PLANS for the new Dyfi bridge have been branded a “total waste of time” and “ludicrous” by Tywyn town councillors.

Furious councillors claim they have not been consulted about the new £24m scheme and believe that the current proposal will “cause more problems than it will solve”.

Most of the councillors’ consternation was because the new route will still pass under the railway bridge in Machynlleth – a route which is liable to flood frequently.

“The new bridge is not solving problems, it’s causing problems,” said Cllr Richie Owens.

“It’s still passing through a road which floods all the time – I think it’s a total waste of time, I think it’s crackers.”

Cllr Mark Kendall agreed. He said: “I’ve been back and fore to Aberystwyth several times over the last few weeks visiting the hospital and the bridge has been closed more than it’s been open.

“It turns an hour journey into a two and a half hour ordeal.

“The new proposal won’t do anything to help.

“The bridge is part of an arterial route through Wales and many of us are dependant on it, we need to make sure it’s open for everyone throughout the year, not least the emergency services.”

Machynlleth Town Council was also criticised for not including Tywyn­ council in their deliberations.

“Everything has been decided by Machynlleth Town Council and Powys County Council so nobody in Gwynedd has been able to voice their opinion,” said Cllr Mike Stevens­.

“Tywyn Town Council views have been ignored throughout this whole consultation, in fact there’s been no consultation.

“It beggars belief that an expert has come up with this plan.

“The plan is to use pumps to remove flood waster from the road. Where’s that water supposed to go if the whole area is flooded like we’ve seen in recent weeks?

“It’s already bonkers that the major north/south route in Wales depends on a 17th century bridge. We need a reliable road that will open up this country to the 21st century.”

Following the discussion, Cllr John Pughe suggested Tywyn council contact their Machynlleth counterparts.

“I propose we write a letter to Machynlleth Town Council stating that we have not been consulted about the new bridge, express our thoughts to them and suggest that their current proposal is a ludicrous idea.”

Chair of Tywyn council, John Boulter, was equally dismissive about Machynlleth Town Council’s consultation policy.

“I understand there’s been lots of controversy on this matter but it’s a ridiculous decision to go back under the railway bridge,” he stated.

“I’m sure we’re all of the same opinion, it’s no use utilising a road that regularly floods.

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“My major concern is that there’s been a severe lack of consultation on this side of the Dyfi estuary, we’re very much an afterthought it seems.”