IT IS HIGHLY unlikely that the Newtown bypass when it is opened in the next few months will be named after anyone.

Several campaigns have been afoot to have the bypass named and statues placed on roundabouts going along the new road.

Powys County Councillors have just agreed a motion to back the bypass being named after arguably Newtown's most famous son, Robert Owen.

This follows Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council's decision in June to back the bypass being named after Robert Owen.

The town council is also supportive of a campaign to have statues of Powys Pioneers, textile manufacturer and social reformer, Robert Owen, fashion designer Laura Ashley, the father of mail order sales Sir Pryce Pryce-Jones, and industrialist David Davies Llandinam, should be placed on the roundabouts that go from one end of the bypass to the other.

This idea has been championed by Peter Webber, chairman of Newtown based Cellpath and Ann Evans, secretary of The Newtown Local History Group.

This idea has more chance coming to fruition as Montgomeryshire AM Russell George believes it is more likely that bridges and roundabouts and junction that make up the bypass could be named.

This follows talks with the Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure, Ken Skates AM.

Russell George AM, said: "The Newtown bypass will be called just that.

"I know that there is scope for other pieces of engineering to be named, Newtown Town Council will be asked to consult with residents and I look forward to seeing their views."

Ken Skates AM, said: "I'm aware of requests to name the bypass being made with the view of promoting and recognising Newtown's history.

"With this in mind, the name "Newtown Bypass" will remain but I would like Newtown Town Council to consult with people on what they'd like to propose for any additional promotion of the area.

"We have already consulted successfully agreed the tourism signing on the bypass with the Town Council and see this as an additional opportunity to recognise local interest or history.

"Options could potentially include junctions or information boards at the lay-bys that form part of the bypass."

An online petition by tree enthusiasts lodged on the Welsh Government's website to have the bypass named after the Brimmon Oak closed earlier this month having gained 402 signatures,