New Mid Wales junction to get revamp

A junction which was installed as part of a Mid Wales town's controversial new one-way system will be dug up and changed again, it was revealed today.

The junction of High Street and Jehu Road at Andrew's Fish Bar in Welshpool is set to be moved in a bid to make it safer for motorists and pedestrians. Robert Robinson, town clerk, said he understood the work would start by the end of the week.

But he added he was awaiting confirmation from Powys County Council.

It is not currently known how much money the project will cost.

Mr Robinson said he believes the pedestrian crossing in Jehu Road will be moved closer to the junction to make it easier for motorists to see the pedestrians and vice versa.

He said: "I have been unhappy with this junction myself since the one-way system opened and I have been aware that people are having problems with it too.

"It was one of the first things I flagged up when it opened and I believe Powys County Council will be starting the work as soon as later this week.

"I am not 100 per cent sure but I think the plan is to move the crossing right onto the junction so people can see the cars and vice versa.

"We have pushed for something to be done and the developers have listened and I am pleased to say we actually have a very good working relationship with the county council here in Welshpool.

"We had to install a new road system, that was something we could not do anything about. It was coming whether we liked it or not, but now it is in place, we are more than happy to listen to concerns and change things where needed."

The turning has come under criticism with people saying they are concerned drivers go too fast around the corner, which swings around to the right, and are unaware there is a crossing so close to the turning.

Mr Robinson added that he was still waiting to hear from the Welsh Assembly with regards to turning the one-way system into a 20mph zone.

It is currently 30mph, but Mr Robinson said he felt a speed reduction would be of benefit to the safety of motorists and pedestrians.

Nobody from Powys County Council was available to comment today.