THE debate over re-locating Rhayader's town clock due to traffic concerns – which is as almost as old as father time himself – originated because the county council refused to place hazard signs warning motorists.
The clock tower, which is problematically positioned in the middle of a crossroads, has been an element of debate for years.
The tower presents a particular problem for Heavy Goods Vehicles maneouvreing around it and the town council has previous
ly explored the possibility of re-locating it.
Concerns, however, have obviously been raised by Powys County Council as regards to cost, although it has said this week it would be open to renewed discussions if the town council can obtain a 75 per cent consensus from local businesses who support such an act.
Figures described as "an horrendous amount" and "it would cost more than a bypass" have been emitted in the past, while there are also concerns the movement of the tower – a war memorial – would be seen as a sign of disrespect.
The town council has asked the authority in recent months about reducing the parking space surrounding the tower in order to decrease traffic incidents, although it has been told this process would take a minimum of six months to complete and could cost approximately £3,000.
Cllr Ed Narbrough told the County Times: "The proposal is to move the clock 20 yards further down East Street in order to improve access but the last time a survey was commissioned I don't think they got the 75 per cent response it needed – it's a thorny issue.
"There are also concerns re-location would be disrespectful."
Cllr Narbrough said the whole argument over the re-location had arisen from a simple town council request to construct signs approaching Rhayader warning motorists there was a hazard ahead.
"We're concerned we cannot get the highways department to put warning signs up, they say there's no precedence for it but I don't understand their hesitance, the town council would pay for them."
A spokesperson from Powys County Council, said: "Several options have been investigated previously, including relocating the clock to a new site.
"However, consensus was not achieved by the town's residents and businesses.
"Rhayader Town Council has been advised that if they can find a suitable location which is supported by at least 75 per cent of the residents and businesses of the town, the county council will review their proposal."
"We have also looked into diverting traffic away from the clock tower junction.
"However, we do have concerns about diverting trunk road traffic through residential areas.
"We are welcoming the Town Council's views on these."
The full article contains 453 words and appears in County Times Gazette newspaper.
