A GWENT couple who live near the A4042 are considering educating their children at home to stop them becoming "another statistic on this death road."

Every day Elaine Rolfe, 40, takes four of her children aged between three and 10 to Llanover primary along a fast stretch of the Abergavenny to Newport road.

At points the 70cm wide pavement is sandwiched between 60mph traffic and a 6ft wall. Now dad Dave Rolfe, 41, says with the onset of winter rain and darkness the journey is too perilous for his family to make.

In March, Monmouthshire council turned down the family's application for transport because they live just within the 1.5 mile limit.

Mr Rolfe said: "We moved here earlier this year and immediately applied for transport from the council. We live 1.1 miles from the school and were turned down on the grounds that we lived too close. The family who lived in this house before got transport as do families who live off the next turning.

"I am appealing against their decision with the help of the local police officer and Councillor Brian Hood. If nothing is done I will have to look at all options, including educating the children at home."

Mrs Rolfe, 40, said: "The school run is extremely dangerous and frightening for the children aged five, six, 10 and their three-year-old sister. We cannot believe the council doubts the safety issues on this road, we don't want our children to become another statistic on this death road."

Llanover policeman Steve Ballinger wrote a letter to the council outlining the dangers of the road for pedestrians.

PC Ballinger said: "I pointed out that it is an extremely narrow road with a wall on one side and fast moving traffic on the other. I think it is a significant hazard for four young children particularly in the winter."

Head of the student and pupil section of Monmouthshire council Mark Horton is dealing with the Rolfe's appeal. Mr Horton said: "We have received an appeal from the family with a supporting letter from the police officer. Normally we do not provide transport to pupils who live that close to their school. We are, however, looking into this case and if safety is a real issue we will make arrangements for the family."

PICTURED: Elaine Rolfe with her children Jack, 10, Abbie, three, Harry, six, and Daniel, five, negotiate the busy road between their house and Llanover Primary School.