Work on a bypass for a Mid Wales town in danger of being “choked by traffic” could begin in the next three years, it was revealed today.

News that a firm of consultants has been appointed to carry out additional traffic survey work in Newtown was welcomed by Powys County Council members today. Councillors have been calling for a Newtown bypass for more than half a century without success.

A Welsh Assembly Government spokesman said traffic consultants would now investigate ways to reduce traffic problems in Newtown, which could include the long-awaited bypass.

He said: “Newtown is identified as a pinch point on the network and improvements to the traffic situation in the town is seen as of strategic importance.”

He said that public consultations on the traffic survey findings will be held next year.

Welcoming the news, Councillor Bob Davey, member for Newtown Llanllwchaiarn West, said the A483 road through the town provided important links between South and Mid Wales.

He said: “This is yet another survey, but what we actually need is to start seeing some action, so I hope they follow it through.

“The increasing traffic chaos throughout the town is causing lots of problems and something needs to be done to address the situation soon – we need a bypass,” he added.

“In Newtown housing developments are increasing but economic development is decreasing.

“This is because larger businesses like Tesco are having problems getting their planning applications approved because of traffic condition surveys,” added Councillor Davey.

At Powys County Council’s Montgomeryshire meeting in Welshpool yesterday members were informed the Mid Wales Trunk Road Agency would be meeting with trunk road agents for a progress update on January 24.

Councillors said a bypass for Newtown was of the upmost importance.

Councillor Joe Griffiths, member for Newtown Central, said: “Newtown is in danger of being choked by traffic and it is absolutely essential that the town has a bypass.”