LLANDEILO residents have received more good news this week as local Assembly Member Adam Price, who secured £50million from the Welsh Government to build a bypass around the town, has now received an assurance from the Economy Secretary that residents will be consulted on the original route first proposed for the bypass.
The Welsh Government’s official ‘Refined Preferred Route’ is designed to go alongside the eastern side of the town. However many local residents, businesses and Town Councillors support the case presented by local architectural artist, Simon Jones in favour of the ‘Original Preferred Route’ further away from the town.
Assembly Member Adam Price submitted the case to the Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for the Economy and Infrastructure, Ken Skates who has confirmed that both routes will be presented for full public consultation.
Adam Price broke the good news whilst participating in S4C’s panel debate Pawb a’i Farn which was broadcast from Ysgol Bro Dinefwr in Ffairfach, Llandeilo on Thursday night.
Welcoming the Minister’s pledge, Adam Price said Simon Jones and those who worked with him had presented a well-articulated and convincing case in favour of the original route. He added that local residents will now have options to consider before work gets underway.
Plaid Cymru County Councillor and Carmarthenshire County Council’s Executive Board Member for Technical Services, Hazel Evans said she looked forward to the consultation starting and the appraisals of the two routes being concluded by the summer.
Speaking after the broadcast of Pawb a’i Farn, Adam Price AM said: “I was delighted to present to the Cabinet Secretary the case prepared by local residents in favour of the original route. It is a well-articulated and convincing case which deserves to be part of the discussion so that residents have a choice on the bypass route.
“I’m even more delighted that the representations I made have been accepted, and the Economy Secretary has confirmed he will consult on two routes.
“There is overwhelming support for the project, demonstrated by tonight’s audience with residents and businesses alike wanting a bypass. There nevertheless needs to be a formal discussion and consultation with so that local residents themselves select their preferred route.”
Councillor Hazel Evans added: “Working closely with local elected members, the County Council is delighted that things are progressing with the Llandeilo bypass. The latest news, that residents will be consulted on two routes, is very welcome and I know will be welcomed by many in the town.
“The County Council stands ready to assist local residents and the Welsh Government whilst the appraisals of the two routes get underway. We anticipate these will be completed by the summer.
“Securing £50million for the project as part of the budget negotiations was an achievement in itself. But to see the voice of residents being heard and listened to at the heart of government is very welcome indeed.”
Add Comment