"Kick in the teeth" for Fishguard as Welsh Government pulls plug on road plan (From Western Telegraph)

"Kick in the teeth" for Fishguard as Welsh Government pulls plug on road plan

5:00pm Sunday 8th April 2012 in News

The Welsh Government’s decision not to financially support a scheme to improve the trunk road network through the centre of Fishguard has been described as “a kick in the teeth” for the town.

Pembrokeshire County Council voted unanimously on March 22nd to back a motion by Fishguard County Councillor Myles Pepper to seek completion of the improvements, which were first promised in 2003.

Supported by the authority’s cabinet, the motion urged the Welsh Government to implement a one-way gyratory system – the “key outstanding matter”

of the development of the trunk road in the town centre.

Cllr Pepper said that the council was promised swift action at the time of the announcement, and that it was “essential to the economy and regeneration of the town” as well as road safety.

Cllr Jamie Adams told members he had been informed by the minister with responsibility for road improvements that the scheme would not be funded “at present or in the foreseeable future”.

Cllr Bob Kilmister described the minister’s decision as “a kick in the teeth for Fishguard” and said that the improvements were absolutely essential for the future of the town.

Cllr Pepper added that Fishguard was in a unique situation as the town centre had space to develop such an opportunity.

“We must make the case in the strongest possible terms,” he added.

A Welsh Government spokesman said there was no financial commitment for the town centre scheme as it did not feature in existing programmes supported by the Welsh Government such as the SWWITCH Regional Transport Plan or the National Transport Plan.