A GROUP of residents in Llanidloes have banded together to object to Welsh Government plans to change the layout of the town’s bypass.

The Welsh Government says in a consultation document that it has identified a need to undertake improvements at pinch points on the Trunk Road network throughout Wales to improve safety, resilience and movement along the transport network

It is proposing to introduce a new overtaking lane from the Llanidloes roundabout in the northbound direction along the A470 towards Caersws.

This would provide 250 metres of formal overtaking opportunity via an extra lane for northbound drivers, to pass slower moving vehicles safely.

The scheme would require the acquisition of third party land to accommodate the extra lane width, the consultation document says.

Residents living near the proposed expansion say the plans would increase traffic noise and pollution on either side of their homes.

County Councillor for Llanidloes, Gareth Morgan added: “This scheme has come forward without even consulting Powys County Council as Highway Authority, let alone any other stakeholders.

“This additional lane will create a serious danger that does not exist now.

“This section of the Llanidloes bypass is safe as it stands.

“Access to the Rugby Ground has good visibility in both directions and was approved by the Trunk Road Agency before it was constructed.”

Welsh Liberal Democrat Senedd Candidate for Montgomeryshire Alison Alexander had a socially distanced tour of the area with residents leading the campaign against the plans on Friday.

She said: “Walking around this area, it is plain to see how nonsensical these proposals are.

“Along the cul-de-sac I’ve seen plenty of dog walkers from the town and not a single moving car. We know air pollution is a problem for towns and we are in a climate emergency.

“This scheme would mean more emissions from accelerating vehicles and more traffic right by these 34 houses. It would achieve the polar opposite of what we as a society need to be striving for.”

Lillian Wozencraft said: “Nobody told us about this scheme. You would have thought the Government would write to residents, but we’ve received no letters. When we phoned to ask what was going on, we were told notices about projects like this are usually put up in libraries and public buildings, but they’re all closed.

"It was hard to find information about it online initially then suddenly a consultation appeared on March 4th with only 27 days to object instead of the usual 12 weeks.”

The consultation document can be viewed online and the deadline for responses is 1 April.