MONMOUTH could be losing trade after it surfaced that a sign directing traffic from the dual carriageway into the town will likely not be replaced for another year.

The sign, positioned south of the traffic lights directing people to the south of the town and to the main car park, has been missing since last autumn and despite calls for the sign to be replaced it appears that funding will not be in place until 2018/ 19.

It is believed that the sign, which signposted Monmouth on the A40, may have been damaged when it was struck by a lorry.

According to chairman of Monmouth’s chamber of commerce David Cummings, the resulting loss in traffic, coupled with recently added advertising of the nearby Monmouth Services, is causing the town to lose footfall.

“Without that large sign for Monmouth being replaced, businesses in Monmouth are losing trade,” he said.

“In February I wrote to the new minister Ken Skates and Welsh Government Highways stating that they would be aware that a new sign has appeared before the tunnels diverting traffic to Monmouth Services six miles away, which are in effect Raglan Services rebranded.

“The exit up Beech Road should be the main tourist route into town as our main car parks are located nearby. Let’s be clear that Monmouth can service every visitor’s needs and visitors do not have to drive on another six miles.

“If they [Welsh Government] won’t replace the sign with a similar one, then we need to have a new brown tourist sign instead for Monmouth featuring Monmouth’s attractions and including a hotel symbol.”

Commenting on a response to his letter from the Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary, Ken Skates AM, Mr Ramsay said: “Local traders will be extremely disappointed that the damaged sign is not being replaced much sooner, as they feel they could be losing trade as there is no sign to tell southbound travellers where to turn off to go into the town.”

Both Mr Cummings and Mr Ramsay had contacted the minister to request the sign was replaced before Easter, but this looks unlikely.

“In my view it is essential that replacement signage is installed for Easter,” added Mr Cummings. “Regrettably WG’s response indicates the sign may not even be replaced by Easter 2018.”