Councillors and other officials at the opening of the new route

A new bus route in Newtown is set to improve links between the town centre and the recently refurbished railway station.

It will also link nearby villages with rail services.

Powys County Council, which carried out the work, said it would improve public transport, safety and reduce traffic.

An automatic bollard system has also been installed on a new road to prevent motorists using it as a shortcut. As the bus approaches, a sensor will trigger the bollard down, allowing it to pass.

A new car park has also been built close to the station for use by rail travellers.

The new link road will be a great benefit to residents using public transport in the town. Cllr Viola Evans of Powys County Council

Powys County Council had financial support from the Welsh Assembly Government.

Andrew Davies, assembly minister for economic development and transport said: "It will help to progress integrated transport in Newtown, with measures to improve life for pedestrians, cyclists and those using public transport.

"I am particularly pleased at the way the scheme links to the assembly government's Safe Routes to School initiative, providing a network of walking and cycling routes in the town."

Councillor Viola Evans, chairman of the council's Montgomeryshire committee, said: "I am delighted that this important scheme has been completed.

"The new link road will be a great benefit to residents using public transport in the town. The whole scheme is an excellent example of public agencies working together towards a common aim."

During the three-year project, changes were made to road junctions in the town to improve safety and divert unnecessary traffic away from the main shopping area.

Pavements have been widened in the town for pedestrians and wheelchairs-users and the town's railway station has seen significant improvements.

The new bus route will help reduce town centre traffic, says the council

Some of the first improvements saw changes at the junction of Shortbridge Street and Kerry Road, re-opening the Queen's Head Junction - an important route for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians across the A483 road.

The Welsh Development Agency, which invested over �300,000 into the project, has helped refurbish part of the railway station, including the privately operated ticket office and Caf� Loco restaurant.

It has also funded improvements to public access to the station.