Public consultation on long-awaited plans to build a bypass for Newtown will take place in September, it was revealed today.

Campaigners hope it will finally bring a solution to the bottleneck caused by the A483 – a major cross-Wales route – going straight through the town. Residents have been calling for a Newtown bypass for more than half a century.

A Welsh Assembly Government spokesman said: “Consultants have been appointed to investigate the options, including a bypass, for reducing congestion in Newtown.

“We anticipate holding a public exhibition to consult with the public on these options in September this year.”

Councillors say a bypass is of the utmost importance.

Last year a firm of traffic consultants was appointed to investigate ways to reduce traffic problems in the town, with a bypass being one of the hot favourites.

Welcoming the news, Councillor Bob Mills, Powys county councillor for Newtown South, said the A483 road through the town provided important links bet-ween South and Mid Wales.

He said: “I’m pleased things are starting to move forward but I’d been told that work on the bypass was due to start in 2012, so I hope we start seeing some action and I hope they follow it through.

“The increasing traffic chaos throughout the town is causing lots of problems.

“I think it will also be good to get big lorries off the housing estate and it will definitely improve the traffic flow through the town.”

Councillor Sue Lawson, Newtown mayor, said: “I am thrilled with the news and I will be first in the queue to tell them what I think.

“The current system is appalling. Eight years ago I remember that on bank holidays or in the summer it used to get busy.

“But now it is chaos 24/7 and something needs to be done to ease the traffic flow so a new bypass would be an absolute godsend.”

Councillor Russell George, member for Newtown Centre, said the bypass continued to be a priority for Newtown and added: “Without it, I believe attracting business and jobs to the area will be difficult.

“I am delighted that Nick Bourne AM, who has previously shown his support in lobbing for a bypass has agreed to visit Newtown next week.”