Urgent change needed for one-way system described as 'fatality waiting to happen'
Urgent action needs to be taken to ensure changes are made to a controversial one-way system which has been described as a "fatality waiting to happen."
Powys County Council signed off proposed changes to Welshpool's one-way system in November 2013, but is still awaiting the trunk road agency to bring them in.
Welshpool Town Council has now recommended the road is changed to a 20mph speed limit - it is currently 30 - but a councillor said firmer action is needed.
Last week, two elderly sisters suffered serious injuries after being hit by a car in Church Street.
Now Councillor Phil Pritchard, town and county councillor, has called on residents to stage a mass protest in the town centre to push the changes through.
He said: "These changes just aren't happening and we need to make everyone sit up and take notice that this road system is not suitable and a fatality waiting to happen.
"We need to have a day where we all get together and stand in the road and make sure the traffic can't pass at all. Maybe then they will sit up and take notice.
"We need to send a strong message to those who are still stalling on bringing in the changes."
Councillor Pritchard said the incident involving the two elderly woman was a perfect example of why the system is flawed.
He said: "There are two points in particular that seem to cause trouble for pedestrians - the junction of Jehu Road and outside the former Spar store in Church Street.
"I simply don't understand why they don't put traffic lights up by the old Spar so people can press the button and cross safely. It sounds so simple, but it seems that is too easy for them, because they haven't brought it in.
"Something needs to be done now before it is too late."
Councillor Ann Holloway, a fellow town and county councillor, added: "Someone has to stand up and be counted now and take urgent action against this shambolic road system.
"If they don't, someone will be killed by a car sooner rather than later. It is desperate.I am sick and tired of hearing about how close we have been to catastrophic incidents.
"People used to stop here while on the way to the coast from Shropshire. Why would they bother now, it is such a hassle getting through the town."
