Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies has written to Denbighshire County Council to raise concerns about road works which are being carried out in Prestatyn town centre, much to residents' dismay.
James has received a number of complaints from constituents about the works on Penisardre Road, which involve permanently reducing an already often congested traffic lane, at the main entry to the High Street, to the width of one vehicle. The intention is to provide a "pinch point" for an easier crossing for pedestrians, yet a pelican crossing already exists metres away.
There has been much opposition to the new junction layout on social media, with residents raising concerns over the cost of the scheme and the lack of proper consultation.
In emails sent to James, residents have branded the scheme “an absolute shambles” and questioned why such works are being carried out when “schools are in dire need of extra money with most having to cut staffing”.
With regards the lack of consultation, one resident stated, “Apparently there was a street design event back in November, but we don’t believe it was well published – we didn’t receive any communication or see it on any social media sites”.
James has written to Denbighshire County Council’s Chief Executive, Graham Boase, highlighting the residents’ concerns, which he shares.
He has also asked how much the works are costing, albeit via Welsh Government grants; whether the council will need to meet the cost of reversing the works itself should this prove necessary; and whether the town clock and trees are to be left unaffected.
James said:
“While I understand the basic intention here, I am very sceptical that it is workable, as it is the entry point for a large number of vehicles entering both the shopping park and the High St from two directions.
"This is a busy junction which has been barely coping even with two lanes, with traffic often backing up Ffordd Pendyffyn and over the Bridge Road railway bridge.
“I keep a close eye on consultation events but all I was aware of - and which I attended - was an event in late November. This was primarily about Nant Hall Road. It felt to me and others present that this misunderstood the small flow of pedestrians along that road, many of whom take a shortcut through the shopping park in any case. There has been no proper consultation or prior awareness over precise plans at the Penisardre Rd junction.
“I fear that, rather like the £22m change to Denbighshire's bin system, the introduction of the 20mph speed limit, the purposeful growth of long grass and weeds in residential areas, and the bollards that were installed in some towns during the pandemic, what we are seeing here is ideology coming ahead of common sense. I actually think that in all cases, the outcome will often be the opposite of what is intended.
“All of these ill-conceived concepts have been encouraged by the provision of tens of millions of pounds of "free money" from the Welsh Government. Of course, the reality is that this is not free at all but taxpayers' money, hence threats to education spending, toilet closures, library hour reductions and increased council tax and parking charges.
“I am concerned that, as and when traffic difficulties and accidents on Ffordd Pendyffryn result in a necessary reversal of the narrowing at Penisardre Road, the council itself may need to meet the cost. I am seeking clarification on this from Denbighshire, as well as the cost of carrying out the current narrowing works.
"People desperately want to see pragmatic, sensible spending of limited public finances, not the expensive prioritisation by Labour and Plaid, in both Cardiff Bay and Denbighshire, of poorly considered anti-motorist policies and ineffectual environmental policies.
James is awaiting a response from Denbighshire County Council.
