The Wanganui District Council took the long way around yesterday but finally made real progress over the contentious route for the last leg of the Mountains to the Sea cycleway.
Councillors received a report from Sport Whanganui about options for the final stretch from Upokongaro to the Whanganui River mouth, one looking at taking the route down the Wanganui East side of the river and the other using a suspension bridge linking Upokongaro to Papaiti Rd, bringing cyclists down the Aramoho side.
An initial recommendation promoted the Wanganui East route, which is not supported by residents worried the cycleway will run between their homes and the river.
In a long debate, alternatives were discussed and motions flagged but eventually the majority of councillors were satisfied.
Council supports an off-road circular route on both sides of the river. It wants full information on design and costs as well as potential funding so council can decide which side of the river would be developed first.