A Machynlleth councillor has hit back at claims made this week that the plan for a new Dyfi Bridge is a “monumental waste of money in its current form”.

Tywyn county councillor Mike Stevens has urged the Welsh Government to reconsider its plan for a new £35m crossing of the Dyfi River, saying that a bypass of Machynlleth would be a better option, despite costing an estimated £13m more than the current plans.

Cllr Stevens claims a bypass would alleviate the traffic pinchpoint at the town clock.

However, Cllr Michael Williams from Machynlleth defended the current plan, saying “it makes every sense” and the need for it is “obvious and desperate”.

Cllr Williams added: “The scheme envisages a new bridge with a road across the flood plain. To my way of thinking, and to residents of Machynlleth that I have spoken with, it makes every sense.

“The sooner it goes ahead, the better – for the benefit of the people of Machyn­lleth, who have been calling for such a scheme for many years.”

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