Bypass for Welsh town’s ‘suffering’ residents moves forward

Carmelo Garcia Local Democracy Reporter

The prospect of a long-awaited bypass becoming a reality has received a further boost as a council say they will support a joint study with a neighbouring English county.

A total of £1m will be set aside by civic leaders in Gloucestershire over the next financial year to “pump-prime” major road projects which may emerge in the future.

And £500,000 of this will be earmarked for a Chepstow bypass project. Monmouthshire County Council agree more needs to be done to manage the flow of traffic movements in the town and say they are willing to support a joint study to identify possible solutions for Chepstow.

Joint study

They have asked the Government for consent to include the proposed study within the scope of their allocated Levelling Up Funding.

“Monmouthshire was surprised but pleased to receive funding for its Chepstow sustainable transport proposals in the Chancellor’s autumn statement, however we agree that more needs to be done to manage the flow of traffic movements from Gloucestershire into Chepstow and as such are willing to support a joint study with Gloucestershire County Council to identify possible solutions,” a spokesperson said.

“Given the financial commitment already made by Monmouthshire to the Chepstow scheme, we have requested UK Government’s consent to include the proposed study within the scope of the allocated Levelling Up Funding and look forward to receiving confirmation that this has been agreed.”

“Suffering”

Councillor Nick Evans (C, Tidenham), who has long campaigned for a Chepstow bypass, welcomed the news that £500,000 would be allocated by Gloucestershire County Council to explore such a scheme.

“I’m very pleased that Gloucestershire County Council recognise the significant benefits that a Forest Gateway Road would bring not just to Tidenham, but to the whole South of the Forest and the County,” he said.

“This need was demonstrated once again before Christmas when the A48 was closed for a considerable time.

“There is no resilience in the road network in this area. It’s a real shame that the Labour run Monmouthshire Council haven’t had the same foresight and prioritised this investment too, as Chepstow would benefit greatly from this plan if it were to go ahead.

“The really strong progress that was being made has stalled, and it’s local residents who are suffering.”