You've had years to speak out over one-way Welshpool, says clerk

MOTORISTS OPPOSED to Welshpool's controversial new one-way system should have made their voices heard years ago, it was claimed today.

Town clerk Robert Robinson said he wanted to "set the record straight" about the controversial new system. And he said the system had been in the pipeline for 10 years and it was too late for residents to start complaining now.

He said the town council was working hard to iron out the problems rather than just "rolling over".

It comes after dozens of motorists and business owners complained about the new system which was opened last week.

Mr Robinson said: "Following many comments regarding the new superstore and the one way system, Welshpool Town Council feels the record needs to be set straight.

"In 2007/8 plans came forward for approval by Powys County Council and, with the superstore, came a new traffic management scheme as directed by the Welsh Assembly.

"The scheme offered was three more sets of traffic lights in addition to those at The Cross. Welshpool Town Centre and Powys County Council both agreed that a one-way system was better than more traffic light controls.

"In 2008, the town council held a large consultation on the town centre with thousands of replies from residents in and around Welshpool.

"The result was support for a one-way system.

"Also, from this consultation evolved the town centre plan."

He said the town council's role was to ensure residents were kept up to date.

Mr Robinson said: "Before anyone blames the town council for the overall scheme, people should be aware that the superstore has been coming for over a decade and the town council is working to try and get the best out of it, rather than just 'rolling over' and complaining about what was a decision within the Powys Unitary Plan over a decade ago."

By Andrew Morris