Long-awaited bypass on Shropshire border blasted by landlords
A long-awaited bypass on one of the main routes between Shropshire and Mid Wales would have an "abhorrent" effect on businesses in two villages along the way, it has been claimed.
Two pub landlords say they fear for their livelihoods if the proposed Pant and Llanymynech bypass is built, taking away passing trade. But residents say the bypass, which will not be built until at least 2020, is desperately needed.
Alison Foden, landlady of the Cross Guns in Pant, said: "I can sympathise why residents want the bypass, it is needed for safety reasons, but it would close our pub.
"We are reliant on passing trade to make our business a success. Between January and March and October to December we are relying on locals and are breaking even during these spells.
"It is that summer spell between April and September when you get the passing trade, people off to the Welsh coast and the like where we make our business a success. Building the bypass would be abhorrent for us. The day it opens will most likely be the day the pub closes."
Bob Hedley, landlord of the Bradford Arms Hotel in Llanymynech, echoed Ms Foden's comments.
He said: "The bypass would be a complete disaster for us and for the village. In one move it would take all the passing traffic and business away from us. We are lucky to have a lot of dedicated regulars, but this is a relatively small village that supports three pubs. You take away that passing trade and all of a sudden it is not looking so good, it is a real worry."
Mr Hedley said he thinks instead of a bypass, heavy goods vehicles should be directed away from the two villages.
Dilys Gaskill, chairwoman of the Llanymynech and Pant Parish Council, said she understood the concern, but said the bypass would be worth it in the long run.
"It is vital for people's safety that the bypass is built and it is going to be at least five years away anyway."
