During Business Statement in the Assembly, Montgomeryshire AM Mick Bates has demanded to know the Welsh Government’s intentions to relieve the traffic congestion in Newtown, as local residents and businesses begin to lose faith, following numerous delays over the announcement on the Newtown bypass.
Commenting, Mr Bates said:
“The Transport Minister has been stalling all summer over his announcement on the Newtown bypass which is simply unacceptable. He has committed to making a decision time and time again, but each time has broken that promise. It is little wonder that people in the area are beginning to lose faith in the Welsh Government, which after months of traffic chaos has still failed to get to grips with a workable solution.
“The traffic congestion is choking tourism and trade in the town and causing a nightmare for local residents. Week on week I am asking the Minister for an announcement to clarify the situation, so that we know what works to expect and what interim measures will be put in place to relieve the traffic problems in the meantime.
“In responding to my question in the Chamber today the Minister confirmed that a meeting was held by Welsh Government officials on September 8th to discuss the possible options to ease the traffic flow. This was over a month ago and still we have heard nothing!
“I have written to the Minister for Transport today to demand details of the options that were discussed, so that local residents and businesses can be reassured that these problems are being taken seriously. I see no reason why the Welsh Government cannot give a long overdue update on progress and be honest about where it stands, instead of keeping the decision on the Newtown bypass and discussions over options to reduce the traffic congestion shrouded in such secrecy.”
