MORE than 200 residents from across the Vale of Glamorgan turned out for what was described as Dinas Powys' "most important village meeting in over 50 years".

On Tuesday, November 29 residents flocked to Parish Hall, in Dinas Powys, to air their views on the long hoped for bypass, ahead of discussions due to take place between the vale council and the Welsh Government next month.

Earlier this year in August a letter from the Vale of Glamorgan Council to Andrew RT Davies appeared to rule out a bypass once and for all due to a lack of funds and the council believing it would not adequately solve all the traffic issues in the area.

However, in a dramatic twist, in October the Welsh Government economy minister Ken Skates stated in a response to a question in the Senedd from Mr Davies that he would be willing to work with the council on a funded solution to this "unique issue".

In a show of the strength of feeling around the issue, hundreds of people turned out to show their support for securing a bypass for the area.

At the meeting, which was organised by Dinas Powys Conservatives, Andrew RT Davies, AM said a bypass would not just benefit Dinas Powys but also "Cosmeston, Sully, Culverhouse Cross and Barry."

One attendee, Rod Harrod, 71, a former journalist from Dinas Powys, said the meeting was "the most important village meeting in over 50 years."

"The congestion here is horrendous at certain times of the day," he said. "The A4055 is the main road leading to and through Dinas Powys, apart from single and country lanes. But some of the single roads are now chaotic and dangerous, hence the need for a bypass."

Charles Harris, a resident from Wenvoe, added "a bypass would be for everyone, as the whole of the Vale would benefit".

A resident, who did not wish to be named, said that if more houses are built in the area, a bypass would become even more crucial

"The only realistic chance of a bypass is through the Murch and former St Cyres school, but if houses go there it won't happen," she said.

"Traffic is bad enough, but imagine more houses and cars. The bypass needs to be given the priority because it'll ease the flow of traffic and make our roads safer."

The Vale council cabinet member for highways said that the bypass will be discussed with the Welsh Government next month.

Councillor Peter King said: "I have written to the minister for infrastructure on the subject of a Dinas Powys bypass, while the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s head of visible services and transport will speak with counterparts in Welsh Government about the issue next month.

“In the meantime, the council must consider proposals for land any potential bypass could occupy and we are currently in legal discussions with developer Barratt David Wilson regarding the former St Cyres Lower School site. No planning application to develop the land has currently been received.

"If one is made, it will be subject to the usual rigorous scrutiny and public consultation, enabling residents to have their say on the issue."