After nearly 4 years since discussions first began, Newtown & Llanllwchaiarn Town Council is pleased to see that the naming of the Bypass roundabouts is in progress.
In early 2018 Newtown & Llanllwchaiarn Town Council made a proposal to the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Transport to name the by-pass itself. After this was turned down refusal the Town Council undertook public consultation in late 2018 to gather ideas from the public for naming the roundabouts and bridges of Newtown. Although the Welsh Government decided against naming the bridges, it continued its commitment for the roundabouts and the town council supported the Welsh Government’s choices.
Named after four industrial pioneers of the local area the roundabouts of the bypass have been named from (northeast to southwest) Robert Owen, Pryce Pryce-Jones, Laura Ashley and David Davies. It is hoped that the naming choices will increase interest in Newtown and its heritage.
Town Clerk, Ed Humphreys, commented,
“The roundabout name signs are of course highways signs, and therefore highly regulated in style and design, and it’s becoming more common to see such things.
“However, they do more than merely identify; they also offer a signal and symbol to those approaching the town, mapmakers, and others that Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn is an industrious place of industrious people willing to invest in business opportunities. Although the installation work is still in progress it’s good to see the signs so far in place.
“The names are likely to raise awareness of what this community can offer to the world, and sit alongside work being undertaken by the town council and other willing stakeholders involved in the town branding.”
