Assurances over new bypass for Newtown
Every effort will be made to ensure Newtown town centre does not suffer when a new £5.6m bypass opens, politicians have said.
Work on the long-awaited Newtown bypass will begin in late 2014 or early 2015, putting an end to queues of up to five miles long which blight the town each day.
Although the news has been welcomed by most, some have expressed concerns that the town centre could suffer, with motorists bypassing the town completely. But councillors and politicians have claimed they will do all they can to ensure town centre businesses are promoted.
Glyn Davies, Montgomeryshire MP said: "While appreciating the potential benefits of the new road, every effort must be made to ensure that signage to the town centre is of the highest quality so that tourists are still encouraged to visit the town. In time the traffic problems which are causing severe problems to businesses and residents alike will be a thing of the past."
Councillor Val Howard, town mayor, said: "The news that a contractor has been appointed was welcome, but after waiting 40 years for a bypass I'm sure a lot of people will still be apprehensive."
Russell George, Montgomeryshire AM and a Newtown county councillor, added: "This new bypass will not only improve journey times but will also help further the economic development of the region."
Edwina Hart, Welsh Assembly transport minister, added: "This is a very important project which will improve the quality of life for the people of Newtown and improve journey times and safety along the A483 and A489."
