CONCERNS have been raised over roadworks being carried out in Prestatyn town centre.

The Penisadre Road works involve permanently reducing a congested traffic lane, at the main entry to the High Street, to the width of one vehicle.

The intention is to provide a 'pinch point' for an easier crossing for pedestrians but a pelican crossing already exists metres away.

Dr James Davies, MP for Vale of Clwyd, has received correspondence from residents who have branded the scheme an "absolute shambles”. They have also questioned why works are being carried out when “schools are in dire need of extra money with most having to cut staffing”.

There is also anger over the cost of the scheme and the lack of proper consultation. 

The politician has written to Denbighshire County Council to air concern about the works. 

Dr Davies said: “While I understand the basic intention here, I am very sceptical that it is workable, as it is the entry point for a large number of vehicles entering both the shopping park and the High Street from two directions.

"This is a busy junction which has been barely coping even with two lanes, with traffic often backing up Ffordd Pendyffyn and over the Bridge Road railway bridge.

“I keep a close eye on consultation events but all I was aware of - and which I attended - was an event in late November. This was primarily about Nant Hall Road. It felt to me and others present that this misunderstood the small flow of pedestrians along that road, many of whom take a shortcut through the shopping park in any case. There has been no proper consultation or prior awareness over precise plans at the Penisadre Road junction.

“I fear that, rather like the change in the bin system, the introduction of the 20mph speed limit, the purposeful growth of long grass and weeds in residential areas, and the bollards that were installed in some towns during the pandemic, what we are seeing here is ideology coming ahead of common sense. I actually think that in all cases, the outcome will often be the opposite of what is intended.

“All of these ill-conceived concepts have been encouraged by the provision of tens of millions of pounds of 'free money' from the Welsh Government. Of course, the reality is that this is not free at all but taxpayers' money, hence threats to education spending, toilet closures, library hour reductions and increased council tax and parking charges.

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“I am concerned that, as and when traffic difficulties and accidents on Ffordd Pendyffryn result in a necessary reversal of the narrowing at Penisadre Road, the council itself may need to meet the cost.

"I am seeking clarification on this from Denbighshire, as well as the cost of carrying out the current narrowing works."

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Dr Davies added: "People desperately want to see pragmatic, sensible spending of limited public finances."

Dr Davies is awaiting a response from Denbighshire County Council.  

The Journal has contacted Denbighshire County Council for comment.