LABOUR representatives have made a final-hour plea to the Welsh Government not to ditch crucial junction upgrades on the A483. 

Cllr Frank Hemmings, who represents Chirk North, said that he has written to the Minister in the past regarding the A483 improvents, as the delays between Ruabon and Halton are happening everyday creating 'even more pollution'.

Clwyd South MS Ken Skates has met the Minister responsible for transport, Lee Waters, to press for ‘vital’ work to go ahead, before an imminent decision over road improvements across Wales was made.

Mr Skates added: "The Welsh Government paused work on improvements to the A483 in order to consider them in the context of the climate emergency.

"I’ve consistently argued that the improvements are vital in reducing emissions, safeguarding pedestrian safety on nearby roads and in ensuring buses can operate reliably. 

"I have met the Deputy Minister again this week to call on him and Welsh Government to do what is right for the people of Wrexham County Borough and for the environment. It is vital that junction improvements along the A483 are progressed."

It is hoped that the go-ahead for improvements at junctions 3-6 on the A483 would open the door for further work to improve junction 1 at Ruabon – and the Halton roundabout. 

He added: “This decision will impact on the lives of people living in local villages, towns and the city of Wrexham for years to come – a green light for the improvements is essential."

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Mr Skates is also supported by Cefn Mawr councillor Derek Wright, who said: "It’s simply unable to cope with the volume of traffic now using it.

"When you look at the money spent on the junction of the A483-A5 just south of Oswestry, why do we have to put up with the daily congestion in both directions all the way to the Post House roundabout south of Chester."

"These improvements – especially for junction 4 – are long overdue, and remain key to unlocking the potential for sustainable growth in our communities to the west of the city centre." added Cllr Gary Brown.

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