printed 15 March 2024
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Cyclists and walkers are a step nearer to with the ability to journey safely between two villages for the Church of Scotland.
The Common Trustees leased a parcel of land in Galloway to open a brand new visitors free route between Penpont and Thornhill in Dumfries and Galloway.
The official opening of the primary of a three-phase scheme to create Nithsdale lively journey routes is being held on March 23 from 11am to 1pm.
Individuals are requested to assemble on the Glebe Subject entrance to Penpont Church Corridor.
Morag Menier, Head of Land and Estates for the Common Trustees, the property holding arm of the Church of Scotland, mentioned: “The Common Trustees had been delighted to assist the native church and group present all entry routes between the villages, masking a portion of the grounds at Penpont and Thornhill.
“They’ve additionally offered the adjoining discipline for use as a campsite later within the 12 months for a bicycle rally.
“The Church is blessed to have the ability to assist and share on this means.”
The mission is being led by Keir Penpont and Tynron Improvement Belief, supported by £1,557,806 of Scottish Authorities funding, administered by means of Sustrans Scotland’s Locations for Everybody programme.
Benches and bike stands have additionally been put in in two placemaking areas alongside the route, enabling folks to relaxation whereas having fun with the encircling surroundings.
When Phases 1B and 1C of the mission are accomplished, a 2.4 mile path will join Penpont and Thornhill, enabling residents to soundly stroll, wheel and cycle between the 2 villages.
Group help
John Fawcett, Clerk of Session for Penpont Care and Tynron Church, mentioned: “The Kirk Session is delighted that a number of the glebe land has been used to allow the local people to create this lively strolling path, which begins subsequent to the church corridor.
“It is an excellent path and it is already been properly used over the previous few months regardless that it is formally opening on March 23.
“The church corridor will probably be used as the bottom for the opening ceremony which I hope will probably be properly attended.”
The brand new route will present environmental advantages with hedge planting and wildflower planting alongside the route which can improve native biodiversity and inexperienced house.
Maureen Halkett, chair of Kier, Penpont and Tynron Improvement Belief, mentioned: “We’ve had unbelievable help from all our funders and native landowners, who’ve helped notice our dream of making certain our small rural improvement belief can embrace protected journey for residents.
“The brand new route will carry well being, well-being, environmental and financial advantages to native folks and guests.”
Conor Cross, Grants Supervisor at Sustrans Scotland, mentioned: “We’re delighted to see the completion of the primary section of the brand new Nithsdale Energetic Journey Path between Penpont and Thornhill.
“The route has created an important traffic-free house for strolling, biking and biking, making it simpler and safer than ever for residents and guests to the realm to journey actively.
“We hope this may give extra folks, no matter age or capacity, the arrogance to make more healthy and extra sustainable selections for his or her every day commute.”
