Road repair delay ‘completely unacceptable’ says North Wales MS

The Welsh Government must find funds to repair a road that was partially swept away in a landslip caused by Storm Christophe in January.

That’s the view 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.

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. 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 have told me that the closed road is causing serious problems in terms of getting to work, taking children to school and coping with closures to the A483. ”

“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 for residents from the affected areas of Chirk, Newbridge, Cefn Mawr, Rhosymedre and Pentre this is an emergency. It’s completely unacceptable that they are left in limbo by the Welsh Government.”