Editor,

It was reported in the Cambrian News on 26 December that Welsh Government transport minister Ken Skates has written to Machynlleth town Council regarding a decision on whether there needs to be a public inquiry on the proposed new Dyfi bridge route.

Why has the minister not also written to the town councils of Tywyn, Dolgellau, Arthog, Corris, Aberdyfi, and all the other town and village councils in south Meirionnydd? The fact the minister has not rather displays the Welsh government’s narrow, parochial attitude to this problem.

The bridge is arguably more important to the people in south Meirionnydd to access vital hospital services in Aberystwyth, yet from the word go we have been kept at arm’s length in this process.

It is not just a public inquiry that is needed but a complete rethink of the route as it is patently obvious to everyone that taking the new bridge into a known flood plain, under a very low bridge into a narrow, congested town centre is a monumental mistake and no way to provide for future generations.

A bypass of Machynlleth from the A487 northern approach along the A493 with a bridge over the railway line to link up with the A487 south of Machynlleth is the obvious solution.

The Westminster government has just announced they are rethinking how they allocate money to the Midlands and North of England as the current formula which dictates cost per head of people benefitting disadvantages less populated areas. The Welsh Government now needs to take the same approach, as south Meirionnydd has missed out on adequate investment for years because of our rural population.

The alternative bridge bypass would not cost a great deal more than the current bridge estimate of £35m, however the massive benefit it would bring to future generations for the next 200 years is almost incalculable.

I call upon minister Ken Skates to order a full independent inquiry into this with a brief to look at what is the best option for future generations.

Mike Stevens Gwynedd County Councillor for Tywyn

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