Llwydcoed residents held a meeting about the heavy traffic burden that plagues their village

Residents of Llwydcoed, along with the majority of the local residents, strongly advocate for the completion of the Aberdare Bypass, also known as Cynon Gateway North. This infrastructure project is seen as essential to alleviating the heavy traffic burden that plagues their village, particularly during peak times. Despite a 7.5-ton weight limit on the B4276, numerous large vehicles continue to violate this restriction throughout the day, exacerbating the traffic issues.

According to the meeting minutes, Andrew Morgan, the council leader, supports the bypass. He, along with his cabinet, approved a £30 million investment into the project with the council’s backing. However, the Welsh Government’s subsequent announcement of a review of all road-building schemes in Wales, led by a panel of academics, resulted in the scrapping of major road-building projects, including the Aberdare Bypass, due to environmental concerns.

Vikki Howells, the Member of the Senedd (MS) for Cynon Valley, is also recorded in the meeting minutes as a supporter of the project. Despite her position, she is part of the government responsible for the halt in new road construction in Wales, including the crucial Aberdare Bypass.

The failure to complete this project raises significant concerns among the residents of Cynon Valley. The area’s strategic location necessitates improved infrastructure, including planned rail and active travel enhancements, to prevent it from being overlooked. The local authority’s strategy ambitiously identifies tourism as a potential main driver of the local economy, with improved connectivity being crucial to this vision. This includes the dualling of the A465 to enhance access to both the North and South Cynon Valley, alongside investments from Visit Wales and the Valleys Regional Park for local attractions like Dare Country Park and Aberdare Park.

The South East Wales Valleys Local Transport Plan, published in 2015 and developed by five valleys local authorities including Rhondda Cynon Taf, outlines significant developments for the Cynon Valley, such as the Cynon Gateway, Aberdare Bypass (Cynon Gateway North).

The pressing question remains: will the Labour MS defy government policy and advocate for the completion of the Cynon Gateway North, fulfilling the urgent needs of her constituents?