Mark Isherwood
North Wales AM, Mark Isherwood has called for the Welsh Government’s Infrastructure Projects Division to meet with businesses affected by the proposed Caernarfon to Bontnewydd bypass, after an equivalent meeting in Newtown preceded plans for a bypass there being revised by the Minister for Economy, Science and Transport.
Controversial proposals for the Caernarfon to Bontnewydd bypass have led to businesses such as Gwalia Garage and Glan Gwna Holiday Park in Caeathro expressing concern that the chosen route will severely impact on them and on local employment.
Raising the matter in the Chamber during this week’s Business Statement, Mr Isherwood said:
“I call for a Statement and an update on the Caernarfon to Bontnewydd bypass, following the welcome news that, after a visit by the Welsh Government’s Infrastructure Projects Division to a caravan holiday home park site affected by the proposed Newtown bypass, organized by my colleague Russell George AM, and interventions, I believe, by Rebecca Evans AM, the Minister has announced that that route is being revised, not only protecting the caravan park, but saving around £5 million and reducing the impact on the environment.
“However, businesses and the far larger Glan Gwna country holiday park affected by the Caernarfon bypass say that they have, thus far, not had the opportunity for such a meeting. So, could a statement address this, particularly in view of the request for a meeting with the Welsh Government’s Infrastructure Projects Division by Glan Gwna and local businesses, and also address the allegation that the Minister stated in writing that the Business Impact Study was taken into consideration in May 2013 when the route was changed, and yet the Business Impact Study was not actually released to the Welsh Government until August 2013?”
The Minister for Local Government and Government Business, Lesley Griffiths AM, replied: “ I know that the Minister for Economy, Science and Transport is having to review all the proposed road links in her portfolio and, at the appropriate time, I am sure that she will come to the Chamber and update Members.”
