THE Velothon event might have helped bring some tourism into Wales and perhaps increased revenue in some places, but the way the road closures where handled was appalling.
I went with a friend for a day out by car and when we got to Pontllanfraith on the A472, the road had been closed a good 10 mins ahead of the scheduled closure time. It was much the same story on the return trip with the roads being reopened a good 20 minutes late. I really do feel sorry for all the disruption this event caused to families who only have time to shop on a Sunday as well as those working on Sunday in general.
Tourism and sport does help our local economy, but when the event isn’t planned out well enough that subcontractors or other companies/parties fail to handle the road closures to a schedule, this is no doubt going to cause accidents eventually as not everyone can simply do a U-turn and find an alternative route.
If enough notice isn’t given, this is only going to ultimately cause congestion on what few roads are left open.

Gabriel Snow,
Main Street,
Newbridge