PLANS to move ahead with the second phase of Llandrindod Wells’ active travel scheme to neighbouring Howey have been labelled “irresponsible” and an “unforgivable waste of money”.

The Welsh Government and North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent (NMWTRA) announced plans last week to create a shared-use walking and cycling path between the spa town and the nearby village.

The first phase of the Welsh Government-funded scheme began last October and saw the opening of a new route, from the Auto Palace roundabout to just after Grosvenor Road.

Both phases include widening and improving the surfaces of the pavements to become an accessible shared-use path; improving junctions, ensuring priority is given to both pedestrians and cyclists; and increased safety for all road users.

County Times: Phase one of plans to improve footpaths and cycling access in Llandrindod Wells began in October 2022 and covered the area of Temple Street and Grosvenor Road. Phase one of plans to improve footpaths and cycling access in Llandrindod Wells began in October 2022 and covered the area of Temple Street and Grosvenor Road.

“What a waste of money,” said Alison Dale, commenting on the announcement by Llandrindod Wells Town Council of a consultation period beginning on November 17, which will be open until December 14.

“When the NHS is in need, and families going hungry, old people can't heat the(ir) homes but let's put a cycle track in – crazy.”

Peter Gilbert said: “Narrowing the main road – a total act of irresponsible stupidity, and I enjoy walking and cycling.”

Jenny Davies branded the news a “shameful and unforgivable waste of money”.

Rory Johnson added: “Widen footpaths/cycle lanes as much as you like, if you use or buy up space in the neighbouring fields."

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“But, let's keep it simple. Don't narrow the existing road.

“Putting in lights costs additional electricity to maintain and unnecessarily slows traffic rather than keeping things moving. Don't create a new problem where none exists.”

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A letter from Mott MacDonald, the firm undertaking the work, to Llandrindod Town Council, said the scheme “will deliver improved walking and cycling facilities” on a stretch of the A483 from Grosvenor Road to Ridgebourne Drive.

Some features proposed along the route are: widened footways to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists; upgrades to footways to improve surfacing and provide pedestrian priority across side roads; and upgrades to a signal-controlled junction.

During the engagement period the public can visit https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/7aca3f6660d04b27b95a8c223fe0a1b0 to find out more information, as well as fill in a survey to provide feedback and comments on the plans.

A drop-in event will also be held at the Pavilion Mid Wales, on Spa Road, next Wednesday, November 29, between 10am-8pm.

Powys County Council (PCC) has long been committed to improving facilities for Powys residents wishing to make short journeys on foot or by bike, and has been working with communities across the county to find potential active travel routes.

The Llandrindod to Crossgates active travel route was one of the first schemes of its kind in Powys, when work began in the autumn of 2021.

Eleven key areas in Powys have been identified for routes, in and around Welshpool, Newtown, Llandrindod, Builth Wells, Llanidloes, Machynlleth, Knighton, Presteigne, Llanfyllin, Brecon and Crickhowell.

Fill in a survey about phase two of the Llandrindod-Howey active travel scheme at https://survey123.arcgis.com/.../945164657a964c05b7dd3105.