Welshpool one-way system changes on the way as Broad Street to go to one lane

Broad Street will be reduced to single lane traffic and new parking arrangements are on the way, while the Welsh government is still investigating Welshpool town council proposals to return Brook Street and Union Street to two-way traffic.

The news came in a letter from minister for economy and infrastructure, Ken Skates, to County Councillor Graham Breeze, who raised that problem with the cabinet secretary after being inundated by residents, concerned about safety on Broad Street.

In his response Mr Skates said: "As part of the investigations a study into the parking and crossing arrangements on Broad Street has been completed and I have asked my officials to take forward the recommendations of the report with a detailed design of single lane running on Broad Street, improvements to parking arrangements and the provision of a controlled pedestrian crossing adjacent to the Town Hall.

"The study into the one-way system at Welshpool is ongoing. This includes the consideration of converting Brook Street to two-way traffic. The report will be available in the spring."

Mr Skates said improvement works to the pedestrian crossing at the Jehu Road/High Street junction and improvements to traffic signals at Morrison's and the Cross had been completed.

Councillor Breeze said: "The two-lane format Broad Street is a nightmare for both motorists and pedestrians and it is nothing short of a miracle that no-one has been killed.

"The system is flawed and it is fantastic news that the Government has listened to the people of Welshpool.

"Introducing a one-lane system will improve safety, increase short-term parking facilities and put an end to the double parking. The controlled crossing is an absolute must to stop pedestrians taking their lives into their own hands every time they try to cross the road.

"I am also delighted that the investigation into Brook Street and Union Street is ongoing. When homes and businesses were surveyed 78 per cent said they wanted the road returning to a two-way system and Welshpool Business Forum also supported the proposal."

In July 2015 Welshpool Town Council voted unanimously to press for Brook Street and Union Street to return to a two-way system following the council survey.

The council says the change would reduce Broad Street and High Street traffic, remove the bottleneck situation alongside the new NFU building and improve pedestrian crossing.