A DECISION has been made to remove the temporary Local Sustainable Transport Response to Covid-19 scheme in Ruthin town centre.

This decision has been made by Cllr Brian Jones, Denbighshire County Council’s Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the Environment, following a recommendation made by Ruthin Member Area Group (MAG).

Cllr Jones said: “I have come to this decision following a meeting with the Ruthin Member Area Group during which members expressed strong concerns about the scheme.

“As a result, we have taken the decision to remove the temporary infrastructure. This removal work is due to begin shortly and we will update the public once a date is finalised.

“Once this is completed Market Street and Well Street will return to two-way traffic flow. We would like to thank residents and businesses in advance for their understanding during this work.

“We would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to provide feedback on the temporary scheme. Your feedback will be collated, analysed and published in the near future.

“Denbighshire County Council has an ongoing legal obligation under the Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013 to research, develop, consult on and promote active travel routes in and around town centres – including Ruthin.

"We wish to reassure residents that the decision to end the temporary Covid-19 active travel scheme early will have no impact on this work and the Council will work with residents, businesses and local members.”

Cllr Emrys Wynne, Chair of Ruthin MAG, said: “I would like to thank the Council for working closely with us and residents on this project. We support the aspirations of this scheme, however as a MAG we felt it wasn’t the right scheme for the town.

“We look forward to working with the Council, residents and businesses about the long-term aspirations and concerns about active travel and healthier lifestyles in the Ruthin area.”

In response, a spokesperson for Denbighshire Cycling and Walking Path Support Group, who were in favour of the scheme, said: "This decision has profound implications for the future of the County's active travel development.

"We feel there is a very real prospect that Denbighshire County Council will condemn itself to being left behind by neighbouring local authorities who appear to understand that Wales is entering a period of change."