THE Rhos-on-Sea link in the National Cycle Network will be completed by the end of March, Ken Skates, Welsh Environment Minister has heard.

He was visiting the site to see what progress had been made in building the section between Colwyn Bay, Penrhyn Bay and Llandudno.

The link is a component of National Cycle Network Route 5 which stretches from Reading to Holyhead. The route is designed for cycle tourers, bikepackers and pedestrians, much of it is off road and is traffic free.

Ken Skates said: “I am here to see the active travel programme which is going to be finished at the end of March, and it is a £750,000 project which is funded by the Welsh Government.

The overall scheme stretches from Reading to Holyhead via Oxford.

“This stretch is hugely important for the area. It will enable people to get from A to B by cycling, by walking and brings safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

"It will give a boost as well to the town, it will improve this part of the area we are investing in. So it actually has multiple benefits.”

Mr Skates commented on how well the workforce had performed despite recent weather problems

He said: “They have done incredible, the work force has had to endure storm weather, they have had to endure really difficult conditions, and they’ve kept on going.

"Of course, they have had to work overtime to get it completed by the end of March, and that is something, I think, that should really be applauded.”

In North Wales National Cycle Route 5 runs along the coast and links Rhyl, Kinmel Bay, Abergele, Colwyn Bay, Rhos on Sea, Llandudno, Conwy, Penmaenmawr and Llanfairfechan.

The majority of the route is a traffic free trail with a short on road section at Conwy before returning to the traffic free seafront route. The route runs westwards along the coast through Penmaenmawr and Llanfairfechan, and on to Bangor and eventually to Holyhead.

Much of the route are also suitable for walkers and wheelchair users.