With over 2000 people signing a petition calling on the Welsh Government to reconsider their decision to withdraw the Llanbedr bypass scheme, the Councillor, Annwen Hughes (pictured) who set up the petition is thanking people for their support and asking them to continue to express their dissatisfaction with the decision.
“Local people’s opinion has not changed, feelings remain high following the announcement by the Deputy Minister for Climate Change to stop the development of the bypass,” said Llanbedr Councillor Annwen Hughes.
Councillor Annwen Hughes was speaking following a public meeting organised by local people last week. Nearly 200 people turned up at the Llanbedr Airport hanger on Friday afternoon (10 December) to voice their opinion and hear the latest position from the politicians who represent the area.
Llanbedr Councillor Annwen Hughes, addressing the public meeting
“The logic and research of the environmental report doesn't make sense. There is no substance or depth to the work and there are pressing questions regarding the detail of the research undertaken by the Government panel.”
Gwynedd Council, with experts in the field, have prepared detailed research on all elements of the scheme to build the new road in recent years. Welsh Government estimates that the cost of that work will reach £1.67m, money that come from Welsh taxpayers' pockets.
“I am deeply concerned about the review that was conducted and feel that we have been completely misled by the Government," said Plaid Cymru’s Gwynedd Leader, Councillor Dyfrig Siencyn.
Plaid Cymru Gwynedd Leader, Councillor Dyfrig Siencyn voices his opinion that they have been misled by the Welsh Government
"I have conveyed these points to the First Minister in a letter. There are gaps in the Welsh Government's review and a real lack of recognition regarding the background work carried out by Gwynedd Council. For example, a road review assessment sent to the Welsh Government in September 2021 shows that there would be a 3.6% reduction in CO2 levels in Llanbedr.
“This evidence was included in the Environmental Statement that formed part of the successful planning application. We thought there was real opportunity here to use Llanbedr as an example of good practice, with a positive response to the environmental challenge resulting in a reduction, not an increase, of CO2 traffic emissions.
“It would also have seen an improvement in regional air quality once the bypass was completed. However, it seems that this research has been completely ignored. The economic and community impact of not developing this road is huge.
“Due to these elements and a number of other ill-considered facts, I have asked our legal team to consider the validity of our legal options to the Deputy Minister, Lee Waters’ decision, to cancel the Welsh Government's financial contractual commitment to the scheme.”
The pressure on the Welsh Government from the Senedd Member for Dwyfor Meirionydd, Mabon ap Gwynfor, also continues. In the Senedd on Wednesday (8 Dec) he questioned the First Minister why there were inconsistencies in the review - excluding heavy industry link roads which are the most polluting from the review but halting the light industry link road developments, which serve rural areas, such as Llanbedr.
Mabon ap Gwynfor, Dwyfor Meirionnydd Senedd Member has questioned the First Minister re Llanbedr at the Senedd
“The First Minister's answers are not satisfactory. The costs involved in the work to date, which is taxpayers' money, is enough to call into question the end of developing this bypass. This does not take into account the costs other organisations and businesses have spent drafting tenders and plans.
“Refusing the development on environmental grounds is scientifically questionable as Gwynedd Council's evidence clearly shows that significant carbon emission savings can be made by developing a bypass and reducing the speed. The populated urban areas have made significant investments in their infrastructure over the decades, which has led to attracting wealth and quality jobs to their areas. This investment on the Ardudwy coast is small compared to what these larger areas receive, but this is absolutely necessary. The residents of Llanbedr have a just cause here, to benefit their health, safety, and community well-being. The need for the bypass is clear.”
Lis Saville Roberts Dwyfor Meirionnydd MP takes to the stage to address the meeting
Councillor Annwen Hughes said: “I urge people to express their dissatisfaction and sign the petition to express their feelings. It is important for us to demonstrate to the Welsh Government that refusing to develop this road is having a far-reaching impact on our village and the entire coastal area of Ardudwy. The fact that we are geographically far from Cardiff, does not mean that the Welsh Government can forget about us. I urge everyone in the area to respond and encourage others to sign the petition so that we can show the strength of feeling.”
To sign the petition, visit the Senedd Wales petition page, or click on https://petitions.senedd.wales/petitions/245002
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