The scheme will improve pedestrian facilities in the town

Newtown and District Dial a Ride's call for a drop-off point for users to get off its bus in the town centre has been included in a revised �220,000 scheme to improve pedestrian facilities.

The street alteration plans were originally drawn up by Powys County Council, but were amended to include the drop-off point after a consultation period last December led by the Newtown Partnership.

Because it takes time to get disabled and elderly people off the bus we were holding up traffic and motorists were being insulting and swearing at us Dougie Bancroft, Dial a Ride

"We wanted accessibility to the town centre so that our members could be dropped off easily from the bus," said Dougie Bancroft, Dial a Ride's manager.

The group transports 350 pensioners and 50 wheelchair users a week into and around the town.

"Because it takes time to get disabled and elderly people off the bus we were holding up traffic and motorists were being insulting and swearing at us."

Pedestrian access

The new drop-off point near the town's Spar will also be used by local doctors and ambulances when the need arises.

Dial-a-Ride also organises the annual Newtown Santa Run, launched in 2001, where people dressed as Santa Claus run for charity.

This event could also have been affected by the original Streetscape plan according to Mr Bancroft.

"The Santa Run is an important fund-raising event for Newtown and the placing of one bollard in the wrong place could have affected people having a clear run during the race," he added.

The Santa Run could have been affected by the original plans

The final plans of the Newtown Streetscape are available for viewing at Newtown library or the Newtown Partnership office until 22 April.

The scheme focuses on changes to three main streets in the town centre and concentrates on improvements to pedestrian access and safety.

Pavements will be widened to improve access for wheelchair users and pushchairs, while a pedestrian friendly crossing point will be introduced at the top end of Broad Street.

Shirley Owen of the Newtown Partnership said development work would be staggered so as not to disrupt or interfere with any of Newtown's summer festivals.

"Coloured paving stones will be part of the pavement which will indicate where people can cross and encourage motorists to slow down," aid Mrs Owen.

"We are very happy with the final plans and pleased the changes requested during the consultation in December have been taken into consideration."

The scheme is being funded by the county council and the Welsh Development Agency, which is supporting the proposals as part of the wider regeneration of Newtown.