Following the closure of the consultation on the 9 options for removing the A55 roundabouts in Penmaenmawr and Llanfairfechan, Janet Finch-Saunders, Assembly Member for Aberconwy, has challenged the Welsh Government over lack of progress and for “leaving residents in limbo”.
Janet said:
“The proposed improvement works have already been subject to local controversy, resulting in myself writing to the Welsh Government last year highlighting the deficiency of detail about the options.
“Some of the proposals are very worrying, especially as they could damage businesses and directly affect peoples’ homes.
“Whilst the consultation closed on 28 August 2018, I was given assurances in writing by Ken Skates, Minister for Economy and Transport, that he was expecting to make an announcement on his decision in autumn 2018, and organise public information exhibitions on the preferred options early this year.
“So far, I have not been made aware of any decision, or when exhibitions will take place.
“It seems to me that the Minister is leaving residents in limbo as the Welsh Government is still reporting online that they are considering responses before deciding on preferred options.
“When it comes to highway development, the Welsh Government have a habit of moving at a glacial pace - just look at the M4 relief road in South Wales.
“Going forward, I have responded to the Minister asking for clarification as to when a decision on the preferred options will be announced”.
ENDS
Written Assembly Questions:
Janet:
Will the Cabinet Secretary state by when the submissions to the consultation on the A55 Junctions 15 and 16 Improvement Scheme will have been analysed, and explain whether there will be a further consultation based on the findings of the one that has just ended?
Response by Ken Skates AM, Minister for Economy and Transport on 21 September 2018:
The consultation responses are currently being analysed and I will consider the results in conjunction with the technical, environmental, social and financial appraisals before I make a decision on the preferred options for both Junctions 15 and 16. I am expecting to make an announcement on my decision this autumn and Public Information Exhibitions on the preferred options will be organised in early 2019.
Reply by Janet:
Further to WAQ77105 will the Minister explain why an announcement on the preferred options has been delayed, and state by when it should now be expected and the Public Information Exhibitions held?
Notes:
