Editor

What great news for Machynlleth that not only are they getting £46 million worth of road improvements, it is being done without bypassing the town, something the town council fought hard to achieve.

The Welsh Government recognises this in one of its objectives for the scheme which is to “ensure Machynlleth remains a vibrant centre of the community”. Wales’ transport minister Ken Skates stated: “I think what is absolutely vital is that we take a broad look at the town centre, not just look at the immediate road infrastructure, but the longterm viability of the town centre and ensure that our investments in infrastructure enhance the future prospects of the town centre”.

This may upset those who do not live in Machynlleth and wish to bypass it to save a couple of minutes, but it is essential to avoid the loss of passing trade to the town.

What a pity then that the same can’t be said about the proposed Llanbedr bypass. It is even more important for a small village to protect its businesses from loss of trade than for a large town.

It doesn’t seem to have registered with many locals that if this elevated urban expressway, designed to save a mere 49 seconds, goes ahead as planned by Gwynedd Council then most small businesses in the village will suffer and we may end up with no retail outlets here – ask Garndolbenmaen or Clynnog Fawr or numerous villages in southern England.

Let’s do a Machynlleth here; ditch the bypass, provide offstreet parking, improve the existing routes and keep our businesses alive.

Robin Ward Llanbedr community councillor

Have your say on the local issues affecting you - email [email protected] or join in the conversation on our Facebook page