Madam,

I write in response to the article Safety improvements calls backed by MP, and I am pleased that he is able to support the campaign to improve road safety in the north of Ceredigion.

As the Cambrian News of the previous week showed, this is an issue that I, along with other Llangynfelyn local community councillors, have been campaigning on for a long time (‘A487 improvements urged’). I have also been working with colleagues in Ysgubor y Coed Community Council to campaign for a proper safe footpath between the villages of Glandyfi, Eglwysfach and Furnace.

I welcome the supportive comments given for the need to proceed with safety measures, many of which I have previously outlined. But I would like to point out that Ceredigion Council is also lobbying the Trunk Road Agency to improve safety on both the A487 and A44 trunk roads across the county.

The responsibility for safety on the A487, which runs through my ward, lies with the Trunk Road Agency and the Welsh Government. Our AM, Elin Jones, has previously taken up these issues with the Welsh Government, as have I and other residents.

A few years ago, a public consultation and a public meeting to discuss the provision of yellow lines on the road through Taliesin was held. The proposal was designed to enhance safety and prevent people parking on dangerous junctions. Unfortunately there were many objections received and so the proposal was not pursued at that time. We also lobbied for a crossing by the school, which was refused due to trunk road restrictions.

This new campaign for safe crossings and controlled parking on junctions in the village needs to be heard loud and clear in Cardiff. The safety of our residents is paramount.

I still await a response from the Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary, Ken Skates AM, to my calls for urgent measures to be taken throughout the ward and, when I do, I will be glad to share the response with residents, local representatives and the Cambrian News, so that we can continue to press home the urgent need for safety on the A487.

Yours etc,

Cllr Ellen ap Gwynn, member for Ceulanamaesmawr, leader of Ceredigion County Council.

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