MONMOUTH MP David Davies has issued an SOS to try and find the owner of the stone jetty and slipway alongside the

Severn Estuary at Blackrock.

Mr Davies was originally

contacted by keen walker and Portskewett resident Neil Rees, who is concerned about the deterioration of the jetty.

Built in the mid-nineteenth century to service boats that carried coal and other materials across the River Severn, the stone jetty and slipway are now in a sorry state.

On a recent site visit, Mr Davies saw the damage for himself. Numerous large stones have been completely dislodged and are resting on the shoreline mud, while the jetty corner is collapsing.

The adjacent slipway structure also has several stones dislodged.  

"It appears last winter's severe high tidal flows have taken their toll on the jetty and slipway, which is sad to see," said Mr Davies.

"Some of the dislodged stones are very large indeed and it will take considerable effort to get them re-positioned back in place.

"Both Mr Rees and I have been trying to find out where the responsibility for maintenance of the structures might lie. While the estuary viewing area at Blackrock is managed by Monmouthshire County Council, the nearby stone jetty and slipway are not.

"The Land Registry, Natural Resources Wales, the Crown Estate and CADW have also confirmed that they do not hold upkeep responsibility.

"I was therefore wondering if any local people reading this could help and perhaps throw a bit of light on the mystery."

In the meantime, Mr Davies has said he will be writing to Network Rail given the area's railway history in an attempt to identify a site owner.

Mr Rees added: "I remain most surprised that the locality being an historical site is without any relative safeguard of official protection.

"Surely this very popular visitors' location should be fully maintained by a responsible party, with a notice board fixed in the near vicinity to show who is responsible."

Anyone with information about the stone jetty and slipway can email david.davies.mp

@parliament.uk or telephone the

constituency office on 01291 672817.