Calls for rethink on Llandeilo gas works (From South Wales Guardian)

Calls for rethink on Llandeilo gas works

6:00am Sunday 3rd June 2012 in News

LLANDEILO civic leaders have urged Wales and West Utilities to rethink plans to carry out six months of major maintenance work in the town centre over the summer.

Newly-elected county councillor Edward Thomas has already said the plans, which will seework starting in Bridge Street on June 6 before RhosmaenStreet is closed to all traffic from September 30 until November 30 – will make the town“a traffic disaster area”.

He has claimed the work is likely to have a major impact on town traders, who depend on a successful summer of tourism.

“They are the lifeblood of this town,” said Cllr Thomas.

“We do not have any form of industry, or anything else for thatmatter.

“We rely on our shops and our tourism, and already the shops are feeling the pinch.”

Cllr Thomas has also expressed concern that the road closures are set to coincide with five local festivals which would normally bring large numbers of tourists into the town.

Town councillor Richard Wallace claimed that the utilities company had previously stated work would not effect the festivals. “I am sure they said they would be willing to work around the festival dates,” he said.

Meanwhile Cllr Colin Jenkins said the entire plan needed to be rethought.

“The best time to commence work like this is in the middle of September, after the festivals have finished, and then stop for the bad weather,” he said.

“They could then do the main street in January or February.”

Cllr Thomas confirmed he had written to the company and the Trunk Roads Agency asking them to reconsider the scheme.

A spokesman for Wales & West Utilities described work to replace old cast iron gas mains in Llandeilo with new plastic pipes as “essential”.

He added that the proposed plans had been discussed with Cllr Thomas, traders and residents.

“Wehave agreed tomeetCllr Thomas and traders again early in June, having taken stock of their views and before final plans are agreed,” he added “In planning our work in the town, we have liaised extensively with the local authority and the trunk road agency.

“This work is essential for the safe and secure supply of gas to the area and we will do all we can to minimise inconvenience to local people and traders.”