Newtown traffic jams cause delays for tourists

Tourists visiting parts of Mid Wales are struggling to reach their destination on time because of traffic congestion in Newtown, it has been claimed.

Derrick Pugh is chairman of One Voice Wales Montgomeryshire, which represents and provides support services to community and town councils in Wales.

He said the situation in Newtown was 'unacceptable' and steps needed to be taken to sort out traffic in Pool Road.

Campaigners have been calling for a Newtown bypass for more than half a century. They hope it will solve the bottleneck caused by traffic on the A483.

A decision on the route was finally made last year by the Welsh Assembly and construction is scheduled to start in early 2015.

Mr Pugh said: "I recently received a letter from Machynlleth Town Council claiming that the congestion at Newtown is causing problems for visitors and locals in Machynlleth travelling to and from Newtown as well as to destinations further afield.

"Llanidloes town councillors also support their colleagues at Machynlleth. Their views clearly indicate that the situation is simply unacceptable.

"There are several businesses in Newtown that are now closing and several have aired their concerns to Russell George, our Assembly Member, who earlier this year delivered a 10,000 signature petition to the Welsh Assembly."

He added: "I shall be raising this matter at our One Voice Wales national executive committee meeting on Friday."