Latest news with #NiaJeffreys
Wales Online
08-07-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
'Scandalous' that Gwynedd village still doesn't have its bypass says council leader
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The situation over stalled plans for a long awaited Llanbedr-bypass to ease traffic congestion has been described as "scandalous" by a council boss. Cyngor Gwynedd 's leader, Cllr Nia Jeffreys also expressed concern that the Welsh Government's investment in transport schemes in rural areas of Gwynedd was "completely inadequate and unfair". She was giving an update on the blighted project, whilst answering a question raised by the Harlech and Llanbedr Cllr Gwynfor Owen, during a full council meeting. A £14m bypass for Llanbedr was initially approved in March, 2020 but was cancelled in November, 2021 by Welsh Government after a road review. Costs for a road are now estimated at £32m. A 'low-speed' road plan to "relieve pressure" on the village had also been mooted with £400,000 from Welsh Government to explore this option. There was hope this would be followed by firm funding for the whole project. But then, it was announced by the government that funding applications would need to be submitted to the Corporate Joint Committee for North Wales, made up of other local authorities, which had been allocated £100m for the region's transport. Scores took to social media to vent their views and a Senedd Member Dwyfor Meirionnydd, Mabon ap Gwynfor, had called for the Welsh Government's "commitment" to the scheme. The council website says it is currently "collaborating with partners" to identify a transport solution. On Thursday, Harlech and Llanbedr's Cllr Owen requested an update on Council's discussions with the Welsh Government. He asked for a pledge from the council leader to "push for the money" and thanked all those who had worked towards the project, including the former council leader Dyfrig Siencyn. Councillor Jeffreys said: "We fully understand and acknowledge the significant interest in this long-standing issue which Cyngor Gwynedd has been actively seeking to take forward over an extended period. "Officers from the Council continue to lead and play a key role in the multi-agency working group which includes Welsh Government officials to identify a transport solution to alleviate Llanbedr's traffic problems. "There are monthly meetings of the working group which oversees and monitors the work and progress on the project as it progresses through the WelTAG process in line with Welsh Government requirements. "WelTAG being the Welsh Transport Appraisal Guidance which is used in the development and appraise transport proposals promoted or funded by the Welsh Government. "The two primary purposes of WelTAG are to enable the most beneficial scheme to be identified and to allow the comparison of schemes on a like-for-like basis. "As part of the application for Welsh Government funding to continue with this work in Llanbedr for this year, a funding profile for the costs of the whole scheme were noted. "If a new road would be the solution after following the WelTAG process, it is estimated that the cost would be around £32 million. As yet, this funding has not been confirmed. As part of the ongoing engagement work, events are being held with local stakeholders in Llanbedr as the WelTAG process progresses. "The next one is anticipated to be in September to report on the results of the WelTAG 2 recommendations". Information was being "shared" with the Llanbedr community in a regular newsletter and details published on a dedicated webpage on the Council's website: 'Llanbedr: Improving transport'. She added: "The Chief Executive and I, along with Mabon ap Gwynfor MS, met on Tuesday morning, June 17, with Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for North Wales and Transport to discuss the scheme and more specifically the financial position to fund it. "Following this, a letter has been sent jointly from the Chief Executive and myself to the Cabinet Secretary. It has expressed a general concern that the level of Welsh Government investment in transport schemes in rural areas such as Gwynedd is completely inadequate and unfair. "This in no way meets the expectations or requirements of our local communities nor indeed the aspirations set out by the Welsh Government itself in strategic documents such as Llwybr Newydd. "In particular, the question has been asked, what is the situation in terms of the availability of funding and the route to deliver the Llanbedr transport project. I will of course ensure you are updated when a response is received". She added she was happy to pursue the matter, saying it is "scandalous, what has happened in Llanbedr, not only for the village, but for the whole of Meirionnydd and Wales." Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now
North Wales Live
08-07-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
'Scandalous' that Gwynedd village still doesn't have its bypass says council leader
The situation over stalled plans for a long awaited Llanbedr-bypass to ease traffic congestion has been described as "scandalous" by a council boss. Cyngor Gwynedd 's leader, Cllr Nia Jeffreys also expressed concern that the Welsh Government's investment in transport schemes in rural areas of Gwynedd was "completely inadequate and unfair". She was giving an update on the blighted project, whilst answering a question raised by the Harlech and Llanbedr Cllr Gwynfor Owen, during a full council meeting. A £14m bypass for Llanbedr was initially approved in March, 2020 but was cancelled in November, 2021 by Welsh Government after a road review. Costs for a road are now estimated at £32m. A 'low-speed' road plan to "relieve pressure" on the village had also been mooted with £400,000 from Welsh Government to explore this option. There was hope this would be followed by firm funding for the whole project. But then, it was announced by the government that funding applications would need to be submitted to the Corporate Joint Committee for North Wales, made up of other local authorities, which had been allocated £100m for the region's transport. Scores took to social media to vent their views and a Senedd Member Dwyfor Meirionnydd, Mabon ap Gwynfor, had called for the Welsh Government's "commitment" to the scheme. The council website says it is currently "collaborating with partners" to identify a transport solution. On Thursday, Harlech and Llanbedr's Cllr Owen requested an update on Council's discussions with the Welsh Government. He asked for a pledge from the council leader to "push for the money" and thanked all those who had worked towards the project, including the former council leader Dyfrig Siencyn. Councillor Jeffreys said: "We fully understand and acknowledge the significant interest in this long-standing issue which Cyngor Gwynedd has been actively seeking to take forward over an extended period. "Officers from the Council continue to lead and play a key role in the multi-agency working group which includes Welsh Government officials to identify a transport solution to alleviate Llanbedr's traffic problems. "There are monthly meetings of the working group which oversees and monitors the work and progress on the project as it progresses through the WelTAG process in line with Welsh Government requirements. "WelTAG being the Welsh Transport Appraisal Guidance which is used in the development and appraise transport proposals promoted or funded by the Welsh Government. "The two primary purposes of WelTAG are to enable the most beneficial scheme to be identified and to allow the comparison of schemes on a like-for-like basis. "As part of the application for Welsh Government funding to continue with this work in Llanbedr for this year, a funding profile for the costs of the whole scheme were noted. "If a new road would be the solution after following the WelTAG process, it is estimated that the cost would be around £32 million. As yet, this funding has not been confirmed. As part of the ongoing engagement work, events are being held with local stakeholders in Llanbedr as the WelTAG process progresses. "The next one is anticipated to be in September to report on the results of the WelTAG 2 recommendations". Information was being "shared" with the Llanbedr community in a regular newsletter and details published on a dedicated webpage on the Council's website: 'Llanbedr: Improving transport'. She added: "The Chief Executive and I, along with Mabon ap Gwynfor MS, met on Tuesday morning, June 17, with Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for North Wales and Transport to discuss the scheme and more specifically the financial position to fund it. "Following this, a letter has been sent jointly from the Chief Executive and myself to the Cabinet Secretary. It has expressed a general concern that the level of Welsh Government investment in transport schemes in rural areas such as Gwynedd is completely inadequate and unfair. "This in no way meets the expectations or requirements of our local communities nor indeed the aspirations set out by the Welsh Government itself in strategic documents such as Llwybr Newydd. "In particular, the question has been asked, what is the situation in terms of the availability of funding and the route to deliver the Llanbedr transport project. I will of course ensure you are updated when a response is received". She added she was happy to pursue the matter, saying it is "scandalous, what has happened in Llanbedr, not only for the village, but for the whole of Meirionnydd and Wales."
Wales Online
19-06-2025
- Automotive
- Wales Online
Three key roads earmarked for upgrades in Denbighshire after £4.8m spending boost
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Three key roads in Denbighshire have been identified for improvements using money accessed from the Welsh Government. A similar exercise in Gwynedd has seen more than 60 roads and footpaths earmarked for upgrades. Denbighshire Council has secured £4.8m from Cardiff's Local Government Borrowing Initiative (LGBI) to boost its road maintenance programme. The local authority is now planning 'significant investment' to resurface three roads. They are the A525 Nany Y Garth Pass near Ruthin; the A547 Abergele Road near Rhuddlan; and Ty Newydd Road, a key conduit in Rhyl. Denbighshire's Highways aims to start work 'straight away' during the 'optimum time for carriageway surfacing works'. Cllr Barry Mellor, lead member for environment and transport, said: 'We know the improvement of the county's road network is a topic that comes up regularly from our residents. The work that will be carried out on our roads over the next two years will really help improve the network and driving experience for both residents and visitors to Denbighshire.' The LGBI funding runs for two years with Denbighshire saying improvements are planned on a 'number of roads'. Details of other highways to benefit from the funding will be released in due course. Cyngor Gwynedd received £7.8m through the LGBI scheme – it has a two-year target list that extends to more than 60 roads, paths and structures such as bridges and retaining walls. The local authority said these span the entire county from 'Llanrug to Llanystumdwy and from Tudweiliog to Tywyn'. The North Wales Live Whatsapp community for top stories and breaking news is live now - here's how to sign up (Image: Cyngor Gwynedd) Council leader Cllr Nia Jeffreys said: 'The condition of the roads is of concern to a large number of local people, but due to the dire financial situation of local authorities we have not been able to invest in the network as we would have liked. 'This investment will make a huge difference and target the areas most in need in terms of potholes in roads, resurfacing, footpaths, and other structures.' The LGBI initative was announced in March by Ken Skates, cabinet secretary for transport and North Wales. It provides an extra £10m of revenue funding to enable local councils to unlock £120m of additional capital funding. A similar scheme was rolled out successfully in Wales between 2012 and 2014. Cllr June Jones, Cyngor Gwynedd's cabinet member for highways, said the extra cash will enable a broader programme of work to be carried out on the country's roads. 'It also means the council will be able to plan spending much better,' she said. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox 'For example, this past financial year, £750,000 was spent on filling potholes on our network here in Gwynedd. This is not the best use of our road maintenance revenue funding as it is completely responsive. 'Through this investment over two years, we are confident that we will reduce our emergency spending on filling potholes in roads and spend more on programmed resurfacing work.' Find out what's happening on the roads near you
Wales Online
24-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Sixty roads, paths and bridges in Gwynedd to be repaired but will mean more roadworks
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Roads in Gwynedd will see improvements over the next two years after Cyngor Gwynedd received a grant worth £7.8 million from the Welsh Government. The investment includes improvements to more than 60 roads, paths and structures in areas across Gwynedd; from Llanrug to Llanystumdwy and from Tudweiliog to Tywyn. Cyngor Gwynedd said it provided strong evidence to the Welsh Government about the need for investment. Following this a Local Government Borrowing Initiative has been approved for capital investment to improve highways during the period 2025-2027. Last year the council spent £750,000 on pothole repairs, with hopes that this investment will reduce that ongoing spending bill. The investment will mean additional roadworks over the next couple of years but should then reduce the need for future works. The plans include: road resurfacing work, tar and chip work, footpath repairs work on highway structures such as bridges or retaining walls Councillor Nia Jeffreys, Leader of Cyngor Gwynedd said: "The condition of the roads is of concern to a large number of local people, but due to the dire financial situation of local authorities we have not been able to invest in the network as we would have liked. I am therefore delighted that our application through the Local Government Borrowing Initiative has been successful. "This investment will make a huge difference and target the areas most in need in terms of potholes in roads, resurfacing, footpaths, and other structures.' Councillor June Jones, Cyngor Gwynedd Cabinet Member with responsibility for Highways, Engineering and Ymgynghoriaeth Gwynedd Consultancy added: "This extremely good news will allow us to deliver a much broader programme of work than could have been achieved without this investment. "This news also means that the Council will be able to plan spending much better. For example, this past financial year £750,000 was spent on filling potholes on our network here in Gwynedd. This is not the best use of our road maintenance revenue funding as it is completely responsive. "Through this investment over two years, we are confident that we will reduce our emergency spending on filling potholes in roads and spend more on programmed resurfacing work." Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Find out what's happening near you
North Wales Live
24-05-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
Sixty roads, paths and bridges in Gwynedd to be repaired but will mean more roadworks
Roads in Gwynedd will see improvements over the next two years after Cyngor Gwynedd received a grant worth £7.8 million from the Welsh Government. The investment includes improvements to more than 60 roads, paths and structures in areas across Gwynedd; from Llanrug to Llanystumdwy and from Tudweiliog to Tywyn. Cyngor Gwynedd said it provided strong evidence to the Welsh Government about the need for investment. Following this a Local Government Borrowing Initiative has been approved for capital investment to improve highways during the period 2025-2027. Last year the council spent £750,000 on pothole repairs, with hopes that this investment will reduce that ongoing spending bill. The investment will mean additional roadworks over the next couple of years but should then reduce the need for future works. The plans include: road resurfacing work, tar and chip work, footpath repairs work on highway structures such as bridges or retaining walls Councillor Nia Jeffreys, Leader of Cyngor Gwynedd said: "The condition of the roads is of concern to a large number of local people, but due to the dire financial situation of local authorities we have not been able to invest in the network as we would have liked. I am therefore delighted that our application through the Local Government Borrowing Initiative has been successful. "This investment will make a huge difference and target the areas most in need in terms of potholes in roads, resurfacing, footpaths, and other structures.' Councillor June Jones, Cyngor Gwynedd Cabinet Member with responsibility for Highways, Engineering and Ymgynghoriaeth Gwynedd Consultancy added: "This extremely good news will allow us to deliver a much broader programme of work than could have been achieved without this investment. "This news also means that the Council will be able to plan spending much better. For example, this past financial year £750,000 was spent on filling potholes on our network here in Gwynedd. This is not the best use of our road maintenance revenue funding as it is completely responsive. "Through this investment over two years, we are confident that we will reduce our emergency spending on filling potholes in roads and spend more on programmed resurfacing work."
