Madam,

I write in response to recent letters in the Cambrian News about the road safety concerns in Porthmadog raised by Nia Jeffreys and other residents through a local petition.

O G Jones is correct to note that the last lollipop person retired some years ago, and that the petition was not calling for the reinstatement of the service. Indeed, traffic numbers in Porthmadog have reduced significantly following the opening of the bypass six years ago.

When these concerns were brought to my attention as the Cabinet Member with responsibility for road safety, I immediately arranged for an assessment to be done, which was duly carried out on 25 February. I expect the report on this to be available within a couple of weeks.

This was not a party political issue but a matter of child safety. I respond to the concerns of all citizens regardless of their party colours.

What surprises me, given the obvious strength of feeling locally, is that the present county councillor did not raise this matter once in his five years as the local representative.

Yours etc

Dafydd Meurig

Cabinet Member for Planning and Transportation

Gwynedd Council.