CALLS have been made for a new bridge to be built over the River Wye into Monmouth, to stop the town being cut off in the event of traffic congestion or an accident.

Currently, pedestrians can access Monnow Street over the historic Monnow Bridge, which dates back to the 1200s.

Vehicles can only enter town from the A40 motorway to the west, over a bridge on the B4293 road.

Calls have been made for a relief bridge after the issue was brought up at a recent meeting of the Monmouth Partnership Forum.

The group was set up in 2001 to provide a link between the county council and town and is made up of stakeholders from the community, business people, residents and politicians.

A major concern is that if the bridge is congested or closed, emergency service vehicles will not be able to gain access to the town to deal with situations arising there.

At the meeting, there was massive support for the erection of a new bridge and they agreed to conduct studies in the New Year, which would enable a “compelling case” to be put forward to Monmouthshire council.

Other proposals to improve traffic links in the town include building a roundabout on the A40 close to the Gibraltar Tunnels.