A SENIOR councillor has refused to support the Velothon returning to the county for a second time.

Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) met last Thursday (19th November) where councillors agreed to support the event for a second year running.

This year’s Velothon caused controversy after businesses lost trade and residents were unable to leave their homes.

Councillor Bryan Jones, cabinet member with responsibility for highways, said: “There’s a serious risk of me being in a minority of one here today.

“Despite the meetings that have taken place, I cannot support this event because of the effect it will have on residents in my ward.

“I am sad to do this. As a cabinet member it’s not usual I go against what might deem the party line but I can’t support it because of the affect it has on Nant-y-derry. Residents will be confined to their homes all day and they won’t be able to get out.

“If you have to go to work all week and you’re then prevented from going out on the weekend, it will hack you off.

“People who have to travel from one farm to another will have great difficulty.

“I appreciate we hear a lot of value about the event but I believe it’s detrimental to Monmouthshire businesses and residents and I cannot support it”.

Deputy leader Bob Greenland said: “I want to reiterate that this event is a huge opportunity for Monmouthshire and should not be viewed in a negative way, which was inevitable from last year’s performance.

“There will be issues but we should try to deal with them for residents and businesses.

“This is an opportunity to put Monmouthshire forward and is another opportunity to sell Monmouthshire. We can’t afford to market it in the way the Velothon will do”.

Councillors agreed to host the Velothon next year and the event will take place on Sunday 22nd May 2016.