Montgomeryshire AM Mick Bates has pressed the Minister for the Economy and Transport, Ieuan Wyn Jones AM, on road improvements at Glandyfi and Buttington. Mr Bates has welcomed progress on road improvements at Glandyfi but deplored the lack of action on the A458 which leaves road users still facing a dangerous journey into Mid Wales across the English border.
Commenting on the responses received to his questions, Assembly Member Mick Bates states:
“I welcome the progress on the A487 road improvements at Glandyfi. There are many safety concerns on this stretch of road as it is currently too narrow for large traffic and could cause difficulties accessing services in Aberystwyth, such as Bronglais Hospital. Local residents have been waiting some thirty years for this work to be done so it is long overdue.
“The Minister has confirmed that the advanced site clearance at Glandyfi has been completed and a contractor will be appointed later this year to complete the main works. I look forward to the speedy completion of this work, to improve safety on this particular section of the road.
“On road improvements around Buttington, the Minister stated that discussions on funding work to improve the A458 between Welshpool and the English border are ongoing. I am disappointed that as yet there is no timescale for this project to be completed. This stretch of road is a danger to all road users, there are no safe places to pass and many people are put off from visiting this part of Mid Wales because of the journey.
“This is a cross border scheme as the A458 runs over the border into England, so it is crucial that the Minister discusses funding with the relevant authority in England who must share part of the burden of cost for this scheme. I am pressing the Minister for progress and for details of recent discussions that have been held on improvements around Buttington, to ensure that we see much-needed moves forwards to address safety concerns in this area.”
