Monmouth residents will only be voting in the Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) election and will not have a vote in the Town Council election on 5 May 2022.

Only five candidates were nominated across the five wards with one candidate in each ward.

Those candidates were duly elected by the Returning Officer.

A decision has not yet been made on how the remaining 14 seats will be filled.

Across Monmouthshire there will be elections in only 17 town and community council wards.

Alice Fletcher of Welsh Labour is the only Town Councillor remaining from the last Town Council and now represents Wyesham.

The new Town Council is comprised of two Welsh Labour councillors, two Welsh Conservatives and an Independent.

Steven Garratt, the newly elected Welsh Labour Town Councillor for Overmonnow, feels this is a sad moment for local democracy in Monmouth.

“This is an election that gives many of our young people their first opportunity to cast a vote, including 16 and 17 year olds.

‘‘To be told that there will not be an election for the Town Council will disappoint many.

‘‘Some former councillors have retired after many years of service to the community while others are seeking election to MCC on 5 May 2022.

‘‘If we are to have a truly representative local democracy I hope some of our younger residents will consider putting themselves forward for nomination for future Town Council elections, either as a member of a political party or as an Independent”.

Alice will miss the experience of councillors who have retired after many years of service.

“Steve and I look forward to working with the Town Clerks and the other Town Councillors to progress the priorities from the last Town Council, move forward with new initiatives and support local groups and events.

‘‘We want to develop strong links between Town Council and MCC to ensure Monmouth gets the best out of the services they provide.

‘‘We are committed to moving forward with action on climate change, protecting and improving public transport, and making our community safer for all residents”.

Alice and Steve have been out meeting local residents across Monmouth in the run up to the elections and listening to and noting their concerns.

Steve said, “We have met some of our most vulnerable and elderly residents and want to make sure they feel safe within their community.

‘‘Many have struggled with isolation during lockdown. Working families are struggling with the cost of living crisis.

‘‘Access to prompt emergency ambulance services is also a concern.

‘‘As Town Councillors we want to work with other councillors to ensure Monmouth is next in line for 20 mph speed limits.

‘‘We want to make the streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists and strive to help our high street shops cafes, pubs and other local businesses so they are able to thrive.

‘‘We want to ensure Phase 3 of the Active Travel Route to Kingswood Gate is completed providing a safe corridor for residents to get to local schools and town. By speaking to people across Monmouth we will be able to provide useful feedback to the new Town Council”.

Alice and Steve will be writing to residents s following the election on May 5 2022 with their contact details and dates and venues for their surgeries.