CONCERNS about the effect two major housing developments could have on traffic in Dinas Powys were raised by residents at a public meeting this week.

The Dinas Powys Bypass Steering Group meeting at the Murchfield Community Centre on Monday was held to update residents on the campaign for a bypass and on developments at Caerleon Road and the former St Cyres School site.

Presentations were given by Cllr Andy Robertson, Roger Pattenden and chairman Rod Harrod before they took questions

The group revealed their three suggested bypass routes including the original one first mooted in the 1920s and two others linking with the Sully Moors roundabout.

The group explained the various stages of the traffic study currently being undertaken and confirmed that the Dinas Powys Community Council had been invited to appoint a representative of the community to a review group also consisting of the Welsh Government, the Vale council, Network Rail, Sustrans and a local bus company.

Mr Pattenden said: “It’s important to recognise that to enter this process is a certain commitment that at last our transport problems are being taken seriously.”

John Evans said that the fact that Dinas Powys has four Conservative councillors means they are in an “important position” in terms of determining council policy and asked what action they were taking to progress the agenda.

Cllr Robertson said: “We recognise we can exercise some clout.”

One audience member suggested that not everyone wanted a bypass whilst Rachel Robinson asked if there was a contingency plan if the bypass isn’t built to restrict the number of big lorries travelling through the area associated with developments.

A vote was taken through a show of hands with most saying they want a bypass.

The group expressed their concerns over the former St Cyres site application in relation to road safety, drainage, walking and cycling access, the effect on the nearby Cardiff Road/Murch Road junction and the encroachment on bypass land saying it should be rejected as it doesn’t comply with LDP policy.

Karen Rogers raised the issue of air pollution that would be caused by increased traffic from the two developments and said the council had a legal duty to ensure a safe passage to school.