A COUNCILLOR has set up a petition calling on the government to reconsider its decision to scrap Llanbedr’s long-awaited bypass.

Llanbedr councillor Annwen Hughes set-up the petition, which has now been signed by 1,902 people, and told the Cambrian News she wants more people to sign it and share it to “get this ridiculous decision reversed”.

She said: “On 1 November, ironically on day one of COP26, hope of having a bypass in the small village of Llanbedr was shattered when Lee Waters, deputy minister for climate change, announced that the Welsh Government would not be proceeding with the funding and they were scrapping plans due to the effect CO2 emmissions would have with cars travelling along the bypass.

“What effect do CO2 emmissions have on the air quality with car engines giving out fumes when in one of the many traffic jams that happen in the village on a daily basis especially during the tourist season.

“I thought where this would leave our community and the economy of the area, and the effect this would have to create and attract well paid jobs to the airfield.

“But most importantly, where would this leave the residents of Llanbedr with regards to health and safety matters?

“Will they have to be prisoners in their own homes forever, and put up with not been able to open their windows because of the fumes from cars and lorries that are in queues on a regular basis, especially during the tourist season due to the constant traffic jams that occur because of the small narrow bridge in the centre of the village which was not built to hold today’s constant traffic?

“Have the Welsh Government created a contingency plan to deal with issues arising when there are constant traffic jams and, for example, a need for emergency vehicles to gain access through the village as the surrounding roads are certainly too narrow?

“Please sign and share this petition and get this ridiculous decision reversed.”

Karl Ciz, who lives in Llanbedr organised a public meeting about the bypass.

It took place last Saturday and around 60 attended.

Karl said: “The community of Llanbedr met to discuss our reaction to the recent news about the cancellation.

“The overwhelming feeling was that the report, upon which the cancellation was based, was flawed.”

He added: “The road was one mile long and addressed many issues, not just for the village but also for the wider area, such as our safety, the wider economy, and indeed convenience of access to emergency services at busy times.

“The community feel none of this has been taken into consideration, and that our right to health and safety, as well as prosperity, have been taken away, when in fact a simple solution like reducing the speed limit on the plans would have had a positive long term effect on emissions. Instead we feel like we are paying the ultimate price with a complete erosion of our basic rights.”

Deputy minister for climate change, Lee Waters said: “We have engaged closely with the council throughout the process and as requested, provided a rapid review of the Llanbedr access road ahead of other road schemes.

“We’re committed to working colaboratively 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.”

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

A website has been set up with the link and all the latest information. Visit www.llanbedr.org/