A CHEPSTOW road described as one of the most polluted in the country continues to consistently reach levels higher than the preferred level selected by both the UK and EU.

Pollution levels on Hardwick Hill in Chepstow have, over the last month, frequently exceeded the objective level set by both the UK and EU of 40 microgram/ cubic metre (µg/m3), at one point exceeding 60 µg/m3.

Concerns about the road were raised in March of this year, with Monmouthshire county councillor Debby Blakebrough claiming that lives were being shortened due to high levels of pollution in Chepstow and Usk.

An air quality options assessment was published that month, discussing a range of solutions to the pollution levels. A public consultation exercise began in 2014 to identify potential options to improve air quality on the trunk road. Following this exercise, there were a number of options considered, with more extreme solutions involving the full or partial closure of Bulwark Road and alterations to the A48.

The recommended option in the report is a new combined option, which comprises improvements to the A48 Station Road Junction and the A48 Corridor. The option discourages the use of Bulwark Road and would therefore mean an increase in traffic along the Wye Valley Link Road and an increase in pollution levels on the A48. This is not reflected in the concentrations at the majority of nearby receptors, being more than offset by reductions in traffic flow along Maple Avenue and Fair View.

The area where the works will take place, the Station Road junction, was last week the focus of concern from Chepstow councillors, with deputy mayor at Chepstow Town Council Cllr Marc Le Peltier claiming the junction plans were “an absolute joke”.

Hardwick Hill in Chepstow, along with Bridge Street in Usk, is an area shown to cause high levels of nitrogen dioxide in the past. Monmouthshire County Council declared the road an Air Quality Management Area in 2006 due to high levels of pollutants, and despite regularly monitoring levels and creating a detailed action plan in 2011, the area is still of high concern.

The Welsh Government maintains that it has no plans to consider a bypass for Chepstow, despite growing pressure from campaigners.