February 26, 2010
26 February 2010
Mr Ieuan Wyn Jones AM
Deputy First Minister and Minister for Economy and Transport
National Assembly for Wales
Cardiff Bay
Cardiff
CF99 1NA
Dear Deputy First Minister,
Traffic chaos
As I am sure you are aware, Newtown has experienced huge traffic problems for many years and, with the opening of Newtown’s Tesco Store on Monday, the problems have become significantly worse. I have been inundated with comments from people talking about their deep concerns over the traffic chaos in Newtown. Police have also received numerous complaints.
There are two issues here: Firstly, the unacceptable design of the new traffic lights system that replaced the Pool Road roundabout. The second issue concerns the failure to synchronise the new system with other traffic lights through the town as was proposed.
To most motorists a green light means ‘go’ and the current layout is causing confusion on priority. There has already been a number of minor bumps and this must now be considered as a major accident waiting to happen. I’ve never before seen a four-way junction without filter lanes. I am now calling on you to undertake an urgent independent road safety audit.
Your Department is responsible for this trunk road. It’s your Department that approved the removal of the roundabout and the layout and design of the new traffic lights.
I was told today that the Assembly’s experiences elsewhere indicates that traffic flows will improve as drivers become familiar with the new layout and that Welsh Assembly Government does not intend therefore to make any fundamental changes immediately. I accept that flow will improve a little as drivers get used to the layout, but do not accept that the people of Newtown will have to wait to see if the problems fix themselves; we need action now. Your department does not seem in touch with what is happening here in Newtown.
I also understand that the software that will synchronise the signals through Newtown will be installed at the beginning of next week, and your department is anticipating that flows will be further improved as signal operation is optimised during the week. Unfortunately, I don’t have the same degree of confidence.
The current chaos is causing huge damage to the local economy and the wider Mid Wales community. Businesses to the West of Newtown are suffering the most. Newtown is a central point in Wales but even businesses as far away as Aberystwyth may be affected by this mess. Running a business in Mid Wales is tough enough already. The last thing we need is a new traffic layout which makes things a whole lot worse. It’s just not good enough to say that the problems may be fixed in two or three weeks, it should be fixed now. Your Department is responsible and accountable for this completely unacceptable situation.
I would therefore request an urgent reply from you, setting out your plans to resolve the unacceptable layout at the new set of traffic lights and your assurances that the new synchronised signals system through Newtown will be an improvement on traffic flow from 12 months ago.
At the Newtown Traffic Study exhibition last September, which revealed three options for a Newtown By-Pass, your department informed me that you would be revealing the preferred route in January. This has not happened. I have submitted my response to the consultation in which I gave my support for the Orange Route Variant 1.
I should be further grateful if you could now confirm which option is the preferred route and set out the timetable for works to begin on the By-Pass through to completion of the project.
Yours faithfully,
Russell George
Cynghorydd Sir / County Councillor – Newtown Central
Office: 01686 626500
Mobile: 07867782727
4 Comments | 
councillors, environment, highways, newtown, powys county council, retail, shopping, transport | Tagged: tesco, traffic lights, Pool Road roundabout, Ieuan Wyn Jones AM, Deputy First Minister and Minister for Economy and Transport, Traffic Chaos | 
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Posted by russellgeorge
February 25, 2010
As you can imagine I’ve been inundated with comments from people talking about their deep concerns over the traffic chaos in Newtown. Police have also received numerous complaints.
There are two issues here, the first is the unacceptable design of the new traffic lights system that replaced the Pool Road roundabout, and the second is the failure to date to synchronise the new system with other traffic lights thought the town as was proposed.
To most motorists a green light means go and the current layout is causing confusion on priority. There has already been a number of minor bumps and this must now be considered as a major accident waiting to happen. I’ve never before seen a four way junction without filter lanes. Along with other Newtown Councillors I demanded that an independent road safety audit be carried out urgently.
The County Times has reported that the Council are blaming Tesco. Planning conditions required that before the store can open, all the traffic works must be completed and tested to the Planning Authority’s satisfaction.
Personally, although I think a degree of blame should be placed with Tesco, I believe the major part should to directed towards WAG, after all, they are responsible for the trunk road, the Assembly department approved the removal of the roundabout and the layout and design of the new traffic lights.
I was told today that the Assembly’s experiences elsewhere indicates that traffic flows will improve as drivers become familiar with the new layout and that WAG does not intend therefore to make any fundamental changes immediately. I accept that flow will improve a little as drivers get used to the layout, but WAG are just not in touch with what is happening here in Newtown and are making excuses.
I also understand that the software that will synchronise the signals through Newtown will be installed at the beginning of next week, the WAG are anticipating that flows will be further improved as signal operation is optimised during the week, unfortunately, I don’t have the same degree of confidence .
The current chaos is causing huge damage to the local economy and the wider Mid Wales community. Businesses to the West of Newtown are suffering the most. Newtown is a central point in Wales but even businesses as far away as Aberystwyth may be effected by this mess. Running a business in Mid Wales is tough enough already. The last thing we need is a new traffic layout which makes things a whole lot worse. Its just not good enough to say that the problems may be fixed in two or three weeks, It should be fixed now. WAG must be held accountable for this completely unacceptable situation. Tesco consultants and the WAG will have to come up with better solutions and fast.
3 Comments | business, environment, highways, newtown, powys county council, safety, transport, welsh assembly | Tagged: Newtown Traffic Chaos, Pool Road roundabout, tesco, traffic lights | Permalink
Posted by russellgeorge
February 4, 2010
Well, what did happen on the council tax increase debate? The answer is that it is going to be an increase of 4.25% and what is surprising is that I voted for it!
One of my reasons for standing for election to the County Council two years ago was due to my frustrations in council and business tax going up each year, but the services we receive going down.
Last year, I voted against the 2.99% council tax increase, and supported the Conservatives proposals for just a 2% increase.
Taking into account that inflation is very low at present, the proposed increase of 4.25% seemed high in real terms. Under normal circumstances, I could never support such a high council tax increase, but at last weeks meeting I did support and vote for the 4.25%. I supported this with difficulty as I do find it hard to justify when people have either lost their jobs or are seeing a small increase in there wage packets.
When the 4.25% proposal was first brought forward a few weeks earlier at the council’s board, I didn’t support the increase.
This year’s council budget does seem to be designed to boost reserves, as the belt tightens on Council spending. To maintain much needed investment in our schools is my main reason for supporting this year’s increase.
Let’s not forget that following the forthcoming general election spending cuts will be inevitable whoever wins, and saving our secondary schools and other services, where we can, appears to me to be a valid cause.
Leave a Comment » | conservatives, council tax, councillors, powys county council, public services, taxes, welsh conservatives | Tagged: conservatives, council tax | Permalink
Posted by russellgeorge
July 16, 2008
The council was yesterday considering a proposal to sell Newtown Market Hall. I had serious concerns over this, with 36 businesses operating within the market and at least 70 people employed.
The majority vote of the Council’s Board resoved to defer any decision until after the sale of the Newtown Smithfield site. This will enable the Council to re consider the investment needed in the market hall from the proceeds of the sale. To me it would seem reasonable for Newtown to benefit directly from the these funds.
The Traders and the people of Newtown will be pleased with this news, This was undoubtedly helped by a well supported petition and also the backing of all the Newtown County Councillors. The proposed sale of the building has been a real worry to the businesses within the market and many believe that Newtown, as a market town, should retain its indoor market.
It was good to see so many people working for the good of our area.
2 Comments | newtown, powys county council, retail | Tagged: Add new tag, council, Hall, indoor, Market, newtown, powys, sale, saved, traders | Permalink
Posted by russellgeorge
May 28, 2008
I would like to offer my congratulations to Devika and Muralee Tharan, who recently opened the area’s first ten-pin bowling alley, uStrike. I went along on Friday night with a few friends. I had seen it described as a ‘four-lane state-of-the-art bowling alley’ and I would say that’s what it is! Really well furnished, no expense spared and professional service.
A recurring comment I heard while campaigning was that our county council isn’t doing enough in the way of children and youth facilities in Newtown.
My answer to that was rather than the focusing on council providing further facilities, our council should be encouraging and supporting local entrepreneurs.
The council is pretty strapped for cash and unfortunately leisure and recreation facilities are always going to be pushed to the bottom of the list when money is short. It is great news that the town has now got this facility. I don’t know Devika and Muralee Tharan, but they have obviously taken a risk in this venture and I just hope that the all those who have called for more facilities will support this business.
I came last in our match so will definately be going back again to improve my technique!
For more information, visit www.ustrike.co.uk or call 01686 622688 for bookings.
1 Comment | leisure, powys county council, recreation | Tagged: 01686 622688, alley, bowling, bowling alley, Devika and Muralee Tharan, devika tharan, entrepreneurs, muralee tharan, newtown, ten pin bowling, ustrike, www.ustrike.co.uk | Permalink
Posted by russellgeorge
May 18, 2008
I went to a Promise Auction last night in Montgomery town hall, as I’d never been to one before I wasn’t really sure what to expect.
I ended up bidding for a £20 voucher to use in the Shilam restaurant in Newtown. I was a little confused when the auctioneer announced that the biding would start at £20 - I ended up securing it for £25! I think I’ve been done. I must point out that in my new role in Powys County Council I’m not sitting on any finance committees!
There were 36 items up for auction. These included 216 award-winning sausages in a box (why 216?), a Hopi ear candle session (what’s that?), one pair of curtains (that sold for £8 which I later noticed had an RRP of £49.99, perhaps I should have bought that and stuck it on ebay and made some money instead!
There was also a tour of the national assembly and the senedd donated by Nick Bourne AM…I cant understand why I wasn’t approached to donate a prize of a tour around Powys County Council chambers in Llandod with a mug of tea served at the Powys canteen!
3 Comments | charity, powys county council, welsh assembly | Tagged: llandod, promise auction, montgomery town hall, shilam restaurant, newtown, powys county council, sausages, hopi, curtains, national assembly, nick bourne | Permalink
Posted by russellgeorge
May 12, 2008
I attended County Hall for the first time this week, where on Tuesday I had an induction course which was interesting, but did feel like information overload.
On Friday, I had training on Code of conduct. The speaker made a very good job of making a boring subject very interesting. The session lasted all morning, but if I had to sum it up, it would be “How to stay out of jail”.
The Code of conduct is excellent, and its quite right that if councillors break this code, they should be disqualified from their position. It does however concern me – for example, will I genuinely forget to declare a conflict of interest? – but it is correct, and I would hope that the consequences for not heeding the code would make all councillors take it seriously.
I should also mention the other new Newtown councillors, of which there are five:
Newtown East – Richard John White (Liberal Democrat)
Newtown Llanllwchaiarn North – Francis Torrens (Welsh Conservative)
Newtown South – Robert Mills (Independant)
Newtown Llanllwchaiarn West – Peter Harris (Welsh Conservative)
Newtown Central – Russell George (me) (Welsh Conservative)
I know Peter Harris and Frank (Francis Torrens) and both are good friends. I have got to know them even better this week as we have shared a car from Newtown to Llandod a few times. I probably got to know Frank the best, simply because he doesn’t stop talking - from the point of getting in the car untill we arrive at our destination!
I had heard a great deal about Bob Mills during my own campaigning, people I spoke to either really disliked him or really liked him. I met him properly this week. Bob had invited me to a meeting to save Garth Owen post office, so I was able to form my own opinion of him. I found Bob to be very hospitable, passionate about standing up for his ward and very good at arranging and chairing the meeting he organised.
Bob also called me this week on a planning issue on my ward and was a big help. From what I now of Bob, he’s a good councillior and I think he will be a good friend and ally. I also met Richard White this week.
Leave a Comment » | councillors, issues, newtown, post office closures, powys county council, training, welsh conservatives | Tagged: code of conduct, conflict of interest, county hall, francis torrens, frank torrens, garth owen post office, llandod, newtown central, newtown east, newtown lanllwchaiarn north, newtown llanllwchaiarn west, newtown south, peter harris, planning, richard john white, robert mills, welsh conservative | Permalink
Posted by russellgeorge
May 3, 2008
It is just now sinking in that I have been elected to represent the residents of Powys and in particular the people of Newtown Central on our local Council.
The count was not taking place until Friday morning. So although very tired after weeks of hard campaigning, I had little sleep on Thursday night.
I stood around the table where the votes where being counted, along with the other candidates, each candidate having friends and party members around them. I’ve never experienced so many emotions in such a short space of time as the votes where sorted into the five trays: nerves, excitement, pride, anxiety, humility and more.
Then the results were declared:
BANCROFT, Dougie – Welsh Liberal Democrats – 211
GEORGE, Russell Ian – Welsh Conservatives – 314
LLOYD, Robert Alan – Independent – 29
MCCALL, John Andrew, Independent – 26
TAYLOR, Reg, Independent – 110
The returning officer then announced: “And I do hereby declare that the said Russell Ian George is duly elected Councillor for the said Electoral Division”. I felt very excited to be given this vote of confidence by the people of Newtown Central which I intend to repay by bringing a fresh approach on their behalf.
I’ve had many emails, comments and texts congratulating me, which I haven’t yet had time to respond to, so if you are reading this, thank you – I appreciate your support greatly.
3 Comments | conservatives, elections, newtown, powys county council, welsh conservatives | Tagged: dougie bancroft, election night, independent candidates, john mccall, reg taylor, robert lloyd, victory, welsh liberal democrats | Permalink
Posted by russellgeorge
April 24, 2008
Our local authority has put off a decision to switch off a third of Powys’ 14,000 street lights for a year to save money and energy until next month.
In a few weeks I may be one of the councillors asked to consider this proposal. If councillors vote in favour of the project next month then 5,000 lights will be switched off in June.
The lighting bill is around £500,000 per year and is set to rise by £175,000 with rising costs and a tight budget.
After chatting to people in Trehafren last night, I could be mistaken for thinking the scheme was already underway, as a number of residents told me about lights around their homes not coming on.
Of course I knew that the scheme hadn’t really started, and wondered if it was it worth reporting the problem, given that they may be left turned off anyway in a few weeks!
I’m in favour of finding ways to save electricity, and I’m making this a priority in my shop. However, I’m also in favour of having good street lighting, particularly to increase public security and safety.
I’m not sure how much it costs to install one lamppost and light, but I expect the cost is fairly high. Surely, it doesn’t make any sense to spend money installing street lights, only to then introduce a policy not to turn them on?
3 Comments | councillors, elections, environment, issues, powys county council, public services, safety, street lighting | Tagged: electricity, energy, street lights, trehafren | Permalink
Posted by russellgeorge
April 21, 2008
I can’t understand how anyone can say that removing the 10p tax band will help anyone. Newtown is one of the lowest paid areas in the UK and those on lowest pay will certainly find themselves paying much more tax.
This is just another way through the back door of taking more money from the average hard working person. When Gordon Brown announced the reduction in the basic rate from 22% to 20% and then abolished the 10p tax band, it was obvious to that everyone would be worse off. But what’s frustrating is that on announcing this he presented it as good for the average hard-working person!
So many people I have spoken to this week have aired there dissatisfaction of Labour, and I’m finding great support with people telling me there going to vote Conservative for the first time.
Council tax is of course another hot issue. The Lib Dems in Powys want to scrap council tax and replace it with a tax-per-person system. If this comes about I fear that the average paid workers in Powys will be paying even more.
The Conservatives pledge to introduce a system that places the control of council tax into our hands. My party will call for a referendum if our council wants to put up council tax by any significant amount. This will effectively make our council have to put forward a strong case to justify any large increase if they want us, the people of Powys, to vote for it.
It’s a disgrace that people who earn next to nothing are going to subsidise the 2p tax cut for people who earn more than they do. We are paying too much tax for too little in return and from the conversations I’ve had with people in Newtown this week I believe the public are finally realising it.
Leave a Comment » | conservatives, council tax, elections, issues, newtown, powys county council, taxes | Tagged: 10p tax band, gordon brown, labour, lib dems, liberal democrats, referendum | Permalink
Posted by russellgeorge
