Trade fears over bypass

Rhayader is struggling to cope with heavy traffic flowing along the A470, which runs from Cardiff to Llandudno.

The Welsh Assembly has published plans for a bypass around the town in its Trunk Road Forward Work Programme.

The scheme is ranked highly in the programme, but further studies are needed before work can begin, probably after April 2010.

But traders in the town have raised concerns that bypassing Rhayader altogether will harm their businesses and threaten the economy.

Councillor Andrew Lewis, a member of Rhayader Town Council and owner of The Strand Restaurant, said: "If a bypass came, it would seriously affect the town.

"We have to weigh up the economic issues; if there is a bypass, people passing by won't have an opportunity to see what we've got to offer.

"The people of Llanidloes said it hit their town tremendously hard when they had their bypass."

Councillor Richard Tyler, a member of Powys County Council, said he had been trying to persuade residents to devise their own plan for a bypass, rather than being asked to comment on one drawn up by the Welsh Assembly.

He said: "My view is we could have a bypass which enabled the big lorries to go around the town centre, while tourism traffic is directed through the town.

"A bypass could include provision for lorry parking as well, possibly around the industrial estate."

The traders' case has been taken up by Brecon and Radnorshire AM Kirsty Williams, who has called on the Welsh Assembly to take the community's views into account.

She said: "Clearly something needs to be done to tackle the problems caused by heavy traffic in Rhayader, but I feel strongly that the Government must listen to local people and hear their suggestions for how to improve the situation.

"A full-scale bypass, which might be environmentally damaging and perhaps would not receive the full support of the community, might not be the only option."

By Mike Sivier