Land deal to ease road problems

Part of the new A5 was closed in May because of rockfall fears

Motorists will be able to travel along part of the old A5 from next weekend after a deal was agreed between a farmer and the assembly government.

Glen Evans was criticised by local AM Alun Pugh for holding out for more money to allow traffic to cross his land, after part of the new A5 was closed because of an unsafe rockface.

But Mr Evans said the original offer to use his land was "disgusting".

The assembly government said the road should reopen next Friday.

In the meantime, work would continue on the farmer's land over the weekend.

The past two weeks have been a nightmare for motorists and traders who rely on passing trade Alun Pugh, Clwyd West AM

Landowners were approached to reopen part of the old road after a 1km (0.62 mile) stretch between Dinmael, Conwy, and Ty Nant, Denbighshire, was closed in May because of an unsafe rock face.

Work in the area is expected to last all summer and motorists faced a 32km (20 miles) diversion via Bala.

Terms for a financial agreement were worked out between an agent for the farmer through the district valuer.

Clwyd West AM Alun Pugh said: "The past two weeks have been a nightmare for motorists and traders who rely on passing trade," he said.

Preparation work

"This road could have been opened much earlier if this man hadn't been so intransigent," he added.

Mr Evans said he had not been obstructive.

"I've tried to be helpful all along, but the original offer was disgusting," he added.

He said that once he had examined the small print he hoped the agreement could be signed and the road opened in the next week.

"I have my own business with two heavy lorries, so I need this road opened as much as anybody else," he added.

An assembly government spokesman said resurfacing and other preparation work had already been carried out on the section belonging to other landowners and work would continue through the weekend on the section belonging to Mr Evans.