Proposals to introduce an overtaking lane and to change junctions on part of the Llanidloes bypass have raised concern among local residents.
The Welsh Government wants to make changes that would see the introduction of an additional lane for overtaking and changes to junctions between the roundabout into Llanidloes and the rugby field entrance.
Senedd political candidates have voiced their concerns, supporting residents at Hafren Terrace in the campaign.
Powys county councillor and Plaid Cymru Senedd candidate for Montgomeryshire, Elwyn Vaughan, said he has discussed the issue with local residents who are concerned about speed and noise, as well as safety issues as a result of the proposals.
Cllr Vaughan said: “There are a number of reasons why the current proposals are not acceptable to residents, including increased speed of traffic, the environmental effect and reopening of a route for traffic in front of houses.
"It is imperative that a clear message is given to Welsh Government as part of the consultation process that the current proposals are not acceptable.
"They do not reflect the reality on the ground and a consensus of opinion is building that the estimated £5m cost would be better spent on work further along the A470 towards Llandinam, including assisting with the access to the rugby club.
"I have already raised the matter with Helen Mary Jones MS who will likewise relay the concerns to Ministers."
Welsh Liberal Democrat Senedd Candidate for Montgomeryshire, Alison Alexander, had a socially distanced tour of the area with residents leading the campaign against the plans on Friday.
“Walking around this area, it is plain to see how nonsensical these proposals are. Along the cul-de-sac I’ve seen plenty of dog walkers from the town and not a single moving car. We know air pollution is a problem for towns and we are in a climate emergency. This scheme would mean more emissions from accelerating vehicles and more traffic right by these 34 houses. It would achieve the polar opposite of what we as a society need to be striving for,” said Alison.
Residents’ parked cars line one side of the cul-de-sac outside of working hours, turning it into one lane. The no-through road leads on to a narrow footpath to the rugby club. Campaigners described how children walk and cycle to twice-weekly training sessions along it and primary school groups visit on foot.The footpath, edged by woodland, would need to be turned into a two lane road to be used as the main access point to the rugby grounds.
Resident Kristy Thomas said: “We don’t think anybody involved in these plans has visited to really understand what they’re suggesting. They don’t seem to know how many people live here and what effect their plans would have.”
“You really have the impression that due to lockdown they’ve looked at google maps from above and have no idea of what it would involve,” added Eamonn Forde, pointing out the narrowness of the path edged by a steep wooded drop on one side that is marked as a hammerhead junction on the plans.
Lillian Wozencraft said: “Nobody told us about this scheme. You would have thought the Government would write to residents, but we’ve received no letters. When we phoned to ask what was going on, we were told notices about projects like this are usually put up in libraries and public buildings, but they’re all closed. It was hard to find information about it online initially then suddenly a consultation appeared on March 4th with only 27 days to object instead of the usual 12 weeks.”
