Campaigning Cwmgwili residents have offered a cautious welcome to proposals banning right turns between the A48 and the village.

The move comes after an 8,000-strong petition was delivered to the Assembly following two separate fatal road smashes at the junction in 2009.

“Obviously I am pleased that they have made some sort of decision at last,” said chairman of Llandybie Community Council and campaigner Llinos Evans, “but it is not going to solve the problem. “I would be far happier if they were going to put in a speed camera.

“They have not yet gone into the plans in depth.

“This is just the beginning of the process. Until they reveal in detail what they are going to do, we will just have to wait and see.”

The comments came after Transport Minister and Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones said that safety at the Cwmgwili junction was a high priority and asked Carmarthenshire Council to use its powers to introduce traffic regulation orders banning right turns into and out of the junction.

As soon as these orders are in place, the Assembly will then make the physical changes to the junction.

Subject to the approval, the closure of the Cwmgwili junction could be in place by autumn 2010.

County Councillor Haydn Jones said: “We welcome this decision by the Deputy First Minister to accelerate the work to improve safety on the A48 between Pont Abraham and Cross Hands. It follows lobbying by county councillors and the general public for prompt action.”

Cllr Clive Scourfield, who represents the neighbouring Gorslas ward, said: “I very much welcome the decision by the Transport Minister.

“I lost two very good friends at the junction this year and do not want to see it happen again.”

Rhodri Glyn Thomas described the proposals as a testament to the hard work of those who had campaigned for improved safety at Cwmgwili.