A MACHYNLLETH councillor has hit out at a neighbouring council which has again called for a bypass of the town as part of the new Dyfi Bridge plans.

Tywyn Town Council said it had “concerns” over the new proposals and repeated calls for a Machynlleth bypass, despite continued warnings that a bypass would kill trade in the town.

The preferred plans for a new £24m bridge have been released as part of a pre-planning application consultation for the bridge, due to be open in 2020, and are “broadly in line with what the town council and the people of Machynlleth want”, Machynlleth councillor Mike Williams said.

Cllr Williams told the Cambrian News that if Tywyn’s calls for a bypass of Machynlleth came to fruition it would be “devastating for the town”.

“It’s good that we are having a consultation and that views, including those of Tywyn Town Council, are being heard and the plan for the new bridge can progress.

“However, it is a completely misguided conception to call for a bypass of Machynlleth. It would not do any good for businesses who are struggling already."

Tywyn councillor John Pughe said at a meeting last week that “the main issue is that the road still goes back under the railway bridge”.

“They say they will install pumps to prevent the road flooding but where shall the water be pumped to? Back to the flooded river?” he said.

“I still feel a bypass going around the town is the best option, whatever Machynlleth town council may think.”

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