Call for Ffordd Robert Owen Way bypass
A town council is urging the Welsh Government to name a new multi-million pound bypass after one of the region's most famous sons.
It is anticipated that the Newtown Bypass, which is being built by Alun Griffiths contractors at a cost of over £65 million will be complete in Spring 2019, however it could be sooner if work gets ahead of schedule.
With the end date in sight Newtown Town Council have launched a bid to have the new bypass named the Ffordd Robert Owen Way.
Mr Owen was an Welsh textile manufacturer and a social reformer who inspired the foundation of the co-operative movement.
A motion was passed at Tuesday's meeting of the town council to urge the government to name the bypass after Mr Owen, and calls have been made for AM Russell George and Powys County Council to back the move.
Councillor David Selby put the motion forward and believes it would be fitting to name the largest change to the town's transport system in decades after the social reformer.
He said: "The bypass is the largest infrastructure project since the development board works over 40 years ago.
"This time next year we should start to see the reduction in through traffic, particularly lorries and the residents of New Road, Pool Road and Llanidloes Road should see the reduction in fumes and pollution.
"This new road is biggest change to our town’s transport since the arrival of the canal and the railway in the 19th century.
"If important buildings, railway engines and even bridges can have a name than this magnificent engineering feet should also have a name.
"We should name the bypass after the most celebrated and internationally known resident, Robert Owen.
"The new bypass gives the town the opportunity to breath again – but also the need to market its self. The new Ffordd Robert Owen Way could be part of that marketing and I urge the Welsh Assembly to support this call and name the new road.”
The Welsh Government has been asked to comment on when they will name the new bypass, after a previous call was made by landowner Mervyn-Lloyd Jones and tree hunter Rob McBride to christen the road the Brimmon Oak Bypass.
The pair were successful in diverting the bypass route to preserve the 500 year-old tree and believe it would be a worthy name.
