Road closure misery
A six week road closure on a major holiday route between the Midlands and Wales is causing problems for locals, tourists, farmers and businesses.
The A495 between Llynclys near Oswestry and the turning for Llansantffraid is closed between 9.30 and 4pm each weekday for roadworks until the July 7.
Diversions send motorists onto the A490 towards Welshpool, onto the A458 and then the A483 through Llanymynech.
Mr David Griffiths from Llanfyllin says that thousands of people are being unnecessarily inconvenienced.
The scientist, who works in Warrington, has to find an alternative way onto the A483 several times a week.
He said the closure had come at one of the worse times of the year.
"We are in peak holiday season and this road is one of the main routes across to Lake Vyrnwy and Bala and the coast," he said.
"My wife runs a Bed and Breakfast from our home and our guests are being affected, local people face diversions every day and businesses are being hit."
Mr Griffiths said that farmers were also struggling with the closure.
"They can get their animals to market if they set out early but then, if they have bought livestock they face long diversions to get them back to the farms. This can cause welfare issues."
He said there seemed to be no reason that such a major road had to be completely closed.
"The roadworks could go ahead with temporary traffic lights and one way traffic."
"The closure of a very short section of road is resulting in many miles of diversions for six entire weeks."
"These ill-timed road closures will have a damning effect on the business community that is already hard-pressed, and the extra cost of fuel and lost time will generate a massive and well-deserved reaction against such ill-conceived actions."
No one was available for comment from Shropshire Council.
