A speed reduction campaign in Chepstow has received a boost from Welsh Government officials.

A Level students from Wyedean Comprehensive School first launched their campaign for a reduction in the speed limit on the A48 bridge more than one year ago.

The youngsters want the speed limit to come down from 50mph to 30mph, in order to better protect the pupils that cross the bridge each day to school.

Hopes were dashed however, after a letter received in September from the Welsh Assembly's chair of petitions implied that the limit was staying where it was: "It has recommended the current speed limit on the bridge is retained, which Gwent Police support," said the letter.

The petition, signed by 1,200 people, had been delivered to the Senedd by teenage campaigners and members on the town council in April.

Town councillors combated the government department's recommendations by writing to officials, sending in photos of school pupils walking to school on the bridge.

Campaigners hopes have now been boosted, as Monmouthshire Assembly member Nick Ramsay stepped in to help the cause, receiving a letter last week from Transport Minister Edwina Hart MBE. The letter states that investigations will be made in the new financial year to see what the Assembly can do to make the area safer. "I have asked my officials to investigate measures that could help highlight the use of the bridge by children and assist pedestrians. This will include pedestrian guard railing and traffic signs," said Ms Hart.

"The feasibility study will be carried out in the next financial year (2014-15) and I will update you with the findings once I have had an opportunity to consider them".

Town council clerk Sandra Bushell was quick to praise the young campaigners: "This is a win for young people. It is so heartening when young people have tried to engage with politicians and they have gone all the way. They have made their point and someone has listened to it.

"Here is a real example of young people working the system and seeing some answers."

Wyedean campaigner Anna Dewar, 17, said: "This is really good news so far. A lot of us walk over that bridge every day and we just want to make it a lot safer. We talked to pupils and a lot of them feel quite scared walking there.

"We would like the speed to come down but any barriers and things like that would be great.

"Nick Ramsay has been really good at helping us and so has the town council.

"When we started we were really hopeful that things would change. A lot of people said we would get nowhere, we didn't think we would make so much progress so fast".