Latest news with #CatrinMaby
South Wales Argus
4 days ago
- South Wales Argus
Concern over enforcement of Severn Bridge weight limit
The grainy image appears to show a French-registered lorry approaching the bridge from the Chepstow side, despite restrictions that have been in place since May 2025 to protect the bridge's ageing suspension cables. But the photo is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. Since the weight limit was introduced, enforcement has been plagued by confusion, delays, and a lack of transparency. Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, promised by National Highways, were not in place at the start of the weight restrictions in May and there's still no clear confirmation they are operational. Councillor Catrin Maby said enforcement is now handled through Avon and Somerset Police, but there's no public data on summonses, and no clarity on which democratic body oversees the bridge's monitoring group. Adding to the chaos, old signage displaying the previous 44-tonne limit remained in place after he restrictions, potentially misleading foreign drivers relying on outdated satellite navigation. Enforcement is split between two police forces, and local hauliers gossip has it that foreign drivers are using the bridge, seemingly without penalty. Monmouthshire County Council has compared the economic impact to the potential closure of Scunthorpe steelworks, warning that more than 2,500 jobs at Newhouse Farm industrial estate are at risk. Councillors have called for a 'who, what, when, where, why and how' approach to enforcement, demanding clear signage, functioning cameras, and accountability. Councillor Watts has said : 'Until then, the bridge remains a symbol of muddled management, where rules exist, but clarity does not.' The farce continued this week as Gwent Police confirmed that a 27-year-old man from Bristol was issued with a traffic offence report after being escorted off the M48 Severn Bridge on Wednesday, July 16—while driving a horse and carriage. National Highways has not been asked to comment on whether the horse and carriage exceeded the 7.5-tonne weight limit.
South Wales Argus
6 days ago
- Automotive
- South Wales Argus
Date announced for Chepstow High St double yellow lines
Parking is already prohibited on Chepstow High Street but the restriction is seen as widely ignored leading to the deputy leader of Monmouthshire County Council branding the town as 'like the wild west'. Monmouthshire County Council, in September last year, suggested painting double yellow lines on the High Street which it hoped would make clear to drivers they cannot park on the road. Yellow restriction signs, stating no parking is allowed, are currently used rather than yellow lines as painting them was seen as potentially damaging 'the aesthetics' of the historic market town. The county council suggested putting aside concerns about the visual impact of double yellow lines as it said illegal parking was increasing and Chepstow Town Council, in September 2024, agreed it would support the move. Catrin Maby, the county council's Labour cabinet member responsible for highways, said the yellow lines will be laid this autumn when resurfacing work takes place on High Street. She said the council will have to publish a new traffic regulation order for the double yellow lines to be laid in October or November. That will also mean the council will have to publish an order stating its intention to revoke the current regulation prohibiting parking and to remove the signs. The Labour councillor for Drybridge told councillors: 'Apparently it is quite complicated and you can't have signs saying 'no parking' and double yellow lines at the same time, as I understand it you have to revoke one traffic order to introduce the other one, don't ask me to justify that. That's what's been explained to me. 'It's all happening this autumn but I can't give a more precise date than that.' Cllr Maby said the council has also started recruiting addition civil enforcement officers as she said drivers ignoring no parking zones 'is such an issue across the county.' Conservative member for Chepstow's Mount Pleasant ward, Cllr Paul Pavia, who had asked for an update on resurfacing of High Street and the traffic regulation order, at July's full council meeting, said: 'That is really good news, thank you.' In January, responding to Cllr Pavia, deputy leader and Chepstow Castle and Larkfied member Paul Griffiths, said the council wanted to 'complement' the existing signs with double yellow lines and described illegal parking as 'a major issue of frustration'. He said: 'Chepstow residents tell me they feel they are living in the sort of lawless conditions you would have found in the American wild west. 'Motorists appear to be parking where they want, how they want without apparent restriction.'
South Wales Argus
18-07-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
Delight as four Monmouthshire locations pick up Green Flag awards
This award recognises locations offering excellent facilities and an ongoing commitment to great quality service. The Monmouthshire sites to gain a Green Flag award this year were Rogiet Countryside Park (an award recipient since 2024), Tintern Old Station (a recipient since 2009), Caldicot Castle and Country Park (honoured since 2013), and Castle Meadows in Abergavenny (since 2014). Twelve community sites were recognised with the Green Flag Community Award, including: Bailey Park, Busy Bees Garden, Caerwent Meadows, Caldicot Community Garden, Crick Meadow, Crucorney Allotments, Goytre Community Garden, Incredible Edible Usk, Laurie Jones Community Orchard, Mardy Park, Rogiet Wildlife Friendly Village and The Cornfield. Keep Wales Tidy administers the Green Flag Award programme in Wales, with support from the Welsh Government. Monmouthshire County Council's cabinet member for rural affairs, housing and tourism Cllr Sara Burch said: 'We have a wealth of fantastic green spaces and attractions across Monmouthshire. 'From family days out to those seeking something more nature or activity focused, there is something for everyone. 'I am proud that the hard work of volunteers has been rewarded once again with these Green Flag Awards.' Cabinet member for climate change and the environment Cllr Catrin Maby said: 'It is so pleasing to see that many of our locations within the beautiful county of Monmouthshire have received awards this year. 'It is fantastic to see sites at from Tintern Old Station to Castle Meadows in Abergavenny have been recognised with Green Flag awards.'
South Wales Argus
18-07-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Monmouthshire Council is best in UK for waste reduction
Climate Action Scorecards are assessed by Climate Emergency UK to find out how well councils are performing in taking action towards Net Zero - and Monmouthshire County Council came out top in one category. The scores are based on an assessment of building and heating, transport, planning and land use, governance and finance, biodiversity, collaboration and engagement, and waste Reduction and food MCC got the highest score for its work on waste reduction and food in the whole of the UK, scoring 93 per cent. The council also got the second highest over all score in Wales across the seven themes. MCC cabinet member for climate change and the environment Catrin Maby said: 'This result recognises the work we have been doing in two key areas, together with our Monmouthshire communities. 'Firstly, reducing waste through reuse, repair and recycling, and supporting important circular economy projects, such as community fridges and Benthyg. 'On food, we have been recognised for our Sustainable Food Strategy and Food Partnership work, with food producers, farmers, community growing projects, schools and young people.' 'We can be proud of what we've achieved, but we also know we need to keep on doing better across all of these themes.'
South Wales Argus
15-07-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Linda Vista Gardens to benefit from new investment
Linda Vista Gardens in Abergavenny will see a series of improvements funded by the Welsh Government's Brilliant Basics Fund, which aims to upgrade infrastructure at key visitor destinations. Work will include improved access, new interpretation panels, and the installation of solar panels on the café to support greener energy use. Cllr Catrin Maby, Monmouthshire County Council's cabinet member for climate change and the environment, said: "Linda Vista Gardens is already a wonderful place to visit, both for Abergavenny residents and those travelling to the town. "This funding will allow us to further improve a popular attraction, making it accessible for even more visitors. "The addition of solar panels will also make the café more sustainable in terms of its energy use." Additional plans include reinstating views across Castle Meadows and towards the Blorenge, as well as installing a café screen showing live wildlife camera feeds. Monmouthshire County Council thanked Abergavenny Town Council for providing vital match funding to support the project. The total budget for the improvements is around £100,000. Residents will be kept informed of the work through public notices, and project teams will aim to keep disruption to a minimum.
