Llanbedr bypass: Villages slow march to highlight traffic issues

Residents march through Llanbedr
"Most summers I'm stuck in traffic for at least 45 minutes to an hour," said one villager [BBC]

A "slow march" has taken place through a north Wales village in protest of ongoing traffic issues there.

More than 60 people walked through Llanbedr in Gwynedd to call for a new relief road to bring to an end the tailbacks blighting the lives of residents.

The problem is said to be at its worst come the peak summer season.

The Welsh government axed plans for a Llanbedr bypass in 2021, citing concerns about climate change.

But Transport Secretary Ken Skates has said he understands and "feels the frustration" of residents.

Mr Skates added there needed to be a "project of work" to address concerns in the area and confirmed £200,000 would be spent this year to understand the needs of the community.

"If it happens to be a road then we need to ensure it is built to the highest standard, so it meets our climate targets", he said.

Delyth Jones, who lives in Llanbedr, was at the protest and said pushing her pram through the village had become dangerous.

"Most summers I'm stuck in traffic for at least 45 minutes to an hour," she said.

"Especially now with the baby, I know in the summer I just can't walk through the village".

Karl Siz is one of the protest's organisers and said he is "incredibly frustrated" with the situation.

"We would just like Ken Skates to take control and build the relief road", he said.