Demand for action over Mid Wales roads

Both Welshpool's one-way system and the A483 Pool Road into Newtown have been the scene of accidents and hold-ups, and are unpopular with both visitors and locals.

In Welshpool, the one-way system – installed in 2011 – has been blamed for a series of crashes since its inception. Motorists are regularly seen driving the wrong way around it, while business have closed blaming it for driving shoppers away.

In Newtown, daily queues of up to five miles build each day along the A483 as motorists keep their fingers crossed that work on the long-awaited bypass begins on time.

Newtown county councillor Joy Jones said a bypass would improve traffic flow and bring more tourists into the town centre.

She said: "We've been waiting in queues every day and it is about time the bypass is built, the people of Newtown deserve it.

"When it is finally in place we will be making sure brown tourist signs are placed along it too, to ensure people come into the town centre and stop on their way to the coast or wherever they are going."

"Action needs to be taken now before it is too late and I am keeping everything crossed that work begins in 2015."

Russell George, Montgomeryshire AM, said he had undertaken a survey into Welshpool's one-way system. He said 58 per cent of respondents thought the town's economy was being damaged by the system, while 52 per cent thought it should be scrapped altogether.

He said: "The one-way system has been controversial since it was introduced and this survey shows that it continues to divide the local community.

He added: "I have also studied other surveys, such as the survey commissioned by the town council.

"I'm aware the town council has been in contact with Powys County Council and the Welsh Government in regards to a number of proposed alterations.

"I will be sharing my survey result with Powys County Council and asking them to provide me with updates on suggested changes, and an explanation to why some suggestions have not been taken forward."

"Views on the one-way system I know vary, but it would seem there is a consensus that a number of alterations would support the better flow of traffic in the town."

Councillor Ann Holloway, Welshpool town and county councillor, said she fears someone will be killed on the one-way system unless changes are made.

She said: "Someone has to stand up and be counted now and take urgent action against this shambolic road system. If they don't, someone will be killed by a car sooner rather than later. It is desperate. I am sick and tired of hearing about how close we have been to catastrophic incidents.

"It was only the other day that there was almost an almighty collision on Jehu Road which left me feeling completely ill. I have been against the system since day one and will not rest until it is altered."