Shropshire Star

Dual the A5: More positive talks over campaign

More talks have taken place regarding dualling the A5 and the possibility of building a bypass on the Shropshire border.

Published

Conservative politicians on both sides of the border, Montgomeryshire MP Glyn Davies and North Shropshire MP Owen Paterson met Highways England and Midlands Connect to discuss both the A5 dualling and building a Pant and Llanymynech bypass between Oswestry and Welshpool.

The prospect of dualling the A5 is becoming an increasing possibility, following a host of positive talks and the Shropshire Star's campaign.

And Mr Paterson admitted positive steps are also being taken on an A483 bypass, which has been called for for decades.

He said: "They were positive talks as both organisations are on board with both projects.

"Data has now been prepared for the A5 dualling, there is more that will be prepared, and things are looking good.

"With regards to the A483, we've been in touch with Ken Skates at the Welsh Assembly and we need more information from the Welsh side, because they are the people who will benefit mostly.

"The ministers are on board, and it is the most progress that has been made with the A483 bypass plans since it stopped 10 years ago."

Montgomeryshire MP Mr Davies was also at the meeting and he is eager for the plans to move forward, with both the A5 and A483 projects beneficial to his constituents and the whole of Wales.

He added: "It was a good meeting, these two projects will be beneficial to Montgomeryshire.

"It is the main run from Manchester to South Wales, and vice versa is our access to the north of England.

"All the news sounds positive, so we just have to keep pushing forward now.

"The A483 would be a big project, and I think it is good news in itself that it is still part of the agenda, so things look bright."