Welshpool one-way system fear sparks protest plan

Member of Welshpool Town Council's planning committee said they are still deeply concerned the road system introduced three years ago will directly cause someone's death unless safety measures are brought in.

Councillor Heather Sherlock said she fears an accident in the town centre, followed by a fire in a residential area, could leave firefighters unable to reach the blaze in time.

She said: "One day there will be a crisis because the emergency services won't be able to get through.

"Imagine if there was a crash at The Cross and a fire at my mother's house for example.

"She would burn to death because the fire service wouldn't be able to get through.

"The Welsh Assembly doesn't give a damn.

"They are our servants, we pay for them and they should sit up and take notice."

Councillors are also planning to hold a demonstration against the system in the town to cause chaos during the National Eisteddfod which will be held in nearby Meifod in August bringing national publicity to the area.

Councillor Phil Pritchard, committee chairman, said: "If we are to hold a protest let's do it then and cause chaos when the ministers are here."

Councillor Graham Breeze added: "We need to do something to make a major statement.

"Stopping the traffic would get everybody's attention.

"It would get the television cameras here and maybe we would get listened to.

"The Welsh Assembly doesn't listen to us, it doesn't listen to Powys County Council."

The system was introduced in 2012 and has been blamed for a number of accidents.

A review by Powys County Council last year recommended a number of changes which were never introduced by the Welsh Assembly due to a variety of reasons.

A public meeting will now be held in Welshpool on June 22 at 6pm at the town hall.

Robert Robinson, town clerk, said: "The one-way system the town got was not the one way system we agreed on.

"There were various mistakes made when it was put in.

"Since then we have highlighted the changes that are needed and a survey of residents showed that most people would be happy with the system if changes were made.

"They haven't been made though.

"One of our polls also showed 81 per cent of residents are in favour of turning Brook Street back two way.

"This is something to look at."