Calls have been made to “end the culture of delay” over the construction of the Llandeilo bypass.
The bypass was first agreed five years ago, when it formed part of the deal between Plaid Cymru and the Welsh Labour government for the 2017-18 budget.
It was hoped that work on the bypass would begin in Llandeilo at some time across 2019. However, subsequent delays have resulted in current projections suggesting that work may not begin until 2025.
Last year, the Welsh Government announced a freeze on all new road building projects in Wales, to the dismay of Llandeilo residents.
However, it was later announced that the bypass would not be a part of this review, with Lee Waters, deputy minister for climate change, stating at the time that the scheme would be allowed to progress to the “next stage.”
More recently, Waters stated that a meeting will be held to discuss proposals to progress to the next stage with “medium-term measures (possibly) progressing this autumn and (could) be delivered within three years.”
According to government documents, these medium-term measures include footway enhancements in Llandeilo and Ffairfach and improved bus connections to Llandeilo railway station.
The actual construction of a relief road is considered “long term,” and could be more than five years away.
MORE NEWS
- County sees drastic drop in social housing waiting list
- Council brings in free school meals ahead of schedule
Senedd member for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr Adam Price said that the bypass was needed for the town.
The Plaid Cymru leader said: “We have argued for decades, alongside the residents of Llandeilo, that a bypass is vital.
“We have lorries driving through the narrow streets of the town causing heavy congestion, high air pollution and street safety issues.
“We have had promises from successive governments that this project will be delivered, but there seems to be a culture of delay.
“The budget deal between Plaid Cymru and the Welsh Government back in 2017 finally secured a commitment to the bypass, but five years down the line, we seem to be no closer to its completion.
“For the Welsh government to cite ‘medium term’ measures in reference to the bypass is a red herring for the people of Llandeilo, as these targets make no mention of the construction of the actual relief road.
“This culture of delay needs to end, and the bypass must be delivered for the people of Llandeilo.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here