Welshpool roadworks delayed until after Easter holiday

Work on improvements to Welshpool’s one-way system won’t start until after Easter allaying fears of Bank Holiday chaos on the roads.              

The Welsh Government has ratified plans to change the one-way system, which has been subject to years of scrutiny due to accidents and traffic issues.

County Councillor Graham Breeze has quashed fears work could soon start and disrupt the town throughout Easter.

He said: "Concerned residents have been contacting me about changes to Welshpool's one-way system affecting Easter holiday traffic. The good news is that a sensible decision has been taken to delay work until after the holiday break.

“With traffic already facing delays due to the Buttington Bridge damage there were risks of massive hold-ups on the main route to the coast. So this is the best news we could have hoped for.

An there's more good news that work has started improving the junction over Red Bank with the Guilsfield-Welshpool road.

"There's been too many accidents on that junction lately and along with Guilsfield councillor David Jones I've been asking for better warning signage.

"Brookfield Road is also due to be resurfaced early in the new financial year. I'm now assured the road is a priority which will be a relief for residents and motorists alike."

Since a one-way system was introduced in Welshpool by the Welsh Government in 2011, a number of accidents have taken place, with concerns raised over driver behaviour and pedestrian safety.

Numerous calls from residents and businesses for changes to the system led to a consultation.

Earlier this year, county councillor Phil Pritchard said: "The changes put forward are the right solution for Welshpool, and I am pleased the government and the county council have listened to the people of Welshpool.

"When the system was put in some things weren't done right in the first place.

"These changes will offer a big improvement for pedestrians and the main thing is the town will become a safer place."