Commenting on a statement made by the Minister for Business, Transport and Science, following a Welsh Government review of investment in transport projects in Wales, Montgomeryshire Assembly Member, Russell George, said he welcomed her commitment to effectively tackle Newtown’s traffic pinch points.
He said:
"The Newtown Bypass is important for the whole region but we need urgent action to tackle the town’s traffic problems in the short-term.
"This is a huge problem for Mid Wales because the traffic problems have become a major barrier to economic growth.
"I believe the large attendance at a public meeting in Newtown last year to discuss a Government commissioned report that attempted to trivialise the traffic issues, demonstrated to Government officials the scale of the problem and strength of feeling in the area.
"After years of obfuscation and lack of action from previous ministers, Mrs Hart has listened and she has acted – not just to my concerns but having visited Newtown on a number of occasions recently, she has listened to the concerns of local businesses and local residents.
"I hope to have a further meeting with the Minister shortly and I am keen to see her plans and understand the specific details of her proposals as soon as possible."
Mr George has lead a long campaign to have the town’s traffic problems effectively dealt with, which included a 10,000 strong petition calling on the Welsh Government to resolve Newtown’s traffic issues.