SIR,

There are some strange things going on around the roads of Monmouth.

Last month, workmen turned up at the junction of Watery Lane and Rockfield Road with their lorries, digger and traffic lights.

The result of the 'improvement' is that it has increased danger to both drivers and the public.

It is now necessary for large vehicles to mount the pavement when negotiating the roundabout – especially when coming out from Watery Lane.

Another road 'improvement' took place recently at the junction of the Mitchel Troy and the Trellech roads, where a row of bollards has been installed.

How this improves the junction, heaven knows, as they tend to drive traffic further out into the road.

Who decides on these works? I have a vision of someone in an office drawing lines with a felt-tipped pen on the back of an envelope.

One might have hoped that the cost, in an apparent age of austerity, would discourage such bizarre activities.

Some time ago, residents around Fieldhouse Farm and Brook Estate were asked for their comments (which were 'valued' by the council) on the road layout from the new estate on to Watery Lane.

The obvious suggestion was that moving the kerb slightly to the north at the junction of the new estate with Watery Lane would make it possible to see vehicles approaching from the new estate – vehicles which cannot be seen until they are much closer to Fieldhouse Farm.

The county council so valued this suggestion that it was totally ignored.

SHC

(Monmouth)