Wye Bridge plans needed earlier

Much has been said recently about the long awaited Wye bridge repairs in Monmouth and we are grateful that Peter Fox MS has given support to local residents especially those in Wyesham.

However looking ahead following the completion of the proposed repairs there are still elements to be addressed.In recent years there has been an increase in newbuilds in Wyesham, hence a growth in its population. Despite the promotion of cycling, many residents still require the bus or local taxis to cross the Wye bridge to access essential services such as a doctor’s surgery, pharmacy, optician, podiatrist, hearing specialist and dental practices. In addition, practitioners who provide domiciliary services have to cross the bridge to reach their patients/clients.

If the cause of the damage inflicted on the bridge is not removed after the current proposed repairs are completed damage will soon recur.

It is common knowledge that heavy goods vehicles of the size and tonnage steadily increasing in number and constantly pounding the surface and structure of the bridge have led to its current sorry state and that such vehicles require a purpose built bridge elsewhere constructed of steel reinforced concrete. Tarmac by way of contrast is a relatively soft material that will soon be churned up again unless some serious weight restrictions are imposed following completion of the proposed repairs as materials used so far have proved unsustainable for the current volume of traffic.

So where do these heavy goods vehicles come from and where are they going? Many are wondering whether some agreement has been made between Monmouthshire County Council and the firms using these vehicles that has prevented the imposition of weight restrictions to date.

Even if this were the case there are surely mitigating circumstances when lives of Wyesham residents are in effect being put at risk. So can we have some transparent answers please? Plans should have been made years ago in anticipation of the need to accommodate an increased population, increased industrial heavy vehicular activity plus an increase in vehicles from feeder roads adding to frequent congestion.

It is essential that urgent forward planning and action is implemented now to exercise a duty of care towards those who pay their council tax to MCC.

Prioritising the well-being of the economy over the well-being of people in a growing community has created an emergency situation that will not go away and as such plans need to be made now to procure emergency funds if necessary to resolve this issue for present and future generations.

Wyesham has a wonderful community and is a great place to live but it deserves better forethought instead of being treated as a forgotten corner of Monmouthshire.

Angela Hoyle

Mommouth