Residents have raised concerns about school transport for children living in the Carno and Talerddig area during the upcoming seven-week full road closure starting on October 31.

For almost two months, pupils will be transported by bus to Caersws and Machynlleth railway stations to get to schools and colleges in Newtown and Ysgol Bro Hyddgen in Machynlleth.

There have been calls for reassurance from the council that children as young as 11 years old will get home safely on public transport. It has also been raised whether buses could collect and drop-off children along back roads close to the villages instead of railway journeys.

Powys County Council said it is still finalising school transport arrangements, while the Welsh Government said people living near the road closure will receive a letter next week.

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A spokesperson for Powys County Council said: “We understand the concerns of those parents that will see their home to school transport service impacted due to the planned road closure on the A470 near Talerddig.

“However, we are still finalising the school transport arrangements that will be needed while the road is closed. Once these are finalised, we will inform parents directly of the arrangements and discuss any concerns that they may have.”

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “The closure of the A470 has been announced three weeks ahead of the event in order to give as much warning as possible to residents.  The announcement has been shared widely with the media including television and radio bulletins as well as online, both locally and across Wales. 

“Local councillors have also been briefed and the contractor will be delivering a letter drop in the immediate vicinity of the work next week. Residents of nearby towns will receive details of the work by post.

“This work is essential in order to ensure the road can remain open in the years to come.  We understand this will cause disruption in the short term while the work is under way, and we thank drivers for their patience.  It is vital this work is carried out at this time for the future resilience of the road.”