A village in Gwynedd, which has been plagued by traffic and saw its bypass plan scrapped by Welsh Government after years of campaigning, could now get a new relief road. North Wales Live reports that Llanbedr in Gwynedd was the first victim of the government's roads review, which saw the £14m plan axed in 2021.
As reported by WalesOnline in July of last year, a bypass for this Gwynedd village has been talked about for 60 years. In March 2021, approval was given for a one-mile bypass and in October of that year, the signs went up to finally say work was starting.
But in June 2021, the Welsh Government said all road building schemes would be paused to allow time to review them, and then in November, the report into this scheme said it couldn't go ahead as the independent roads review panel chair said the plan didn't "align well with new Welsh Government transport and climate policy". Cyngor Gwynedd complained and threatened legal action, but First Minister Mark Drakeford said the report was an "honest attempt to relay the climate crisis" and the decision would not be overturned.
As a result, this caused huge anger in the village and since then there has been further uproar as other Welsh schemes fell by the wayside in a cull of projects, including a third Menai crossing and future improvements to the M4. But according to North Wales Live, it now looks like a partial u-turn.
Read more: Village plagued by traffic still waiting for bypass after 60 years campaigning
Talks were recently held between local Plaid Cymru MS for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, Mabon ap Gwynfor, MP Liz Saville Roberts, Cyngor Gwynedd leader Cllr Dyfrig Siencyn, Llanbedr campaign group POBL, and Deputy Minister for Climate Change, Lee Waters MS. There is now a proposal, dependent on funding and planning approval, for a new "scaled down" relief road as part of a package of initiatives to include parking facilities, foot and cycle paths and a car-pool scheme.
POBL, Llanbedr Campaign Group, said: "After two long years of campaign highs and lows we can now see light at the end of the tunnel. We would like to thank everyone who supported and helped us along the way. We now look forward to moving ahead collectively to ensure an exemplar scheme we can all be proud of."
Mabon ap Gwynfor MS and Liz Saville Roberts MP said: "This is great news for the people of Llanbedr and surrounding communities and is the culmination of decades of steadfast campaigning to ease congestion, reduce noise levels and mitigate pollution in the village.
"The residents of Llanbedr and nearby communities have been campaigning for over 50 years for a resolution to their problem. This is an ambitious proposal which will bring substantial benefits to the area, both in terms of improving transport links and strengthening economic potential.
"The prospect of easing congestion on the A496 through Llanbedr is significant for the whole area. The proposed scheme will provide relief for both local commuters and holiday traffic who rely on the vitally important Barmouth to Harlech route.
"The proposal for a relief road and associated transport improvements will also make the village itself safer both in terms of road safety and cleaner air quality. It will significantly improve quality of life in Llanbedr."
In response, Deputy Minister for Climate Change at Welsh Government, Lee Waters MS said: "It was good to get around a table with campaigners from Llanbedr and their local elected representatives. We’ve agreed to work jointly to take forward the recommendations of the Roads Review panel, including a package of sustainable transport measures, safety improvements, and a scaled-down road option."
Leader of Cyngor Gwynedd, Cllr Dyfrig Siencyn said: "'I very much welcome the constructive dialogue that took place with representatives of the Llanbedr community, the Minister and my colleagues, Mabon ap Gwynfor MS and Liz Saville Roberts MP. As leader of Gwynedd Council, I am proud to be able to collaborate with the Welsh Government and Transport Wales to develop plans to invest in a green transport corridor in the Llanbedr area which includes improving access to Llanbedr airport.
"Investing in an alternative way to improve safety for pedestrians and to facilitate a transport corridor for the local community and the economy in Ardudwy is very valuable. We look forward to the constructive collaboration over the coming months."
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