Public meeting: Around 80 concerned residents and retailers in Usk attended a public meeting with the town council to consider the growing problem of traffic management and pollution in Usk.

The meeting was chaired by Usk mayor, Tony Kear, and also present were David Davies, MP, and Nick Ramsay, AM.

Cllr Kear explained that a draft proposal for traffic management in Usk was to be considered by the county council and the council wished to ensure that the concerns of Usk residents were fully represented.

Investigations into pollution levels, HGV vehicles ignoring the weight restrictions on Usk bridge and illegal parking in the town are ongoing, in a joint initiative between the two councils, with the assistance of Gwent police.

Among those speaking for the town were Mr Dave Thomas of Maryport Street. He circulated photographic evidence of the congestion arising from illegal parking in Maryport Street, exacerbated by large delivery lorries to One Stop shop parking on the sharp bend in the road.

Many other speakers spoke of their concerns for the safety of pedestrians in Bridge Street when heavy vehicles mount the pavements or when two large vehicles try to pass, with several accounts of people already having been hurt. Speeding traffic on the approach roads into the town was also highlighted, as was the constant damage to the bridge.

David Davies, MP, supported the recent police initiative of stopping and checking HGV vehicles coming into the town, saying: “As a one-time HGV driver myself, I know that word soon spreads among drivers that they are likely to be stopped and they then choose alternative routes.”

However, it was noted that 85 percent of the lorries stopped complied with the regulations and were allowed to proceed through the town.

Mr Peter McGowan, of Castle Parade, drew a round of applause when he stated that the only solution to all of these problems was to resurrect plans to build a bypass.

Cllr Kear assured the meeting that all concerns and suggestions had been noted for consideration in the proposals, which will be debated at future council meetings. Usk Town Council meets on the second Monday of each month at 7.30pm. All residents are welcome to attend.

After the meeting, Nick Ramsay, AM, said that he would be willing to support a new campaign for an Usk bypass, something which had been removed from the town plan several years ago.