Wales' First Minister was quick to acknowledge the problems with congestion in Newtown, and told the County Times how a team of consultants are now investigating ways of reducing the town's traffic problems.

Parsons Brinckerhoff Ltd, of Cardiff, have been awarded a consultant's commission, to investigate ways of reducing the traffic problems in Newtown.

"The consultancy team are coming in and they will be given a blank canvas to come up with the best solution," said Mr Morgan.

"We all know about the problems and we are looking at ways to solve it, but this is not a guarantee that Newtown is to get a bypass.

"The consultancy team will simply tell us what they believe is the best way to solve the issue.

"The commission involves carrying out a number of surveys, analysing the traffic and transportation issues, investigating and identifying solutions and whether one scheme will resolve the issues, such as a bypass or a range of options to be developed.

"A public consultation will be held into the proposals, this is anticipated to occur in 2009."

Work on investigating a bypass of Newtown dates back to 1969 and resulted in a preferred route announcement in 1973.

The protection of the route was relaxed in 1989 and certain developments have encroached onto the protected route at the South West end.

A study into the transport problems through Newtown was undertaken in 2004 and Parsons Brinckerhoff will take the outcomes from the earlier work and use it with the survey work to be undertaken and develop a number of potential solutions, which will be put before the public as part of a consultation process.

Following the public consultation the Minister will announce what proposal/s will go forward for further detailed development and to be protected for planning purposes in the form of a preferred route.

Parsons Brinckerhoff Ltd has recent experience of working with the Assembly on similar commissions, notably the A40, west of St Clears.