Following a recent Oral Question to the First Minister regarding the A40 Llanddewi Velfrey to Redstone Cross project, the Deputy Minister for Climate Change, Lee Waters MS has written to Samuel Kurz MS in order to provide much needed clarification on its status.
In his letter to Samuel Kurtz MS, the Deputy Minister clarified that the Welsh Government and local contractors had formally entered into contract in mid-June, with surveying expected to be carried out throughout July and August 2021.
Speaking on the matter, Mr Kurtz said: “After a long-fought campaign to gain clarification on the future of the A40 Llanddewi Velfrey project, it’s reassuring to hear that the Welsh Government have finally committed to a timeline in which we can expect work to begin.”
The Deputy Climate Change Minister also noted that extensive site clearance activities are expected to commence in early September 2021. This follows a string of emails which suggests the Welsh Government ordered a digger to be placed in a prominent position to make it look like work had already commenced, when it had not.
Samuel continued: “While I and the local community are grateful that this project is due to start, it is unfortunate that it has taken this long for the Welsh Government to provide full transparency. Their inability to provide clarification by trying to pull the wool over our eyes, shows the contempt the Welsh Labour Government has for us in West Wales.
“Asking for a digger to be placed on site to give the impression of work underway is like something from a sketch show, and local people can see the move for what it really is: desperate.
“Looking ahead, I will be keeping a close eye on the project’s progression. We’ve had a commitment from the Welsh Government – it’s absolutely vital they stick to it.”
Also speaking on matter following a visit to the site, Natasha Asghar MS, Shadow Minister for Transport said: “The A40 plays an integral part in supporting the local economy, in particularly providing a route to and from Pembrokeshire’s Ports.”
Natasha finished: “Whilst I’m pleased we’ve finally been given the assurances we’ve been asking for, it’s incredibly frustrating that it has taken so long. It now needs to be the priority of the Minister to ensure that the improvements are completed as soon as possible.”
