AFTER the Newtown by-pass was opened nearly six months ago, many thought it would mean the end of queues in the town.

But for the last few days drivers have been stuck in queues near the Lidl/Dolfor road junction.

Essential work to upgrade the gas mains network is due to to start on Monday, August 5.

The roads diversions and lights have already been put in place meaning that at the moment people are queuing unnecessarily.

Cllr Joy Jones (Non-aligned- Newtown East), said:  “The gas pipe renewal near the junction to Dolfor Road, near Lidl, has been causing traffic delays.

“Yesterday they closed the entrance to Park Street which added to the congestion and delays.

“But as there was no work being done yet at the junction, I requested that they re-open the junction until the work starts, this was agreed.

“The public need to be aware of Wales & West Utilities will require the entrance lane on Park Street junction to be temporarily closed from August 5 to August 16 as part of the gas mains renewal.”

Cllr David Selby (Liberal Democrat – Newtown Central) added: “I have asked the Traffic Team to see if the light phases can be changed to reduce the queues.

“They are being monitored and the Lidl traffic light has been removed which should reduce the delays along New Road and Llanidloes Road.

“This lights will be brought back at some time.”

A spokesman for Powys County Council, said: “Hafren Dyfrdwy and Wales & West Utilities are planning major water mains / gas mains renewal works in Newtown now, that  have been on hold for some considerable time.

“This was due to the significant disruption that would have occurred without the bypass being in place.

“However, there will be works done by Wales & West Utilities when they renew the gas mains along Llanidloes Road, Dolfor Road and Plantation Lane which will be more disruptive to local traffic.

“These works are planned to take place over the school summer holidays due to the immediate proximity of several schools.

Cllr Phyl Davies, Cabinet Member for Highways, (Conservative-Blaen Hafren) said: “With Newtown by-pass opening, the main road through Newtown now becomes the council’s responsibility. Works to safeguard the condition of the highway asset will also be planned to be carried out in co-ordination with the utility works.

“However, before any highway maintenance works, it is important that utility companies are able to carry out any essential works on their infrastructure.

“We have already been liaising with Hafren Dyfrdwy and Wales & West Utilities regarding what renewal works they have got in the pipeline over the next 12 months.”