MONMOUTHSHIRE County Council have pledged their support to the region hosting parts of the Velothon again next year, despite some apprehension among councillors.

The full council met to discuss a report outlining how the running of the race has improved since 2015 and the reported benefits it offered the county.

Last week the Argus revealed that the race will return on Sunday, July 8, without a professional race for the first time.

But Cllr Giles Howard, member for Llanfoist Fawr, said there was a lack of information on road closures, adding that The Bridge Inn in Llanfoist lost out on Sunday trade due to closures last year.

He also mentioned being “uncomfortable” about the report setting out plans to “manage the media” in preventing people from contacting the editors of local newspapers.

He added: “In terms of emphasis on managing the media such that it would be convenient for us if they do nothing but print out our press releases, I’m not happy with that.”

Road closures were the main issue put forward in objection by Llanbadoc’s Cllr Val Smith, who also commented about their being a lack of information as to the financial benefits of the Velothon in Monmouthshire.

Cllr Kevin Williams, member for Llanwenarth Ultra, said that the council had to work to improve the issues of littering and toilets along the route.

“There’s a sign halfway up Blaenavon Road that says British Waterways – I think it should have been renamed British Waterworks for the day because people were openly seen urinating against the wall, it’s not acceptable,” he said.

But Cllr Mat Feakins, member for Drybridge, called for the council to be more encouraging of the event, a sentiment echoed by deputy council leader, Cllr Bob Greenland, who said: “If we can demonstrate to young people and get them enthused about cycling and physical activity, we would be beginning to combat the real problem of our age, obesity in children. If we can make a difference to the lives of young children through showing them and enthusing them about these events, then it is worthwhile.”

All councillors bar Cllrs Howard, Williams and Smith voted to support the report.