CATHERINE Fookes, MP for Monmouthshire, brought together key stakeholders to find a solution to a long-running sewage issue at the Slaughterhouse Arches in Monmouth.

Last week, Catherine convened a meeting involving Welsh Water/ Dŵr Cymru, Natural Resources Wales, Monmouthshire County Council, Cabinet Member Cllr Catrin Maby, representatives from Priory Church and Priory Street business owners who are affected.

The meeting aimed to bring all those involved together to establish a clear plan to address the sewage leak, which has been affecting the area for many years.

Catherine has been assured that the sewage is not directly leaking into the River. Instead, it is being directed into the sewage system and cleaned up daily by Welsh Water.

The meeting resulted in clear actions being agreed, with works now planned to begin later this year to start addressing the problem.

Catherine Fookes MP said:

“The leak here at the Slaughterhouse Arches has been going on for far too long, and unfortunately, like many things, the issue is much more complicated then it first appears.

“There are multiple owners, multiple properties and old sewerage pipes that are not fit for purpose. However, for too long there has been no clear plan to address the issue. That’s why I wanted to bring all the stakeholders together in one room and make sure we could make some progress.

“It was a really productive meeting, but it is clear that the property owners need more help from Dwr Cymru to get properly connected up to the sewage system. I’m pleased that clear actions have now been agreed, Dŵr Cymru have said they will look at what more they can do to help, and work is due to begin very soon in Priory Street to start addressing this issue.

“I’ll continue to keep a close eye on progress and make sure everyone involved keeps working towards a long-term solution.”