Calls have been made to speed up work on plans for a potential new transport hub in Machynlleth to ensure the future of a major town employer.

Consultants are working on proposals for a new transport interchange hub in the town, to link train and bus services and provide improved parking; a plan that was abandoned several years ago, but resurrected following calls for improvements to public transport in the area.

But deputy mayor Monica Atkins said progress was too slow and she wants to see work speeded up to help consolidate the position of Lloyd’s Coaches in the town.

Back in April, representatives from Lloyd’s warned that unless the company was able to expand, it may be forced to move away from Machynlleth.

Cllr Atkins said that would be a massive blow to the town, and that the hope of the new transport hub had provided some optimism, but progress seemed to have ground to a halt.

She said: “We have to do something or people will be losing their jobs.”

Cllr Michael Williams said that things were still in the hands of the consultants, but added: “It’s not like people have been doing nothing. Work has been taking place.”

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