Ramblers Cymru have stepped in to the battle to prevent bikers from riding roughshod over an ancient beauty spot in Mynyddgarreg Mountains, Carmarthenshire.
The beauty spot, a former quarry site with spectacular views from Caldy Island to the Brecon Beacons is now under serious threat as a result of plans now submitted to develop the area into a motorbike scrambling course. Ramblers Cymru and the Open Spaces Society added their names to a growing list of local opponents when they lodged their objection to the application last week.
Mike Mills, Rights of Way Officer for Ramblers Cymru comments: “Plans to develop a bike scrambling course at Mynyddygarreg Mountain will have a devastating effect on the peace and tranquility of the entire area for the sake of a few local enthusiasts. Motorbikes and quad bikes are completely inappropriate for the area, and Ramblers Cymru urges the local planning authority to reject this application.
Rambler and local resident, Dr Alison Creed who has also lodged an objection to the application comments: “I have walked on this byway and footpath regularly for the last six years and I’m dismayed to see a planning application that is proposing to close them and fence off the land for the purposes of motorbike scrambling. If this application is allowed to succeed it will have a devastating effect on local plant and wildlife and destroy an important local amenity.”
Dr Creed added, “Kidwelly town council have previously refused an application for quarrying in this very same area amidst fears of damage to the natural environment. I hope that they will take the same common sense approach when handling these plans for a motorbike scrambling course. ”
