MADAM,

I write in response to Jane Middleton's letter "Opening up route" (Monmouthshire Beacon, Thursday, February 8th).

My opinion on this matter remains the same. A housing development of the scale proposed at Rockfield (600 plus homes), given its location demands to be provided with its own access bypassing as much of the built up area of Overmonnow as possible. This could be achieved by extending the Link Road from Wonastow Industrial Estate (West).

The suggestion of opening up Ash Lane/King's Fee at times of flooding gives me cause for concern not only from road safety and environmental aspects but also the risk of this means of access being made permanent. In any case this suggestion should now be laid to rest because during the December flooding, flood water extended along Wonastow Road engulfing the junction with King's Fee/Wonastow Industrial Estate (East) thereby rendering this section of the proposed new route either unsafe or impossible to travel.

In fairness to Cllr Gary Witcombe his main concerns were for the wellbeing of residents, especially the elderly and vulnerable. Many of us were worried whether or not an ambulance or fire tender would get through to us in the case of an emergency and in this regard I feel he acted in good faith and not deserving of the personal attacks levelled at him.

As a community we must not allow ourselves to stray away from the main issue which is one of flooding to an extent that large areas of Monmouth have been cut off with the resulting damage to property and risk to lives.

The scientists inform us that due to global warming we can expect our climate to get wetter (on the evidence of November and December's weather I fear they have got it "spot on").

The Environment Agency are requesting the Government legislate against housing development in flood plain areas. Mr George Ashworth, Director of Planning Monmouthshire CC, strongly refuted that the Rockfield development was within the Monmouth flood plain area yet in December flood water extended to 100 yards of its Watery Lane entrance with flooding and damage to property further down Watery Lane.

As residents we are affected now and should be concerned for the future so it is vital that we publicly respond to ideas, suggestions, or plans that affect us, but we should channel our anger, frustration, energy and our own ideas to those responsible and who have power to bring about change.

So let us keep up the pressure for positive action by the planning officers, County Council planning members and the Environment Agency and don't forget we have an MP, a Welsh Assembly Member and County Councillors.

Jeffrey J Smith,

Monmouth Town Councillor,

Drybridge Ward