its bridges.
Names chosen for route and bridges
| Element | Chosen name |
|---|---|
| Overall route | Lôn yr Adar |
| Railway bridge | Pont Sanffraid |
| Ganol Bridge | Pont y Brwyn |
Further details on opening dates and access arrangements will be published by the council in due course. For residents, the new route is intended to be a lasting addition to Glan Conwy’s transport and recreational infrastructure, improving safety and connecting the village more directly with the surrounding natural environment.
