Letter: Bypass work could have gone to EU firm
Work has started on the Newtown bypass. Great news for all concerned and a reason to celebrate.
However, I suspect that few, if any, were aware that under EU rules the contract for the work had to be advertised throughout the European Union in order that contractors from any EU country were aware and could bid to undertake the work.
We know, of course, that the contract was awarded to Welsh contractors, Alun Griffiths.
Their employees, subcontractors and local businesses will benefit as a result, but it could so easily have been a time of grief and anger for us as under those bidding rules it was confirmed to me by Edwina Hart, of the WelshAssembly, that a bid was received from another EU country to undertake the work. Inevitably, the financial and other benefits would have in the main been to a country other than the UK.
In this instance the benefits are to Wales and the UK, but this and any major contract has to be open to any EU country. The Powys County Council proposed new school in Builth Wells, the Montgomery Canal restoration and others included.
So, when making up your mind how to vote in the Welsh Assembly election in May and the referendum in June, bear in mind that Ukip is the only party that is committed to restoring our rights to make our own decisions about such matters as these.
Bill Smith, Ukip Newtown
Send us your letters for publication:
Email us at starmail@shropshirestar.co.uk or write to: Readers' Letters, Shropshire Star, Ketley, Telford, TF1 5HU. Letters MUST include the writer's name, address and telephone number. Letters will only be published anonymously in exceptional circumstances. The editor reserves the right to condense or amend letters.
