By Ken Skates

MA for Clwyd South

The Welsh Government has now officially confirmed further major funding of £2.8m to Wrexham Council to repair and reopen the B5605 at Newbridge, which has been closed since Storm Christoph caused severe damage last year.

I'm grateful that Ministers have granted Wrexham this crucial financial support after a tireless local campaign, and I would like to thank recently re-elected county councillors Frank Hemmings (Chirk) and Derek Wright (Cefn East) for their work on this important issue.

The Welsh Government had already awarded Wrexham £175,000 for ‘investigation and detailed design of remedial works’ for the B5605 last year, and after raising this matter on numerous occasions with the Deputy Minister for Climate Change, Lee Waters, I was delighted when news of this vital additional funding was announced.

Due to the severity of the damage, a series of complex surveys and cost analysis had been carried out as a result of the earlier Welsh Government funding to establish the extent of repair needed before work can begin to make the road operational again.

Following the recent local council elections, I have written to Wrexham Council to ask for an update on the plans and for a timeline of when we can expect the work to be done and the road reopened.

This stretch of the B5605 is a key local route, connecting Cefn Mawr and Rhosymedre with Chirk, and is well-used by my constituents in Plas Madoc, Ruabon and all across Clwyd South. Not only does it serve as a busy commuter route, it provides a diversion option for the A483.

The closure has caused huge problems locally, and a great deal of frustration. I'm pleased that by working together with councillors Hemmings and Wright, and Wrexham Council, we have been able to help secure this vital funding for our area.

Climate change will increase the intensity and frequency of storms and other extreme weather events, which in turn will put added pressure on infrastructure. That’s why the Welsh Government is carrying out a nationwide roads review to balance spending between new road construction and adapting and maintaining existing ones.

The Welsh Government is also investing heavily in public transport to make it an easy alternative for more people, further releasing pressure on local roads.

• If you need advice or support, please email ken.skates@senedd.wales and include your home address and a contact number. You can also sign up to my regular e-newsletter by visiting my website www.kenskates.co.uk or emailing me.