Editor,

Gwynedd Council and the Welsh Government have both declared a climate emergency. Whilst this is open to some interpretation, it certainly means that they should be endeavouring to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in all of their work areas.

We have seen the devastating effects of recent floods in Yorkshire as well as the predictions of flooding here in Fairbourne and Llanbedr as highlighted in last week’s Cambrian News ‘Concern About Flooding at Site Mooted for Spaceport’.

Greenhouse gas emissions such as CO2 from vehicle exhausts are a major contributor to climate change and rising sea levels.

So why then is Gwynedd Council, supported by Welsh Government funding, asking us to use our cars more and travel faster, emitting even more CO2, by their proposal to construct a 60mph urban expressway around Llanbedr village?

This is a 20th century solution which is not part of a sustainable future.

Surely they should be looking to increase public transport use and provide more footpaths and cycle lanes, none of which are in their plans.

Of course there are some traffic congestion issues in midsummer (as there are in all villages and towns along the coast) and a lack of pavements makes the road potentially hazardous but these can easily be overcome with a bit of imagination and more care for the environment.

So I call on Gwynedd Council to take note of their own policy and protect our environment for future generations.

Robin Ward, Llanbedr Community Councillor.

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