CAMPAIGNERS hoping to save Llanbedr’s scrapped bypass scheme claim offers to reduce its speed limit to lower CO2 were ignored.

They also claim deputy minister for climate change, Lee Waters, only visited one business on a visit to Llanbedr and did not meet with locals or councillors to discuss the scheme.

Over 2,000 people have signed a petition calling on the Welsh Government to reverse its decision to scrap the long-awaited bypass

Cllr Annwen Hughes, who set up the petition, thanked people for their support, asking them to continue to express their dissatisfaction.

“Local people’s opinion has not changed, feelings remain high following the announcement to stop the development of the bypass,” she said.

Cllr Hughes was one of almost 200 people who attended a public meeting at Llanbedr Airport hanger on Friday. One of the organisers, Karl Ciz, said the meeting “confirmed that our suspicions were correct”.

“Our council offered a speed reduction to reduce CO2 rather than cancel the whole project, but it was refused by the review,” he said. “Questions now need to be answered about why the speed reduction wasn’t considered.

“We saw and heard evidence that the review was based on ignorance of evidence that Gwynedd presented. We were shocked and disgusted and appeal to the First Minister to look again at the evidence.”

He added: “We also heard that the minster had been to Llanbedr but visited only one local business, and hadn’t engaged with anyone from our community, the community council or country council. We also heard about plans the Airfield had, which have also been quashed, and asked how this area will ever develop any good jobs.

“We heard from environmentalists. Our evidence showed significant CO2 saving and other noxious gasses too!”

Karl said campaigners vowed to continue to fight the decision.

“The alternatives suggested have been looked at over years and years and each time the one mile bypass road was the answer,” he added.

“The report’s suggested alternatives simply are not workable without decimating the community.

Cllr Hughes said: “The logic and research of the environmental report doesn’t make sense. There is no substance or depth to the work and there are pressing questions regarding the detail of the research undertaken by the government panel.”

“Gwynedd Council, with experts in the field, have prepared detailed research on all elements of the scheme to build the new road in recent years. Welsh Government estimates that the cost of that work will reach £1.67m, money that come from Welsh taxpayers’ pockets.

Gwynedd Council leader, Cllr Dyfrig Siencyn said: “I am deeply concerned about the review that was conducted and feel that we have been completely misled by the government.

“I have conveyed these points to the First Minister in a letter. There are gaps in the Welsh Government’s review and a real lack of recognition regarding the background work carried out by Gwynedd Council. For example, a road review assessment sent to the Welsh Government in September 2021 shows that there would be a 3.6 per cent reduction in CO2 levels in Llanbedr.

“This evidence was included in the Environmental Statement that formed part of the successful planning application. We thought there was real opportunity here to use Llanbedr as an example of good practice, with a positive response to the environmental challenge resulting in a reduction, not an increase, of CO2 traffic emissions.

“It would also have seen an improvement in regional air quality once the bypass was completed. However, it seems that this research has been completely ignored. The economic and community impact of not developing this road is huge.

“Due to these elements and a number of other ill-considered facts, I have asked our legal team to consider the validity of our legal options to the decision to cancel the Welsh Government’s financial contractual commitment to the scheme.”

Cllr Hughes added: “I urge people to express their dissatisfaction and sign the petition to express their feelings.

“It is important for us to demonstrate to Welsh Government that refusing to develop this road is having a far-reaching impact on our village and the entire coastal area of Ardudwy.

“The fact that we are geographically far from Cardiff, does not mean Welsh Government can forget about us. I urge everyone in the area to respond and encourage others to sign the petition so that we can show the strength of feeling.”

To sign the petition, visit petitions.senedd.wales/petitions/245002.

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “We have engaged with the council throughout the process and as requested by the council, undertook a rapid review of the Llanbedr access road ahead of other road schemes. We’re committed to working collaboratively with Gwynedd to develop sustainable solutions to address the issues surrounding traffic in the village and access to the airfield, such as those suggested in the Panel Chair’s report.”