THE Omagh Riverside Walk and Cycle Path is one of 79 projects, of which six are in Northern Ireland, being entered by Sustrans for Big Lottery Funding under the name "Connect2". The project will develop a 3.5-kilometre walkway and cycle path along the River Strule from Abbey Bridge, through the former military lands of St Lucia and Lisanelly, to the Derry Road.
This would provide easier opportunities for everyone in the Omagh community to connect to each other, as well as to their places of work, schools, the health centre and other facilities.
The success of the "Connect2" project in securing £50 million will be determined by the number of votes it receives in a TV vote in December. In the lead-up to the TV vote, each local project is being asked to get as much community support as possible for the project. In fact, each project is being asked to secure 10,000 supporters!
Sustrans is the UK's leading sustainable transport charity. The organisation works at creating an environment where people can travel under their own steam, be it children cycling to school, older people or parents with pushchairs enjoying a walk, or families enjoying a day out together. It aims to design local spaces where everyone can enjoy active, environmentally friendly travel for everyday journeys. It is the charity behind the National Cycle Network, Safe Routes to Schools, Bike It, and many other projects that are enabling people to walk and cycle more every day.
The latest project from Sustrans is Connect2 which, if it is successful in winning the Big Lottery Funds, will connect people to places they want to get to in their locality, by creating bridges and crossings, and linking them to networks of walking and cycling routes, so that people in the community have direct access to schools, shops and work, as well as green spaces. Here in Omagh it will also mean improved access to the River Strule which runs through the town.
There is already tremendous interest in this project in Omagh, where an active support group has been formed. Representation from the group attended a recent Connect2 conference in Chester to explore ways of gaining support for this project. At this stage it is important to get as many names and contact details as possible on the Connect2 database, so that nearer the time of the vote Sustrans will either email or text supporters with a reminder to vote and the number to call.
To register support either log on to www.sustransconnect2.org.uk or text CONNECT2 to 80010. Ask friends and family to also register their support. The more names now, the greater the chance of a successful outcome in December!
Further details on our local project can be found on the Council's website, www.omagh.gov.uk, or contact Sonya or Catriona at the council offices.
