Petition: Remove the New Railings Blocking Children’s Cycling and Play in Our Community

For 34 years, children in our community have safely ridden their bikes, played, and enjoyed the open pathway without a single issue. It has always been a space for families — a place where kids could be active, social, and outdoors.

Recently, Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council installed restrictive railings that now block access and prevent children from cycling in an area that has never posed a problem. This decision was made without community consultation, without evidence of risk, and without considering the impact on children’s health and wellbeing. Why this matters

Children aged 5–18 are recommended by the NHS and Public Health Wales to get at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Cycling is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways for them to stay active.

By blocking this long‑used space, the council is removing a safe, local, accessible area for children to exercise — at a time when outdoor activity is more important than ever

There were better options

Before installing permanent barriers, the council could have considered:

Signage encouraging safe and considerate cycling
Ground markings to guide speed and direction
Shared‑use zones for pedestrians and cyclists
Temporary measures before permanent structures
What we are asking for

We, the residents and supporters of this community, call on Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council to:

Remove the newly installed railings
Restore the area to its previous, child‑friendly condition
Provide transparency about why the railings were installed
Consult with residents before making further changes to shared spaces
This is about more than railings — it’s about protecting children’s right to play, exercise, and enjoy their own community.

Together, we can get this decision reversed and bring back a safe, open space for our children.