July 26, 2021
Road repair delay 'completely unacceptable'
Storm-damaged route needs Welsh Government funding - Plaid MS
A road that was partially swept away in a landslip caused by Storm Christophe may not be repaired for years due to Welsh Government refusing to fund the work.
That's the concern of North Wales MS Llyr Gruffydd, who has asked questions of Welsh transport minister Lee Waters about the funding of the repairs to the B5605 at Newbridge, near Wrexham.
Mr Gruffydd, who represents Plaid Cymru, said: "The road through Newbridge is an important link for local people of course but it's also an important route for traffic when the nearby A483 trunk road has to be closed for any number of issues.
"The storm in January meant that the river Dee swept away part of the land below the road and half the carriageway has disappeared. The repairs needed are extensive - I've seen one estimate at more than £1m - and I would expect the Welsh Government to support the council financially to undertake that kind of major work.
"So it's very concerning to see a letter dated July 14 from Julie James, the climate change minister, telling the local MS that the repair work is not eligible for flood relief funding because it wouldn't protect properties. She goes on to say that the road repair fund is fully allocated for this year and that the council will only be able to apply for this after April 2022. Local residents have had to put up with this for six months already and my fear is that this reluctance to fund repairs could mean delays lasting years before it's put right. It's completely unacceptable - this is not a minor road, it's an important local through road and also has strategic importance for keeping traffic flowing north-south along the A483 trunk road between Ruabon and the Halton roundabout.
"I'm awaiting answers from the transport minister on this matter but I am urging local residents from the affected areas of Chirk, Newbridge, Cefn Mawr, Rhosymedre and Pentre to contact me with their views - I'm on [email protected]."
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