SUBSTANTIAL damage to Usk Bridge occurred on Friday 31st August as an articulated lorry with a fork lift truck on the back attempted to negotiate the end of the south side of the bridge.

PC Chris Butt, Ward Manager for the Neighbourhood Team, said that a 24-year-old man has been reported for road traffic offences.

“The Police and Monmouthshire Highways Department are working together to try and prevent this from happening again,” he added.

In 2016, an order to ban HGVs over 7.5 tonnes between 8am until 11am, and from 2pm to 6pm daily from using the Usk Bridge was met with objections as questions were raised about its effect on local businesses and haulage firms.

At the time, Usk’s mayor, Councillor Alec Leathwood said that a balance had to be found between “protecting pedestrians and supporting local businesses”.

However the traffic order to prohibit heavy vehicles accessing the A472 through Usk between those times was considered by the county council who decided not to proceed with it after wider consultation on the proposals.

Pictures courtesy of Russell Tompkins