South Wales Evening Post - 29 November 2006
Swansea's foreshore may be dug up to make way for a hi-speed bus link.
The green park stretching between Blackpill and West Cross could disappear under Tarmac as part of multi-million pound council proposals.
The idea is still in its very early stages, but council bosses have confirmed it is being considered.
Current proposals show the new road branching off from Mumbles Road at Blackpill and running along the foreshore, eating in to grassland parallel to the pedestrian promenade.
Buses would then return to Mumbles Road near the junction with Alderwood Road, a distance of less than a mile.
The schemes main aim is to ease heavy traffic congestion in the area.But it would also provide a new link for the 60ft long bendy buses - each carrying around 110 people.
They are due to hit Swansea's roads in late 2008.
The buses will run along a route stretching from Morriston to Mumbles, and are aimed at driving people out of their cars and on to public transport.
Council officials insist that no businesses or homes will be directly affected by the proposed new road.
Although foreshore land is limited, summer queues on the single lane section of Mumbles Road have created major headaches for years.
However, the idea is sure to kick up local controversy.
The grassland is viewed as a park by many residents and a much used local asset. It was once home to a number of cottages that were later bought up by the old West Glamorgan Council years ago to give the area an open vista.
Part of the land has cederwood trees on it, and is a favourite spot for photographers. But Terry Scales, of the Mumbles Development Trust, said the idea also had its plus points.
He said: "The very fact that it's the route of the original train gives the route some validity."But to make it a proper and unique experience the distance they should travel along the foreshore should be a real, promotional feature - a 21st Century version of the Mumbles railway, as far as is practicable."
The new Morriston to Mumbles route will have key stops every 500 metres.
Around £2.2 million of the £10 million scheme has already been spent developing The Kingsway in the city centre.
But exactly where the £300,000 buses will turn in Mumbles still remains unclear.
The council's head of transportation, Anthony O'Sullivan, said he was confident the buses could use council-owned land at Oystermouth Square.
But there is a dispute with landowner Bryan Evans and his development company EP Leisure.
Leader of Swansea Council Chris Holley said: "It has always been the position that the Metro will run to Oystermouth, providing a real boost to tourism for Oystermouth, Mumbles and the west of Swansea.
"The Metro will take many cars off the road and will also reduce congestion."The proposals are subject to a transport grant being made available by the Welsh Assembly."
However, many local householders are worried a new road would have a detrimental impact on the area.
West Cross resident Hugh Jenkins, of Llwynderw Drive, said: "The grassed area which currently runs parallel to Mumbles Road is a great asset."I know people would be very sad to see any of it being dug up for a road.
"Yes, we do have traffic congestion here but that comes with the territory. You know that when you decide to live in this area.''
Another resident Hannah Wright, of Roman Court in Blackpill, added: "Most people hold the grassed area as precious."I cannot see how this can be done sensitively at all.''
Your Views
£10 million for a bus scheme which no-one seems to know if they can even turn around? I think that Swansea Council is trying to take us all for a ride.
Adam, Gendros
It comes to something when a community has to tell a council to KEEP OFF THE GRASS. Get real Mr Holley, no-one wants your bendy bus!
Kate, Swansea
This is so typical of Swansea Council. They have done absolutely nothing about Oystermouth Square. Now that someone is prepared to develop the site the Council tries to hijack things with a silly bendy bus that nobody wants.
Bryn Samuels, Mumbles
Terry Scales is so badly out of touch with local feeling that it is scary. I sincerely hope that the plans and his group are put on the next bus out of Mumbles.
Hilary S, Newton
