Cardigan’s controversial Tesco junction is finally going to be opened – with traffic lights.

After years of public pressure, deputy first minister and transport minister Ieuan Wyn Jones has confirmed the decision in a aletter to local AM Elin Jones.

Roundabout or gyratory system alternatives were discounted, said Mr Jones, because of problems with the hill, land purchase and potential noise nuisance for nearby residents.

He added that the junction could be opened in "the immediate future".

Elin Jones said she was delighted.

"The biggest implication of the traffic light solution is that it can be implemented in a shorter-time period and doesn’t require complex engineering works or land acquisition and planning.

"Whilst all may not agree that this is the preferred option, at least the miister has taken a decision to re-open this most important access route to Cardigan and we all now need to move on and work together to ensure that this decision is implemented quickly and effectively for the good of Cardigan businesses and the local population."

The campaign to open the junction was given extra weight this year by the lobbying of the town’s Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber chairman Paul Oakley said: "This result follows pressure from the Chamber – it just wouldn’t have happened without that pressure."

Cardigan county councillor John Adams-Lewis – who has championed a gyratory system at the junction – said he could forsee problems with traffic lights.

"I welcome the fact that the junction will be re-opened, but a gyratory system is the only long term solution. Traffic lights will pose problems for heavy goods vehicles. I would like to see a 40mph speed limit on the bypass enforced with speed cameras," he said.

Cardigan mayor Mark Cole also agreed that a speed limit would be needed on the bypass.

"The re-opening has been long awaited and the junction must be safe for pedestrians and motorists," he said.

"It’s very good news and the people of Cardigan must be congratulated for pushing and pushing on this issue."