Montgomeryshire Assembly Member, Russell George, said he was ‘pleased’ with the Welsh Government’s reprioritisation of its National Transport Plan, which saw Mid Wales as one of the big winners of new programme funding.In the Welsh Government’s statement to Assembly Members, which outlines what transport projects it will prioritise and invest in over the next 4 years, the Newtown Bypass and an hourly service from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth, top the list of key projects for Mid Wales.
In addition, the Government has also committed itself to a number of upgrade projects to improve public safety and access to public transport in Powys.
Commenting, Mr George said:
“I welcome the Transport Minister’s announcement which indicates the Welsh Government’s future commitment to improving transport links in Mid Wales.
“I am pleased by the Government’s pledge to implement an hourly service on the Cambrian Line, something which I asked Ministers’ to prioritise back in June.
“The enhancement of the Cambrian Line is an extremely important aspect in delivering economic growth in Mid-Wales.
“I am also pleased by the assurances the Minister has given regarding the importance of the Newtown Bypass. However, what was not clear from the statement was when the Government expects the construction phase to start.
“I have a meeting scheduled with the Minister early in January specifically about the Newtown Bypass, when I will ask him to clarify the timetable for the delivery of the project.”