Thursday, March 21, 2024
The Church of Scotland has played a pivotal role in facilitating the creation of a safe travel path between the villages of Penpont and Thornhill in Dumfriesshire, responding to community concerns over safety on the busy connecting road.
This initiative, championed by the Keir, Penpont, and Tynron Development Trust, has received substantial support, including a significant financial contribution of £1,557,806 from the Scottish Government through Sustrans Scotland’s Places for Everyone programme. After three years of meticulous planning and fundraising, the trust has successfully initiated the construction of a 2.6km active travel path designed for walking, cycling, and wheeling away from the dangers of the A702 road.
This path not only provides a safer route for the community but also integrates seamlessly with local public transportation, offering an alternative to the busy A702 for people of all abilities. The first phase of the path, stretching from Penpont to the Virginhall Plantation, has already been put to use and is set to be officially inaugurated.
The Church of Scotland has contributed to this project by leasing a portion of glebe land, demonstrating its commitment to enhancing community wellbeing and supporting active travel. Additionally, the adjacent field is designated for use as a campsite for an upcoming cycle rally, further illustrating the Church’s involvement in promoting community activities.
The development of this path not only addresses safety and accessibility concerns but also offers environmental advantages through the planting of hedges and wildflowers, enriching local biodiversity. As the project progresses, it continues to garner support from funders and landowners alike, underscoring the collective effort to realize a vision that encourages healthier, environmentally friendly modes of travel and enriches the local community’s quality of life.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
