Welshpool's 'bonkers' one-way system to change

The Welsh Assembly will look into reopening Brook Street in Welshpool to two-way traffic by the end of 2016.

It follows a visit by transport minister Edwina Hart last month, who was told by Welshpool Town Council and other campaigners that the system was dangerous and would result in someone being killed.

The system has also been blamed for causing hold-ups in the town centre and putting visitors off. people off from visiting. Glyn Davies, Montgomeryshire MP, said he was "delighted" modifications would be made to the "bonkers" system.

He said: "The meeting was hugely important for the transport system in Mid Wales. Mrs Hart's decision to commit her officials to carrying out the necessary research to scrap most of the bonkers Welshpool one-way system is an important decision and good news for the development of business and jobs throughout Mid Wales."

"It will correct a huge mistake which was made when the Tesco store was built, one which has caused great damage to Mid Wales as well as Welshpool. The change cannot come too soon."

Russell George, Montgomeryshire AM, added that he had received a letter from Mrs Hart confirming her intention to bring in the changes.

"I was particularly keen that the minister visit Welshpool in person to see for herself how alterations to the road layout would be beneficial and I am pleased that the minister is receptive to the idea of alterations being made to Welshpool's traffic management system.

"Following the meeting, the minister wrote to me to confirm that her officials will be investigating the options for Brook Street to be changed from one way to two way traffic again.

"I was pleased she seemed very sympathetic to this view in her meeting with me and the town council. She has also confirmed that this could be implemented by the end of next year.

"Mrs Hart also said that she will consider a range of other measures to improve access, pedestrian and road safety, and parking which I very much welcome."

During Mrs Hart's visit, she got to experience the system first hand when her car was involved in a near-miss with a white van.

During her visit, her chauffeur was forced to take evasive action in the ministerial Mercedes when she was "cut up" at the Church Street junction.

At the time she said: "I have now seen at first hand what all the talk is about. My driver has said he doesn't want to go around the one-way system again."