Agenda

This council:

Notes with concern the impending ban on HGVs crossing the M48 Severn Bridge and the implications for local haulage firms.

Calls on the Welsh Government and Monmouthshire County Council to urgently assess the current and projected traffic impacts at Junction 23A M4 to Magor as a result of the M48 Severn Bridge restrictions and bring forward costed proposals to improve the road infrastructure at and around Junction 23A Magor to ensure traffic can be safely and effectively managed.

Calls on the Welsh and UK Governments to work at pace on a medium-term solution to reintroduce controlled HGV movements on the M48 Severn Bridge as soon as possible.

That this Council recognises that direct payments are intended to improve choice, control and independence, and is committed to ensuring that those who meet the eligibility criteria as set out in the Social Services and Wellbeing Act 2014, are provided with the necessary support to access direct payments should they wish, in a timely manner.

Would the cabinet member be able to offer a full explanation to the public of this county as to the 7ft galvanised fence installed on the mountain side at Pwllde National parks and also the buffer to the world heritage site?

Whilst it was installed for road safety it’s one off the worst cases of open countryside abuse I’ve ever encountered, and the residents of Clydach also feel let down as no contact was made with their representatives or the farming community.

Does the cabinet member Catrin Maby believe that litter bins in our towns and villages, and also highways, play an integrated part in keeping our communities clean, tidy and most important lead by example?

Could you provide an update on the progress and any findings of the recent county-wide parking review?  In particular to Usk, where there is genuine concern in my joint ward of Llanbadoc and Usk from businesses, residents, surrounding villagers and town commuters. Could you please advise on the current status, any proposed changes, and the expected timeline for the conclusions of the review to be published?

How many households in Monmouthshire have secured a council tax exemption since 2022?

To ask the Cabinet Member to respond to the UK Government's decision to withdraw funding for the Western Gateway partnership. 

To ask the Leader, what action has the authority taken following the recent public meeting regarding the erection of a fence on Pwll ddu Road? 

Please can you provide an update on the armed forces event being hosted by the council, including any details about the schedule, participants, and public engagement and access?

Given the vital role our leisure centre plays in supporting the community's health and wellbeing, what is the council doing to urgently secure funding for Caldicot Leisure Centre and its refurbishment to ensure residents have access to high quality, accessible facilities that encourage active and healthy lifestyles? 

The lifeblood of rural hamlets and villages are often the community assets such as local public houses.  They are a vital part of knitting together our communities and preventing rural isolation.  A thriving rural pub is like a beacon of hope and hospitality.  They are an essential way for friends and neighbours to keep in touch, have local get together and keep rural communities alive.  When they close, as has The Star on the Hill at Llanvihangel Tor-y-Mynydd, it devastates the area.

Would the Cabinet member for Rural Affairs please commit to gathering together an MCC led community asset team that local communities can access for advice and help on how to go about a community led bid to be able to buy their local public house for the benefit of all? 

What is the cabinet members position on the loss of Prime agricultural land for energy generation? 

Thank you to the highways officer for their work on speeding in Llangybi. However, data from recent years shows limited impact, Can the Cabinet Member outline any permanent solutions being considered to effectively reduce speeds and improve safety for residents and all road users? 

Please could you provide an update regarding Goldwire Lane in Monmouth that is subject to an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) that restricts driving to residents, visitors, deliveries, and emergency services?

Could the cabinet member clarify how many residents await a social work assessment and give an indication of how long are they waiting, and the longest wait times?

Could the cabinet member please provide an update on the potential impact on the Junction with the M4 at Magor in relation to the proposed introduction of the Severn Bridge 7.5t weight Limit?