Welsh Labour candidates in the forthcoming elections in May have called for a pub car park to be upgraded after planning permission was granted four years ago.

Catherine Fookes, Welsh Labour Candidate for Town Ward is calling for swift action on the Wyebridge Street Car park behind the Queens Head which has been covered by unsightly barriers for months now and was approved to be turned into a car park four years ago.

Monmouth is in dire need of the 39 parking spaces that the site will offer.

Catherine Fookes met with Neil Bell the publican to hear his concerns regarding how long the process is taking.

Catherine said: ‘‘Businesses, especially those at the top of town, are desperate for more parking to increase footfall.

‘‘Despite planning approval being given four years ago for this car park and full cooperation of the landlord at the Queens Head, absolutely nothing has happened.

‘‘This is just another example of where Monmouth has been forgotten by the Conservatives at County Hall.’

‘‘Road safety is also increasingly an important issue around Monmouth town and the surrounding areas given the increasing number of cars on our roads.

‘‘The Welsh Labour Government has responded to the need to slow traffic down and make our streets safer for pedestrians, cyclists and wheelchair users by introducing pilot schemes for more 20mph zones for towns in Wales.

‘‘However, last week in the Beacon Monmouthshire County Council advertised new 20mph schemes in Abergavenny, Llanfoist and Severnside but nothing in Monmouth.’’

Steven Garratt, Welsh Labour candidate for Overmonnow Ward. said ‘I’m extremely disappointed that Monmouth has been left out yet again.

‘‘We desperately need more road calming measures and 20mph zones in our residential streets and stronger action against dangerous drivers.

‘‘Residents and especially the young and older people, need to know speed limits will be enforced.’