2. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:54 pm on 15 June 2021.

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Photo of Natasha Asghar Natasha Asghar Conservative 2:54, 15 June 2021

May I ask for a statement from the Minister for Climate Change on the impact of the proposed closure of the A465 on residents and businesses in Gilwern? Last Friday, I met with Monmouthshire councillor Jane Pratt and local businesswoman Fay Bromfield, who expressed their concerns on behalf of residents and businesses about plans by the Welsh Government and Costain for six weekend closures of the A465 between Gilwern and Brynmawr during the summer. This will create utter chaos, I'm told, for visitors, local residents and anyone passing through the area on what is now a very important route to west Wales. If these six full weekend closures go ahead, they will have a profound effect on tourist traffic as many UK residents are taking their holidays in Wales and this route is very popular to get to west Wales's beaches and the Brecon Beacons, and it will, naturally, be very busy. There has been no consultation with local people on this issue and no guarantee has been provided to local businesses that they will be compensated for the damage done to their businesses by this programme of closures.

Welsh Government officials could not confirm on which weekends the A465 would be closed, and it would be desirable if the closures were made after the summer holidays and the scheme extended, as it already is three years over time and another few weeks avoiding the summer holidays would be far better. Please could we have a statement from the Minister addressing the serious concerns of the people of Gilwern?