Warning to Welshpool's wrong-way drivers

Motorists have been driving the wrong way around Welshpool's new one-way system putting lives at risk, it was revealed today.

Town clerk Robert Robinson claimed they were doing it deliberately.

He said taking such risks was dangerous and would cause more problems in the long run.

Meanwhile, Dyfed-Powys Police said it would punish anybody caught driving the wrong way around the new layout.

Force spokesman Antony Topazio said: "Anybody caught deliberately driving the wrong way down a one-way street will be dealt with accordingly."

The new system, which opened on Monday, has been a major talking point in the town this week as delays have left some drivers sat in queues for up to 20 minutes.

Mr Robinson said: "Problems are becoming less frequent but we do have people out there moaning and even one or two who have driven the wrong way on purpose.

"This is dangerous and I can't see what good it is going to do anybody. We are working hard to iron out all the faults and are getting there.

"We didn't choose to change the road system, the Welsh Assembly told us that we need a new traffic management system in the town and they suggested more traffic lights. That would have caused even more delays.

"Wait until the roadworks are all finished, wait until the system is up and running properly and I am sure it will be a success. Sadly, the people moaning didn't say anything during consultation."