Concerns have been raised around the safety of pedestrians crossing the Link Road near the Wonastow Road.

Whilst there currently is a drop-kerb crossing to assist pedestrians, Overmonnow councillor Jamie Treharne has raised concerns about its safety, especially for those with pushchairs or mobility scooters.

Plans for improving the route were discussed at the Central Monmouthshire area committee meeting last Wednesday (15th January). One consideration was to build a crossing island closer to the Wonastow Road junction which would allow pedestrians to cross more easily. Cllr Treharne told the Beacon he’s in two minds about whether or not that’s the best option.

He said: "It’s better than what we have at the moment because it’s further along from the speed signs telling drivers to slow down for the junction. You can see right down Wonastow Road to cross but you can’t see further up the Link Road. Ideally you’d have it further up the Link Road, but then people just wouldn’t use it."

He added: "It has its pluses and minuses, I’m pleased something is being drawn up, but I’d like to know what the locals think."

In addition to the crossing, Cllr Treharne has been campaigning to improve conditions for Overmonnow residents, by pushing for a hopper bus to take people into town.

"Wyesham has one, Osbaston has one, Drybridge has one. Currently, we have the Abergavenny and Newport buses every two hours. We declared a climate emergency, if we want fewer cars on the road we need a bus. Overmonnow isn’t just a place to build houses. Also, if we want to encourage active travel, we need to make it easier" he added.

Cllr Treharne has also been looking into getting signs which will guide people to safer routes from parts of Overmonnow into town, away from busy main roads. While the pathways are not widely known, they’re safer for children and people with mobility requirements. He aims to raise this at the next Town Council environmental affairs committee.