Politician steps in to voice concern over Llanrwst dangerous traffic problem

Jun 3 2010 by Samantha Castle, North Wales Weekly News

A WELSH AM has stepped in to show support for a Conwy Valley market town which is blighted by dangerously heavy traffic despite the Transport Minister’s intervention.

Welsh Liberal Democrat AM Eleanor Burnham has voiced her concern over the increasing amount of near-misses on the A470 trunk road which snakes through the precariously narrow streets of Llanrwst.

She said recently: “Many North Wales towns and villages find themselves under pressure from ever-increasing numbers of cars and lorries. This is particularly true of Llanrwst, where pedestrian safety has been compromised for far too long.

“In June 2009 the Transport Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones AM, visited Llanrwst and was accompanied by members of the Trunk Road Agency. Discussions took place with local councillors and residents in an attempt to find a solution, yet almost a year later Llanrwst is still no closer to having a safer, agreed future.

“When I challenged the First Minister on this matter he was unable to provide a full update.

“In spite of this response, I shall be pursuing the subject with the Minister and looking for a timely resolution for the residents and business-people of Llanrwst.”

Llanrwst’s new mayor Cllr Christine Humphreys also voiced her concerns: “One of my main aims will be to continue to pressurise the Welsh Assembly Government and the Trunk Road Agency to take action to improve pedestrian safety in the town, particularly in relation to the safety of our school children.

She added: “I support the Community Travel Plan and look forward to working with the Welsh Assembly and Conwy County Council to instigate it into Llanrwst.”

Paul Evans, Conwy’s Group Engineer (Traffic), said: “Safer Routes in Communities is a WAG initiative that hasŠ evolved from the Safer Routes to Schools programme. Aimed at encouraging more sustainable forms of transport, in particular walking and cycling, Community TravelŠPlans are an essential part of the bid process.

“It is the community itself that must develop the Plan. Conwy County Council's role is one of guidance and submission of a bid for funding for schemes aimed at reducing car usage.

“Llanrwst and Trefriw pose a particular challenge being in the heart of a rural part of Conwy. These communities are helping out in this initial trial of the process and have embraced the concept with enthusiasm.”