A LLANVAPLEY woman has launched a campaign to see an extra bus service provided for Monmouth.

Sarah Woodall has started an online petition calling for a bus service to be provided on the B4233 road between Abergavenny and Monmouth, passing through the villages of Llantilio Crossenny and Rockfield.

The petition has since gained more than 55 signatures.

"My children are in their teens and they are constantly going back and forth to see friends and play sports in Monmouth and Abergavenny," said Sarah.

"They started to ride a bicycle but had to stop because it is too treacherous. A lot of the time when we aren't able to give lifts they are stuck inside talking to each other on computer games. It became very clear something needed to be done over the summer holidays.

"I also have an elderly neighbour who would benefit from being able to get into town."

It is also hoped that a new bus service will improve trade to pubs and businesses along the line, and that less cars will need to be on the road.

"Monmouthshire is leading the way in terms of recycling but we also want to be green by using public transport.

"If we start using the bus too, the roads will probably become safer as we won't be having to give so many lifts in and out of town.

"We also want to see a sense of community grow if people can start to get the bus together."

Monmouthshire County Council's passenger transport unit manager Richard Cope said: "We already run a 'Grass Routes' service along this route.

"The Grass Routes transport scheme is a responsive flexible bus service that makes trips on request.

"Grass Routes services are demand-led, so if there was sufficient need we could look at increasing the service's frequency."

He added: "The challenge we face at the moment is a projected fall in the council's budget of £20 million over the next four years.

"In the light of this, we are reviewing all our services. So any new service would have to be commercially viable."