Traffic plans to go on show

Controversial plans to introduce a one-way traffic system in Welshpool will go on show to the public next week.

The planned one-way system in the town centre includes Broad Street and Brook Street, which some traders fear will affect their businesses.

Powys County Council announced today the information event would be held at the Corn Exchange on Monday, from 11am to 7pm.

A council spokesman said the event is intended to explain how the proposed traffic scheme will address the periodic congestion experienced in Welshpool.

“The scheme will reduce queues at The Cross and relieve congestion in Broad Street, Church Street and on the narrow section of Church Bank,” he said.

“A new street through the Church Street car park together with a revised road signing strategy will improve traffic facilities in the town and provide a vital link to the redeveloped livestock market site.”

Highways officers from Powys County Council will be on hand to answer questions at the event, as will people from Oswestry-based J Ross Developments, which is redeveloping Smithfield Livestock Market.

A number of traders have already voiced concerns that the changes could affect their businesses.

Trevor Cox, who runs Sports Hafren in Church Street, said: “We need to look at the scheme again if we are to avoid the destruction of many businesses and the blighting of many homes.”