Last week’s front page (Calls to reject plan over climate crisis, Beacon 22nd January) highlighted the issues of flooding with new housing developments.

In order for Monmouth to address its CO2 emissions I would suggest that there are a number of other factors that need to be considered. To reduce emissions from vehicles, any new housing estates being considered under the LDP must have safe walking and cycling routes into town so that car journeys are reduced.

Currently around 50 per cent of adults in Monmouth out migrate to better paid jobs in Newport, Cardiff or Bristol. Creating skilled higher paid jobs locally would considerably reduce our emissions from vehicles. As our car parks, sewage system, schools, doctors and dentists are operating at full capacity, further consideration should be given to creating a new town (say) near Magor for all 4,500 houses MCC are required to build by 2033.

Creating infrastructure that links easily with the M4 and rail and bus network to jobs would surely be easier in a new town than tipping Monmouth into an infrastructure and services emergency?

Sadly, Monmouth lies in a forgotten corner of the Cardiff Capital City Region area with little or no improvements planned to public transport. The only small step that could be taken would be to incentivise National Express to come back to town and for all their coaches to call in at Monmouth thus providing a comprehensive service.

Surely it is time for the county council to acknowledge Monmouth as a special case for help in reducing CO2 emissions relating to travel. If we cannot have better public transport then surely we need support for alternatives, such as concessions for electric vehicles with more charging points, free parking etc?

David Cummings (Monmouth)