Campaigners fighting to put a stop to Newtown’s ever increasing traffic problems are being urged to bombard Government officials with letters.

Montgomeryshire AM Russell George said today he had been inundated with calls from hundreds of ‘outraged’ motorists living in the area following recent claims that the town’s traffic chaos has eased.

It comes after Mr George received a letter from the Welsh Assembly’s transport minister Carl Sargent which claimed the town’s traffic woes had improved in the last 12 months.

But the town regularly sees traffic jams up to five miles long and Mr George had now decided to start a targeted letter campaign.

“I knew the ridiculous comments from the transport minister would spark a response but had not anticipated the level of correspondence I have received over the last week,” he said.

“I have had so many e-mails, phone calls and letters from angry constituents that I am now encouraging people to write directly to Mr Sargeant.

“He needs to realise the strength of feeling in Mid Wales about the traffic problems. I have created a template letter asking Mr Sargeant to re-install the Kerry Road roundabout and bring forward the start date of the Newtown bypass.

“I would urge as many people as possible to write to the minister and tell him now is the time for action.”

Last week, Philip Glynn, leader of Newtown’s 21st Century Action Group, said he was left “gobsmacked” by Mr Sargent’s claims.

He said: “I could not believe what I was reading.

“I am pleased Russell George has answered these claims.

“But as the one who wrote to the First Minister about the chaos and misery motorists are being subjected to on a daily basis by the continued operation of these traffic lights, I can assure you they are a nightmare.”

For further information or a copy of the template letter call the constituency office on (01686) 610887 or e-mail Russell.George@ wales.gov.uk

By Anwen Evans and Andrew Morris