Gun dog trainer tells of fears over Newtown bypass bid
A man who breeds and trains gun dogs fears thieves could target the animals if a new bypass is built past his home.
Christopher Lewis told the Newtown Bypass public inquiry that the proposed new £56 million road would feature a layby next to his property.
Mr Lewis told planning inspector William Wadrup that he fears the layby could be used by people targeting his dogs, some of which he said are worth up to £10,000.
In a statement written by Mr Lewis which was read to the inquiry, he said: "I train gun dogs at my property and the proposed bypass would be very close to my property. The westbound carriageway layby poses security and privacy concerns.
"I train animals in a secluded, natural countryside area and the road would run along the field. There are massive security and safety issues. If the dogs are taken it will affect me financially and emotionally.
"My dogs are irreplaceable and a range of other businesses have reported gun dog thefts."
Mr Wadrup then asked Mr Lewis how much the dogs could be worth.
He said: "The bitches can have three litters up to the age of eight, so the value to myself as a businessman would be up to £10,000 per dog."
The inquiry was sitting for its last day before Mr Wadrup retired to consider his verdict.
He was today holding private site visits along the route before announcing his verdict on the scheme later in the year.
The Welsh Assembly, which is behind the scheme, said the 3.6m (5.8km) route will ease bottlenecks which have blighted the town for years.
Work on the bypass is still due to start later this year on the basis it is given the go-ahead following the inquiry, which was held at the town's Elephant & Castle Hotel.
