Update On The Newtown Traffic Problems

January 26, 2012

A number of people have asked me what happened at the Petitions Committee when Carl Sargeant, the Minister with responsible for Transport came to give evidence the other day. I have listed below the relevant part of the transcript from the National Assembly’s Website.

 

The National Assembly for Wales

The Petitions Committee – Tuesday, 10 January 2012

 

205]       Russell George: Yes. First, may I say that Mr Saady’s views are probably those of the minority in mid Wales. Indeed, one petition had a few hundred signatures and one had more than 5,000. So, although we are looking at the two together, the vast majority of people support the bypass. However, I think that Mr Saady’s views are also valid because some of his ideas need to be adopted as well as the bypass. That is worth pointing out as well. Obviously, the Newtown bypass has been subject to continuous delays since it was first put in the trunk road forward programme. I think that people will now want a timetable for that programme and to know when the construction phase will start. It would be useful if you could outline that. Most importantly, the many thousands of people who signed the petition probably want to know when the first car will drive onto that new bypass. That is the bottom line. If he could detail a timetable, I would appreciate that.

 

  
10.45 a.m.

 

  
[206]       Carl Sargeant: You will be aware of the reprioritisation within the national transport plan regarding my actions on the Newtown bypass. The provisional start date for publication of the orders is in that proposal, which is 2012-13. Beyond that, it would be wrong of me to make any further discussion points on the Newtown bypass, on the basis that I have made my decision to pursue this proposal and have indicated when I will be laying the orders for discussion. Subject to the detail of the letter that you have there, all residents and all people will have the opportunity, subject to a public inquiry and publishing the orders, to express their views in either direction. From that, I will make a decision on the scheme, subject to a public inquiry, without prejudice. I do not want to be accused of prejudicing my decision at this early stage. My commitment to the scheme has been clearly mapped out in the national transport plan.

 

  
[207]       William Powell: Thank you for setting out the context of the procedure that we need to follow. Colleagues have areas that they want to pursue, but it may be safer to move on to the other issue—which we have considered for some time—of petition P-02-162. It is about road safety concerns on the A40 in Llanspyddid, just outside Brecon. Bethan, I believe that you want to lead on this—

 

  
[208]       Russell George: Sorry, Chair, are we going back to the Newtown issue? There were some other questions—

 

  
[209]       Carl Sargeant: On the Newtown bypass, I have made my decision-making process for the future clear. I would not want to compromise that. I am happy, subject to some of your questions, to discuss issues around the other petition that you have on traffic congestion and the roundabout.

 

  
[210]       William Powell: Sorry, I misinterpreted and was being overcautious. Joyce, you have the green light to go back to planning.

 

  
[211]       Joyce Watson: It is the red lights that are stopping the traffic. [Laughter.]

 

  
[212]       Happy new year, Minister. You issued a letter dated 29 July last year, saying that discussions with residents and other observations suggest that the new signalling system in the town is working well. Could you elaborate on that?

 

  
[213]       Carl Sargeant: I would like to think that I operate in an open and transparent manner, and that when we get things wrong, we should say so. When the lights were installed, they were not working effectively. I asked my team to look at that closely. We remodelled and—what is the technical term for what you do to the lights to realign them?

 

  
[214]       Mr Davies: Recalibrate.

 

  
[215]       Carl Sargeant: The lights have been recalibrated. We believe that there has been a marked difference in the way that traffic flows through Newtown. However, we also believe that the Newtown bypass solution would bring enhanced benefits to the Newtown area. Subject to my decision, we believe that there would be ongoing benefits to a Newtown bypass—should it happen—and that it will have a direct effect on that junction and the traffic flow through Newtown. We recognise that there was an issue with the lights, but we believe that we have recalibrated them and that there is now an easing of traffic flow through the town.

 

  
[216]       William Powell: To take that a step further, you have indicated that a before-and-after study has been undertaken, comparing past and current congestion levels. Is that study around the recalibration exercise that you have just mentioned?

 

  
[217]       Carl Sargeant: Yes, the modelling study is ongoing, and once we have that data, we will do some scenario simulation, with regard to the computerised signalisation of traffic lights and roundabouts, to see whether any benefit analysis can be taken from the data. I suggest, Chair, that we need a little more time to ensure that we are able to find the right solution, which may be in place after the computerised modelling study. Anecdotally, we have heard arguments from both sides of the fence, with some people saying that the situation is worse, while others are saying that it is better. I want to think that we operate statistically, and so, when I have that modelling study data, I will be happy to share some of it with the committee. I will make my decision on whether we should move to a different style of junction or continue with the current junction, but I will base that decision on the statistical data that I receive from my department.

 

  
[218]       William Powell: It would be helpful for our consideration of both of these petitions to have those data as soon as possible.

 

  
[219]       Russell George: I appreciate your honesty, Minister, about the fact that the new SCOOT system that was introduced is not working as expected. People will appreciate your honesty about that. We are grateful that you will provide that before-and-after study information to the committee to consider once it has been finalised. When you look at that statistical information, will you consider the real feeling that people are avoiding the town and using other routes? So, in looking at that modelling study, please take into account that, yes, traffic has eased, but that it might be as a result of people using other routes. I am pleased that you mentioned that you would be prepared to re-examine that junction. Will you comment on whether you would be prepared to consider putting a trial roundabout back in place—and I say ‘trial’ because that would not involve any great expense—given the feeling that the traffic problems in Newtown were considerably worse after the roundabout was removed? Will you confirm that you will at least consider putting a trial roundabout back in place?

 

  
[220]       Carl Sargeant: I can assure the committee and the Member that, if I believe that congestion could be considerably eased by way of a different model, I will seriously consider an alternative method of providing a different style of junction—whether that be a temporary roundabout or otherwise. What I will not do is pre-empt the statistics that are coming through, because while you suggest that it would not be too expensive, there will be an expense, and I will not act on anecdotal evidence that it would be better. I will base my decision on fact. However, I will seriously consider and pursue any better alternatives.

 

  
[221]       Russell George: When do you expect the before-and-after study to be available to us?

 

  
[222]       Carl Sargeant: I imagine that the data will be completed by next month. We have just had Christmas, when traffic flows are different, so I want to get a complete package that will better inform us on the right decisions as to whether we should or should not make any changes. The expense that could be incurred on the back of a potential bypass solution for Newtown must also be taken into consideration. I am more than happy to share the data with the committee, subject to them being robust and complete. So, when I have the data, I will share them with you.

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Posted by russellgeorge

Christmas On the High Street

December 22, 2011

As the Assembly Member for Montgomeryshire, one of my main objectives for 2012 will be strengthening the Mid Wales economy. I have already secured two meetings in January with the Ministers for Business and Transport, to see what Welsh Government can do help boost business growth. I have also managed to secure a visit by the Business Minister to Newtown to meet with businesses on the ground, so they can tell the Minister directly, what exactly they need from government to be more competitive.

There is no doubt that the economic outlook for next year is going to be tough. High Streets in towns and cities up and down the country are going feel the squeeze as household incomes contract. However, one potentially positive message came from Mary Portas last week, who published a report on the future of our High Streets.

Many of you will know Mary Portas from such BBC television series as ‘Mary Queen of Shops’. As one of the UK’s leading retail marketing consultants, she was commissioned by the Prime Minister back in May, to lead an independent review into the future of our High Streets. In her final report unveiled last week, she makes a number of key recommendations to set about regenerating our ‘failing’ High Streets, which included improving the management of High Streets with new ‘town teams’, more affordable town centre car parking and disincentives for landlords who leave shops empty.

Her principal message was clear – yes our High Streets are at crisis point but if we invest in and create social capital in the heart of our communities, then economic capital will naturally follow.

Having read the report from the both a political and business perspective, I found myself agreeing with the majority of the recommendations made. We do need to look at our High Streets in a different way and we need to redefine their role and purpose because only a radical new vision for our town centres will ensure their viability in the future.

I think that some of the ideas in the report must be examined by both the Welsh Government and Powys Council because it is vital that government at all levels have the responsibility to work with shops to regenerate our town centres. For example, if Welsh Ministers supported Welsh Conservative proposals to scrap business rates for small business, this would not only ease the financial burden but it would also encourage new business start-ups to enter the market.

Again with parking, if the council made it free to park on certain days of the week, I believe this would encourage shoppers to come into our town centres, rather than shop in out-of-town outlets, which would increase footfall and help stimulate business growth.

There is no simple answer to retail revitalisation but we must all work together to find opportunities and workable solutions tailored to cater for local needs.

I am very pleased that a Newtown Chamber of Trade has been established. I have been promoting this over the past few months, so I am delighted that it has taken off the ground. I have also been working with the FSB and the Mid Wales Manufacturing Group in recent weeks, to see how we can encourage manufacturing growth and additional trade across Mid Wales. Finally, I am due to meet with a business forum in Welshpool early in the New Year and I will do all that I can to help their cause in revitalising Welshpool and make it a town where people want to spend quality time and money.

There is a lot of work to do in 2012 and I do not underestimate the significant challenges ahead. However, I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very happy and peaceful Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

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Posted by russellgeorge

10,361-strong Newtown traffic petition handed to Assembly

March 23, 2011

50 people from Montogmeryshire accompanied me today in delivering a 10,361 strong petition to the Welsh Assembly in Cardiff asking for a resolution to Newtown’s traffic problems.

The petition has been signed by people from right across Montgomeryshire and beyond, which has confirmed that this is a problem affecting the whole region. I have even had people from Ireland sign the petition saying that they now travel a different route to avoid Newtown.

Newtown has experienced serious traffic problems for many years and the situation deteriorated with the removal of the Kerry road roundabout. The Welsh Assembly Government has let us down, and I believe the high No vote in Powys in the recent referendum was a protest vote about the neglect of the Assembly Government to us in Mid Wales. Residents and businesses are becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the Assembly’s transport department which seems to be completely out of touch with issues in Mid Wales.

The traffic problems in Newtown are causing growth in the economy across Mid and West Wales to stagnate, businesses are suffering as tourists and locals are avoiding the area. We have HGVs driving though residential areas which is seriously compromising the safety of residents and in particular school children and of course the closure of the Aberbechan Bridge has caused further problems. This situation is causing misery for drivers and residents. We urgently need a start date on the bypass and in the short term an answer to Newtown’s traffic problems.

I have been involved in lobbying the Assembly and in particular the Minister for Transport for some time as a County Councillor, and in fact was encouraged by many to stand as an Assembly candidate following my lobbying over the neglect we receive from the assembly government in Mid Wales.

My petition asked that a trial roundabout is put in place on the Kerry road junction, and if traffic flow improves, that a permanent roundabout is reinstated and that there must be an early start date for construction of a Newtown Bypass.

I should also say that I believe the campaign is having an impact. Over a two year period I have discussed the matter with the transport minister and have gained the full support from the leader of the Welsh Conservatives in Wales Nick Bourne AM and our MP Glyn Davies. We have had conformation of the bypass route which has now been protected and the traffic department is now giving serious consideration to the roundabout being reinstated with near by adjustments, but we must keep up the pressure.

The final total was 10,361, 30 signatures had supported the roundabout but not the bypass or vice versa.

Although the petition has been handed in, I’m going to continue to collect petitions right up to the point the committee discuss the issue in May. You can sign the petition at Newtown Post Office or complete online at www.newtowntraffic.com

It was good to meet and chat to all on the coach, a real mixed group of people from young to old. I found out one protester on the bus was the Nan of the chief reporter of the County Times. He should be grateful, he nearly had to report on his own Nan, lucky I was there to intervene when I saw his Nan charging towards Ieuan Wyn Jones. That handbag could have done some serious damage to the Deputy First Minister!

Thank you to the 10,361 signed the petition and to the 50 people who filled the 50 seater coach today.

Most important of all – The petition’s committee will now debate the detail of what is being asked and discuss what action should be taken. We need a short term and long term fix to Newtown’s traffic problems – that is affecting the region.

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Posted by russellgeorge

Fire service response times must not be jeopardised

February 16, 2011

Had a meeting  at Newtown fire station last week with senior officers from the fire service and Newtown staff following  proposals which revealed Montgomeryshire could be left without any full time frontline firefighters. I have written to Carl Sargeant AM, Minister for Social Justice and Local Government today – a copy is posted below.

It seems that Powys had been disproportionately affected by the proposals and I was very disappointed that there will be no public consultation. The most important issue to me must be that the response time from that 999 call to any incident must not be jeopardized.

We also need further clarification on what this will mean for the future of the Newtown station if these proposals come into effect. Certain equipment used to tackle flooding and dealing with dangerous waste spillages could be withdrawn and this is particularly concerning.

All sectors have to look at how money can be saved, but it must be done in a fair way throughout the region and priority must be on retaining frontline services especially when it comes to important emergency services.

Carl Sargeant AM
Minister for Social Justice and
Local Government
National Assembly for Wales
Cardiff Bay
CF99 1NA

Dear Minister,

With regard to changes proposed within the Mid Wales Fire & Rescue Service I would wish you to consider urgently the following:-

The proposals involve moving from full time fire officers in Newtown to a retained Fire Service. I am very concerned at this development which will slow down response times and put people’s lives at risk.  Newtown is the only full-time manned fire station in Montgomeryshire and these proposals have not taken into account all circumstances.

The present arrangement has full time fire-fighters located at Newtown Station, but I would question how quickly part-time staff can get to the Llanidloes Road Station during peak times in heavy traffic. There would be serious difficulties including delays with part time fire-fighters navigating through traffic in Newtown which you may be aware is already causing huge concern in the area.

I also understand that if the station is downgraded, certain equipment used to tackle flooding and dealing with dangerous waste spillages could be withdrawn and this is particularly worrying.  I ask for your assurance that any change would not involve moving specialist equipment from the station.

It would seem that Powys has been disproportionately affected by the proposals. As a Local County Councillor, the most important issue to me must be that the response time from that 999 call to any incident must not be jeopardized.

I am further concerned to learn that no public consultation is planned, can I please ask that you look into this matter as I am keen that residents of Montgomeryshire are able to contribute and fully express their views

I fully accept that all sectors have to look at how money can be saved but, when it comes to lives at risk it is a completely different matter and it is critical that a full time service is retained in Montgomeryshire.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully,

Russell George
Cynghorydd Sir / County Councillor – Newtown Central

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Posted by russellgeorge

Aberbechan bridge and road closure

January 9, 2011

Local people are just fed up of the Newtown’s chaotic traffic issues. The fact that this road will now be closed for months will cause huge problems and will only add to the traffic congestion in Newtown, as commuters used this as a rat run to avoid the chaotic set of traffic lights.

This does of course highlight the concern that these small roads are not designed for large amounts of traffic, I have had numerous people contact me concerned about the increased traffic along Canal Road.

I’ve been in conversation with staff involved this week and they have put this down to very cold temperatures over a sustained period. I suspect the large amount of traffic using this road may also be the cause. The bridge needs to be repaired and the road reopened as soon as possible. The cost of not doing this is too high.

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Posted by russellgeorge

Happy new year and time for a change!

January 1, 2011

For me, the next four months will be largely dominated with my campaign in the run up to the Welsh Assembly elections which take place on May 5th.

Last July as I was selected as the Conservative candidate for Montgomeryshire for the Welsh Assembly elections. It was a privilege to have been selected by the 300 odd people who attended the public meeting and put their faith in me.

During 2010 I was heavily involved in the General election campaign, playing my part to help Glyn Davies get elected as the Conservative Member of Parliament,  In Montgomeryshire decades of Liberal Democrat representation at Westminster came to an end.

On the 5th May it will be up to the 49,000 people who live in Montgomeryshire to have their say again, and I of course hope they too will put their faith in me. I’ve been involved in standing up for issues important to Montgomeryshire and Mid Wales for some years, so it would be a privilege to serve the people of my home constituency in the Welsh Assembly -  my aim to fly the flag for this part of Wales which has been overlooked for too long.

Wales needs a change this year. In my view, the Welsh Assembly Government has never worked well for Wales or Montgomeryshire. My hope is that 2011 will bring the change we need.

Wales remains the poorest nation of the UK and lags behind other developed nations educationally. We have had twelve years of Labour domination in the Welsh Government and this has not led to improvements in our public services or our economy.

We also need to see Mid Wales recognized. The Welsh First minister was recently asked how many times since taking up his position he had visited Mid Wales. Carwyn Jones replied: “This information could only be provided at disproportionate cost”.

This response just shows what the First Minister’s attitude is towards Mid Wales. This is not a difficult question which requires a load of paper work, it just demonstrates a worrying attitude towards the area of Wales in which I have lived all my life.

If David Cameron can find the time to visit Montgomeryshire on a number of occasions, surely Carwyn Jones who has been First Minister for over a year should be able to be aware of when and why he has visited Montgomeryshire. Surely this is not too much to ask for, and anything less is gross neglect of our region.

As the Welsh Assembly government are not prepared to come to us, I will take our views to them!. This year I intend to take my Newtown Traffic Petition to Cardiff, to present the views of thousands of people from Montgomeryshire to The Minister. The traffic situation in Newtown which affects the majority of our County is a disgrace and needs to be resolved with serious commitment to reducing the current problem and bringing forward the finance for the Newtown By-Pass.

We have so many pressing issues in Montgomeryshire that need addressing; We need to retain and improve our local services and support local business which help create local jobs.

2011 will bring a number of opportunities for people in Wales to have their say. On the 3rd March, we will have a referendum regarding granting more powers to the National Assembly. On 5th May, we will not only have The Assembly elections, but a further referendum on changing the voting system for Westminster elections.

From my own point of view, I of course hope people will have confidence in me this May and that I will be elected the next AM for Montgomeryshire.

The New Year can be hard for many, so I would like to send my best wishes – things will change! To all the people of Montgomeryshire I wish you a happy and prosperous year.

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Posted by russellgeorge

Radio Maldwyn update

December 22, 2010

Yesterday spoke with Insolvency firm Irwin and Company and Powys County Council officials.

Irwin and Company have confirmed that they do have a potential buyer for the assets of Radio Maldwyn, this is subject to contract and agreement as there are a number of different parties involved. Irwin and Company are therefore still in control of the stations assets at the present time.

There are still issues that Irwin and Company has to resolve with OFCOM in regards to the licence, I have spoken with MP Glyn Davies who has been  involved in discussions with OFCOM and with Irwin and Company to bring a resolution.

Powys County Council owns the studios, transmitter and some equipment. The lease with the former owners lapsed some time ago.

The council must of course have assurances that the potential buyer will make a suitable tenant. The Council may also be in a position to facilitate some grant funding, but they would need to have assurances of the potential buyer’s intentions and commitment etc. The council has also got to be ready to act quickly depending on advice received from OFCOM, Irwin and Company and others.

I have been involved in the discussions from the Powys County Council side and I am pleased with the approach to date; the relevant people are taking the regeneration and commitment to retaining a local radio station seriously.

There are still a number of hurdles that need to be overcome. Form my point of view, our local BBC radio station (Radio Wales) does not offer an adequate service to us in Mid Wales and I believe we must retain a local radio station that continues to operate from a local base with good local content.

I should also say that several staff have lost there jobs, in the lead up to Christmas this is obviously a particular difficult time and the opportunity should be taken to thank them for their work.

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Posted by russellgeorge

Newtown bypass route protected

December 17, 2010

The Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) has announced that they will safeguard the “orange” route and land within 67 metres of the proposed bypass. This means that any planning application which will be submitted along this strip will now have to be referred to the WAG.

I do plan to get some further details about what this means for the land owners affected and to obtain clarification on what compensation people may be entailed to.

We are still waiting for the financial commitment for the Newtown bypass to be confirmed and we need to keep the pressure on the transport minster Ieuan Wyn Jones and the Assembly Government.

The government are now looking to make to make big spending cuts. But this does not have to mean a delay in the start of the by pass, this is about priorities. The cost of subsidising running an airway between North Wales and Anglesey has now increased to £1.2 million a year. This service is very useful for the transport minster Ieuan Wyn Jones who lives in Anglesey, but I think the money spent on “Ieuan Air” would be better spend on the Newtown Bypass

We need to keep the pressure on. You can now fill the Newtown Transport Petition Online at www.newtowntraffic.com or fill in at Newtown Post office or MP Glyn Davies’s office, Parkers Lane, Newtown.

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Posted by russellgeorge

Christmas Starts In Newtown

November 28, 2010

With my medal after completing the Santa Run today!

Big Christmas Weekend in Newtown ending with the 5km Santa Run which I completed this year, it was very cold, but nice to run through the snow.

Friday evening was the traditional count down for the Christmas lights switch on and fireworks display and on Saturday Santa’s parade went thought the town dropping Santa off in bear lanes where he stayed in his grotto giving out presents.

Not as many Santa’s as in the past, I think 2004 had the biggest turn out, but as our MP Glyn Davies commented at the start of today’s race – the Santa Run happened here first! I did a bit of running, jogging and walking, but completed it all!

Over the past few years, the Santa Run which is run and organised by Newtown and District Dial A Ride has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for good causes, national and international.

Last Saturday did the midnight walk from the fire station in Welshpool in aid of Severn hospice with about 200 others, so Iv had no need to go to the gym at the moment!

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Posted by russellgeorge

The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month

November 16, 2010

I’ve been fairly busy over the last few weeks, but thought it timely that I should blog on the various remembrance events that took place over the weekend.

I think its good, in fact important, that we continue to remember all those who gave their lives during all of the wars, in the service of our Country.  At the Baptist Church in Newtown on Sunday I spent time contemplating the difficult decisions our political leaders have to make when deciding to send our young people into war situations.

On Friday night I attended Welshpool’s Festival of Remembrance held in the Town Hall. The evening started with a parade of Standards, accompanied by music from the Porth-y-Waen Youth & the Training Silver Band. Then Welshpol town Councillors performed, and it ended with Stan Stennett leading a sing-a-long of songs from the 1940s. Of course I must not forget to mention that Ellie Jones (aged 10) who played the harp, and who I’ve spoken of before in a previous blog, is a relative of mine. She performed very well as usual. Well done to Welshpool Town Council and the Royal British Legion for all the work put into this event

On Sunday I attended the memorial service in Newtown. As a local Councillor I took part in the Remembrance Day Parade which marched though the town led by Newtown Silver Band. The parade ended at the war memorial at 11am, then onto the Baptist church for a joint service. All well organised by Newtown Royal British Legion. It was good to see such a high turnout on the streets of Newtown this year. From memory, I think it surpassed last year’s attendance which was encouraging.

As should also like to congratulate Prince William and Kate on their engagement today!

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Posted by russellgeorge

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