Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:12 pm on 22 June 2021.
Thank you very much for the statement, Deputy Minister. I agree with the main principles contained within it and the objectives set out in terms of tackling the huge challenges of climate change. But I must express my disappointment today on behalf of the people of Llandeilo with your statement, which ceases the work on the bypass for the town. As one who lives two or three miles from Llandeilo and shops and socialises in the town, I know how disappointed people will be on hearing today's news.
As you know, Llandeilo has very high levels of air pollution, which are higher than the acceptable standards. I heard you mention last week the importance of a clean air Act, and I agree entirely with you on that. But the road through the middle of Llandeilo is dangerous. This is the highway, as you know, from the south-west of Wales to the A40, going on to the midlands. And I have seen myself on so many occasions lorries and buses trying to pass each other and having to mount the pavements in order to pass. The people of Llandeilo fear going to the town centre because of these difficulties and problems. It's a road that was originally planned for a horse and cart, not for HGVs, buses and coaches, and there is no way of widening that road.
Now, I fully accept that we need to take a step back and consider how we reduce our use of private vehicles and tackle climate change, particularly, as you said, in relation to new projects. But the Llandeilo bypass is not a new project.