Work may start on improving the road after the summer

The announcement of work, on the A497 Llanystumdwy to Abererch road, has been at least 10 years in the planning, said Cllr Richard Parry Hughes, leader of Gwynedd Council.

Cllrs Parry Hughes and Margaret Griffiths agree it could be exactly what the area needs - despite some local concerns.

"I am very glad to see it go through," said Cllr Parry Hughes.

"The road is so narrow in places, for instance, a bus apparently caught fire in one part of the road recently and they had to close the road and divert traffic round for about 15 miles.

"It is a very narrow road, very dangerous and there has been a high number of accidents," he added.

Access problems

The leader said the road is so narrow that in some places two lorries cannot pass.

Ideas for improving access in the area once included a brand new alignment scheme, once dubbed by locals as the Butlins bypass.

But the existing road will now have a raft of improvements.

Confirmation of side roads and compulsory purchase orders were given the go-ahead by Environment Secretary Sue Essex AM on Monday.

The announcement follows a public inquiry into the scheme which was held three years ago.

"At the end of the day some people won't be happy but this is desperately needed," said Cllr Parry Hughes.

"I think the majority of the community will see it is a good thing.

"This will make a huge difference to the economy," he said.

We need to get the economy in Pwllheli bustling Cllr Parry Hughes

The leader said work on the road might not start until the end of the summer because of the birds' nesting season.

The leader said he has talked to local businesses - including a jam manufacturer - who have said delivery drivers are fed up with the road.

"That kind of thing affects the economy, we need to get the economy in Pwllheli bustling," he said.

Cllr Margaret Griffiths said everybody has been in limbo over the decision for years.

"The landowners, small or large, have all been kept waiting and they have not known how to proceed, I really feel for them but it is desperately needed," she said.

"I am sure it can only help the economic development of the whole of the Llyn Peninsula.

"I was really hoping it would go through, it is needed as far as safety and economic development are concerned.

"As regard the environmental aspects, nature rapidly takes over and I am sure the road will develop it's own character when it is completed," she added.