THE latest phase of the Port Road cycle route, which will connect Barry Docks link road to Wenvoe, has been approved in a move set to further extend the Vale of Glamorgan's cycle network.

The £350,000 grant-aided scheme, approved by the Welsh Government, will help to link Barry Comprehensive, Bro Morgannwg and Bryn Hafren, with Gwenfo CIW Primary School.

It will also link to the new Redrow housing development on Port Road, Pugh’s Garden Centre, and Wenvoe village.

The Vale council have said that the new shared footway and cycleway will extend along the busy commuter route between Barry and Culverhouse Cross, "enabling students, commuters, and the public to travel safely and sustainably, whilst helping to reduce congestion".

Councillor Lis Burnett, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “The Vale of Glamorgan Council is delighted that this latest scheme has been approved.

"The route aims to give people the opportunity to get onto their bikes or into their walking shoes and choose a safer and healthier way of travelling.”

The funding comes as part of the £5 million made available under the Welsh Government’s Safe Routes in Communities programme to improve walking and cycling routes to schools and other community facilities across Wales.