A group of Conservative councillors have visited Acrow near Chepstow, a local business which builds modular steel bridges to discuss how councils can better manage infrastructure challenges.

Councillors Richard John (Mitchel Troy and Trellech ward), Lisa Dymock (Portskewett), Phil Murphy (Caerwent), Jan Butler (Goytre Fawr) and Community Councillor Ed Saville met with the team at the Lydney-based firm to learn more about its operations.

The company manufactures a wide variety of steel bridges on-site and ship them all around the world, from single span to a large-scale bridges. The company makes bridges for many NATO countries and has recently shipped bridges to Ukraine.

The councillors had a tour of the factory and discussed the challenges facing local authorities with ageing infrastructure and the consequences if a bridge were out of action.

Cllr Richard John, Leader of the Conservative Group said, “We’re really grateful to the team at Acrow for showing us round and letting us pick their brains about potential bridging solutions to various challenges Monmouthshire and other councils might face in the future.

“There are many communities across Monmouthshire where residents are dependent on old or even ancient bridges to stay connected, so there are big risks that the council needs to mitigate.”

Cllr Lisa Dymock said, “As the joint largest party on the County Council, we wanted to learn more about potential solutions to infrastructure issues and were seriously impressed by the precision and expertise of the team at Acrow.

“This company is at the forefront of new technology and modern engineering and continues to make significant investment in its facilities in Severnside. We’re grateful for their time in showing us round and giving us an insight into the work they do.”

Michael Treacy, CEO at Acrow Global Limited said, “It was a pleasure to host this visit to our facility last week and to showcase Acrow’s advanced manufacturing and engineering capabilities.”