Bates bridges action over Pont ar Dyfi (Montgomeryshire Liberal Democrats)

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Montgomeryshire Liberal Democrats <montlibdems@gmail.com>

Bates bridges action over Pont ar Dyfi

May 22, 2009 12:00 AM

After a long campaign for improvements to the Dyfi Bridge in Machynlleth, Montgomeryshire AM Mick Bates is pleased to have secured recognition by the Minister for Heritage of the historic significance of the bridge, with a commitment to a cross departmental approach between the Welsh Government Heritage and Transport departments to ensure any plans for improvements recognise the historic character of the structure.

Commenting Mick stated:

"I have long campaigned for improvements to the Dyfi Bridge. Built in 1805 the bridge is a structure of immense historical interest and an extremely notable architectural feature, yet it bears the daily burden of traffic crossing the river, as well as the threat of damage. When the river floods the arches are lost underwater and the bridge is often forced to be closed."

On April 1st in the Chamber Mick raised this issue, highlighting that in 2005 the Minister for Transport stated that the Mid Wales Trunk Agency had been asked to consider improvements to the Dyfi Bridge structure, yet 4 years later there has been no action. Commenting Mick stated:

"It is crucial that any improvements made to the bridge safeguard both the historical and architectural value of this structure. I asked the Minister in the Chamber to commit to work with his colleague the Minister for Transport, to ensure an urgent and collaborative approach is taken to improve the Dyfi Bridge. This approach must reconcile the need for a crossing at this point across the Dyfi River with the need to protect and maintain this valuable structure and ensure that it is preserved for the future.

"I was disappointed that in his response Alun Ffred Jones failed to recognise the great historic significance of the bridge, stating that my question was better addressed to the Minister for Transport. In light of this I wrote to the Minster to press my concerns and call for bridged action on this issue.

"I am pleased that in his response to me the Minister has now recognised the importance of this structure and the need to protect its historic character whilst also ensuring improvements are made along the A487. The Minister states that officials in CADW are now in touch with the Department for Transport to ensure that the importance of the bridge is taken into account as proposals for improvements to the bridge are drawn up which is excellent news."

Notes:

Mick Bates' plenary question and response to the Minister Alun Ffred Jones on April 1st 2009 can be found here: http://www.assemblywales.org/bus-home/bus-chamber/bus-chamber-third-assembly-rop.htm?act=dis&id=124267&ds=5/2009#2

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