Drivers face delays as windfarm blades transported

Drivers on the Shropshire and Mid Wales border face delays on Friday (April 13, 2012) when roads are closed to allow giant windfarm blades to be transported through the area.

The blades will be carried along the A483 through Oswestry and Welshpool towards Newtown, en route from Ellesmere Port to Cefn Croes windfarm in Ceredigion.

Welshpool Town Council has already written a letter of objection to the Welsh Government after notification of road closures were published.

The notice says road closures will be for no more than 10 minutes at a time but the town council has objected.

Robert Robinson, town clerk, said: "My council strongly objects to the order and is deeply concerned that such transport is going to cause not only delays but will affect tourist trade in a poor climate.

"The council was seeking to stop the order until a review of all windfarms has been carried out and a sensible solution found."

Alison Davies, chairman of the Conservation of Upland Powys, said she feared 'huge problems' could face motorists on Friday.

She said: "We all know our roads are not made for heavy traffic and that moderate traffic causes huge problems when even the smallest thing goes wrong."

A Welsh Government spokesman said: "Road closures will be kept to a minimum."