Agenda

Motion: Chepstow Infrastructure Debate

Council notes that:

• Traffic congestion in and around Chepstow continues to have a significant impact on residents, businesses and the strategic road network.
• In March 2022, Monmouthshire County Council and Gloucestershire County Council agreed to jointly fund and progress the Chepstow Bypass through the next phase of Transport Appraisal Guidance (TAG/WelTAG).
• Progress towards developing a full business case for a relief road has since stalled.
• The prolonged delay in completing the Highbeech roundabout WelTAG work or progressing the Burn’s Commission recommendations, demonstrates the lack of momentum in addressing wider infrastructure matters.
•  In early 2024, Gloucestershire County Council indicated a willingness to commit £500,000 towards further scheme development but no matching funding has been identified by Monmouthshire County Council.
• Although the majority of any relief road would be located in England and led by the UK Government, Monmouthshire County Council and the Welsh Government have important roles in cross-border partnership working and scheme development.
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Council resolves to:

1. Reaffirm that addressing the traffic congestion in and around Chepstow remains a strategic transport priority for Monmouthshire County Council.
2. Request that the Cabinet bring a report to Full Council setting out:

3. Confirm that Full Council should have the opportunity to debate and make recommendations to Cabinet on the Council’s future role in progressing infrastructure projects, rather than the matter being deferred or allowed to stall further.

This Council:

Believes the Cabinet’s draft budget for 2026-27 fails to equip the Council to meet the expectations of Monmouthshire taxpayers and calls on the Cabinet to revise the budget and explain how the £1million budget shortfall will be bridged.

Could you please provide an update on the progress of plans for the repair and refurbishment of Staunton Road in Wyesham, including updated details of the recent investigations undertaken. I would like clarification on:

1. The findings from recent surveys or assessments of the road condition.
2. The proposed timeline and scheme of works for both sections:
   • Wye Bridge to the Mayhill Public House; and
   • Mayhill to the Kymin turning.
3. A long?term maintenance plan for Staunton Road to prevent recurring deterioration and reliance on short?term fixes with an estimated costs for the proposed works.

Could you please provide an update on progress toward ensuring that public facilities across Monmouthshire are stoma-friendly, as previously agreed at Council. What steps have been taken to implement stoma-friendly provisions and has bilingual signage now been obtained?

What steps is the council taking to improve the quality of school meals?

How much does Monmouthshire County Council contribute each year to the Cardiff Capital Region in relation to all its business and projects and what projects/benefits/employment has been provided to Monmouthshire Residents?

Will the Cabinet Member provide an update on what the Council is doing to enforce parking restrictions on High Street in Chepstow?

When will work commence on the next reviews of county car parks?

What new measures or operational processes have been implemented since May 2022 to tackle potholes in Monmouthshire, and how is their effectiveness being assessed

Could the cabinet member please give the council an update ref to the situation revolving around the position with repairs forward planning on the viaduct as a main artery for the community and businesses also a main link to western side to Wales and the wider area could we have a full brief as to works been carried out.