Welsh Government challenged by Aberconwy MS on A470 'broken promises'

On July 8, 2021, Mr Waters wrote to Mrs Finch-Saunders stating: “In the next financial year 2022-23, we will be undertaking a WelTAG stage one appraisal of the route from Glan Conwy to Betws Y Coed”.

This has not yet taken place.

On April 22, 2022, he wrote to her stating: “The section of the A470 between Glan Conwy and Betws Y Coed will fall under this commission”.

On March 8, 2023, Lea Beckerleg, of North Wales Transport Commission, wrote to Mrs Finch-Saunders stating: “The commission is not considering specific road schemes across the region as a rule – whether they were included in the Roads Review or not.

“The exception is the Menai crossings, which the deputy minister for climate change has asked to be considered separately.

“I can’t be sure why a letter has mentioned a specific scheme in this way, but that is not correct.”

Commenting after issuing her letter, Mrs Finch-Saunders said: “As it stands, residents of Aberconwy and I have no idea whether the trunk road between Glan Conwy and Betws y Coed is being reviewed by Welsh Government.

“This is a consequence of what seems to be two broken promises by the deputy minister, and a poor level of communication between him and the Transport Commission.

“The deputy minister is failing to manage the trunk roads in Aberconwy effectively.

“What seems to be happening is that serious concerns are being raised, then being followed by promises for appraisals which are not followed through.

“Every day there is delay and inaction by the deputy minister on the A470 between Glan Conwy and Betws y Coed, is another missed opportunity to improve a vital section of the main road linking north and south Wales.

“Together, the upset caused by the Welsh roads review, and the shambles I have unearthed in relation to the A470, can be considered a trunk road management car crash.

“I hope that the deputy minister will send in the recovery team and sort out the issues raised urgently.”