WITH local elections being held tomorrow, (4th May) council candidates have been out in force across the town meeting with residents.

Labour county and town council candidates for Monmouth wards have been discussing problems with traffic, pavements and public transport.

The party is pledging to try to make Monmouth’s wards safer by ensuring there is stronger and more regular enforcement of speed limits, making more parking spaces, fixing pavements and looking into how getting over the Wye Bridge can be made safer for pedestrians. 

Catherine Fookes candidate for Wyesham said: “One of the biggest issues raised by residents in Wyesham is lack of parking which results in people using pavements to park on making it dangerous for pedestrians and motorists pulling out of junctions.

“Also, the flashing 20mph sign has not been working for around 18 months and it needs to be fixed; its not right that it has been left so long.”

Su McConnel, Labour candidate for Overmonnow ward has also met with residents. She said: “I’ve had many complaints about the state of the pavements which are potholed making it hard for pushchair users and people on mobility scooters.

“And we need a proper coach stop so we can cut down on the numbers of cars on the roads and so that people without cars can get to work in other towns.”

The candidates also have concerns about the Wye Bridge which is not fit for purpose and has huge queues coming into it from all directions even outside rush-hour.

When two lorries pass on the bridge at the same time, one of them has to use the pavement.

Patrick Harkness, Labour Candidate for Drybridge said “The Wye Bridge is not safe for pedestrians and is an accident waiting to happen. If a third lane is now being looked at for the dual carriage way, the council must also review the safety of the bridge for pedestrians at the same time.”