THE proposed car park on Wyebridge Street passed its first hurdle on Monday night (10th April) with town planners recommending approval.

The plans for a car park on the grassy knoll just off the A40 traffic lights have been on the table for some time. The original idea was for a 69-space car park with access off Granville Street, but arguments and opposition have led to a watered down 39-space park with access and egress now being off Wyebridge Street itself.

The current plans still have their own difficulties as commented on by Monmouth Town Council planning committee members Monday night.

Although it was accepted that the extra car parking spaces are necessary to ensure “a vibrant Church Street”, Councillor Bob Hayward, in one of his last meeting as town councillor before he steps down, said: “Although it’s not perfect, it’s the best we are going to get. Nobody from Osbaston will find it easy to get to as the access really is only suitable for Wyesham and A40 traffic, but we are where we are, any more consultations and we will end up with next to nothing.”

The plans were passed five votes to three with one abstention.