Agenda

Submitted by Mr. Jonty Pearce

Why has Monmouthshire County Council Removed Key Protection for Monmouth’s Endangered Greater Horseshoe Bats?

This Council:

• Thanks the emergency workers, volunteers and all those who supported Monmouthshire residents during Storm Bert
• Expresses concern that a lack of maintenance of the county’s drainage infrastructure will have exacerbated flood risks
• Calls on the council to reassess its processes to mitigate flood events and evaluate the size and funding of the workforce dedicated to drainage maintenance and environmental management.

This Council:

• Greatly values the role of Monmouthshire farmers in producing high quality food, providing food security and acting as the guardians of our natural environment.
• Regrets the UK Government’s proposed changes to inheritance tax, specifically the removal of Agricultural Property Relief, which threatens the future of family farms in Monmouthshire.
• Agrees to work with local farming unions and other Welsh councils to persuade the UK Government to protect our rural communities and not kill off family farms.

Please can the Cabinet Member provide an update on the experimental prohibition of driving (except for access) on the section of Goldwire Lane, Monmouth from the junction with Somerset Road to the junction with Drybridge Street?

In light of the flooding on Wonastow Road last month, when will the Cabinet Member abandon plans to partially close Goldwire Lane?

Can the Cabinet Member provide an update on what the Council is doing to ensure the Penallt Viaduct (also known as the Wye Bridge in Redbrook), remains open to users for the foreseeable future, considering the fact that the attached footbridge, built in around 1955 is now well beyond its expected lifespan and is showing severe signs of decay. Next Year marks the 50th anniversary of the Wye Valley walk and so there is likely to be an upsurge in walkers.

Following the news that the extensive Wye Bridge (Wyesham/Mayhill) repairs will not now take place until at least the spring of 2025 can the cabinet member please let us know what will be done to ensure the rutted potholes that plague the bridge surface will be repaired to standard that will last until then. 

Can the cabinet member please provide an update on the progress of the Wyesham/Mayhill to Monmouth Town walking and wheeling bridge?

Footpath 376/8 alongside the Neddern Brook, Caldicot, has been closed for well over 500 days. There is a recommendation from the H & S Executive that the adjacent recycling yard has created a risk to the public.  Can the Cabinet Member provide me with a firm update on when this problem will be resolved, and the footpath will be reopened?

Could you provide an update on the support being provided to looked-after children and young care leavers during the Christmas period? Specifically, what initiatives or measures are in place to ensure their wellbeing and inclusion during this time, and how can we, as elected members, and members of the public get involved by contributing gifts or other forms of support to make their Christmas brighter?

Could the Cabinet Member provide a statement on the administration's assumptions regarding the increase in National Insurance rate for employers and its impact on the Council’s budget?

What discussions has the Council had with Welsh Government and partners about improving road safety on the A40 junction between Raglan and Tregare?

Will the Cabinet Member provide an update on plans to resurface R46, the main road through Mitchel Troy?

Will the Leader provide an update on the Vauxhall/Inglis Bridge?

Following the devastating fire in Abergavenny town centre, can the cabinet member please give an update on what the County Council is doing to support the local community and businesses in the aftermath?

There has been a rise in the number of recorded incidents of antisocial behaviour in Abergavenny. Will the cabinet member please tell us what the County Council is doing to tackle this problem?

What steps is the administration taking to support high street businesses?

Please could the cabinet member advise of the current details of road sweepers in use in Monmouthshire, how their use is deployed and managed across the county and in particular the allocation to Llanbadoc and Usk Ward.

Please could the cabinet member give an update on road repair schedules / backlog progress and priorities in Monmouthshire, with particular reference and context to the deteriorating surfaces in my Ward on Chepstow Road, Maryport Street and Porthycarne Street.