Tourism concerns over traffic

 

The plea was made in a meeting between Mid Wales Tourism, which represents the local sector, and Russell George, Conservative AM for Montgomeryshire and Joyce Watson, Labour AM for Mid and West Wales.

 

The tourism chiefs reiterated their concern for the east to west road links, the need for an hourly train service on the Cambrian Railway Line, future prosperity of town centres and the impact of VAT and business rates on tourism businesses during the meeting. The need for high-speed broadband was also discussed.

  

But chairman Anne Lloyd-Jones and chief executive Val Hawkins stressed the importance of resolving traffic congestion in both Newtown and Welshpool at peak holiday times as tourists headed from the West Midlands to the Cambrian Coast. They said both towns were key gateways to Mid Wales.

    

Mr George said: “Mid Wales Tourism and I share key concerns, especially in regards to the effect of the poor Mid Wales transport infrastructure. Following our meeting, I shall also be taking up the issue of poor broadband connection with the Welsh Government, specifically in relation to the tourism industry in rural parts of Wales.

 

“A strong superfast broadband network is vital to the economic growth and to the development of the tourism industry in Mid Wales. The Welsh Government will be receiving almost £57m from the UK Government to improve its broadband network infrastructure. This is certainly positive news and must be welcomed.”

  

Mrs Lloyd Jones said it was crucial that Assembly Members representing Mid Wales were aware of the main challenges facing tourism businesses in the region.