Latest news with #Fookes
Wales Online
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Wales Online
Hundreds of jobs at risk as MP and council seek 'urgent solution' to bridge problem
Hundreds of jobs at risk as MP and council seek 'urgent solution' to bridge problem Asda alone has estimated a £1.1m increase in costs due to the diversion There's a weight restrictions on the M48 Severn Bridge (Image: John Myers ) A meeting has been held looking for "urgent solutions" to the ongoing weight restrictions on the M48 Severn Bridge, which are currently preventing HGVs from using the crossing. Catherine Fookes MP and Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) cabinet member Catrin Maby met with UK roads minister Lilian Greenwood MP. It came after a question raised by Ms Fookes in Parliament last month. During the meeting the MP and Cllr Maby highlighted the "serious economic risk", noting that up to 3,000 people are employed at the nearby Newhouse Farm Industrial Estate. Major businesses based there, including Asda, have warned that the current situation is "unsustainable". Asda alone has estimated a £1.1m increase in costs due to the diversion and there are reports that some businesses may relocate to Bristol, risking hundreds of local jobs. It also stressed that a 12-to-18-month wait for a solution, as suggested by National Highways, is "far too long" and called for transparency around the proposed repair plan including a clear timeline. Article continues below A technical solution was also suggested, such as controlled access using number plate recognition, which could be introduced immediately allowing HGVs to use the bridge safely. They also raised the need for regular communication and engagement from National Highways with local businesses to ensure businesses are kept up to date and National Highways are held accountable. Cllr Maby also highlighted the impact of HGV diversions on the local roads network and the risk of increased congestion, particularly at the Magor junction. The roads minister acknowledged the challenges and risks to the local economy and confirmed she had already raised the issue with National Highways. Following this meeting the minister committed to following up with National Highways on the issues raised including the timeline of the work and whether a technical solution could be implemented in the short term. Ms Fookes said: 'While safety must come first I'm very concerned about the long-term impact these restrictions could have on jobs and the local economy. "Businesses face unsustainable costs and we risk losing hundreds of local jobs unless urgent action is taken. A solution in 12 or 18 months is simply not good enough. We need to explore every option available to allow HGVs to safely cross the bridge as soon as possible. "I'm grateful to the minister for meeting us and agreeing to follow up with National Highways. MCC and I will keep pushing until a solution is found." And CllrMaby added: 'We fully recognise the need to ensure the safety of the bridge but it's equally important to support our local businesses through this disruption. Article continues below "We welcome the minister's willingness to investigate whether the works can be completed sooner and MCC will continue to support affected businesses and residents as best we can.' Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here. We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice.
South Wales Argus
13-05-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Monmouth MP attends VE Day celebrations across county
Catherine Fookes, Member of Parliament for Monmouthshire, marked the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day with a series of commemorative visits across the county. On Thursday, she visited Abergavenny for a special VE Day ceremony organised by Peter Farthing and the local Royal British Legion. The service featured the unveiling of a new commemorative veterans' bench, created by Black Mountain Gates and Key2Shoes, and a wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph. Ms Fookes said: "It was a real privilege to attend this moving ceremony. "It was particularly special to see D-Day veteran Mel Hughes there, a true local hero who recently celebrated his 100th birthday." She also paid tribute to Wendy from the Abergavenny Library Knit and Natter group, who single-handedly created a commemorative crochet display for the occasion. (Image: Catherine Fookes) (Image: Catherine Fookes) (Image: Catherine Fookes) (Image: Catherine Fookes) Later in the day, Ms Fookes visited Rogiet for another ceremony with veterans and local councillors, before concluding the evening at St Mary's Church to attend a Quarter Peal Bell Ringing service. On the weekend, she joined residents at a VE Day Street Party at Chepstow Drill Hall. Earlier in the week, Ms Fookes spoke in Parliament to honour Monmouthshire's veterans and reflect on the county's military history. She mentioned the service of David Edwards and Tom Griffiths, both of whom have a school named after them in Mondrainville, France, and marked the 110th anniversary of the Second Battle of Ypres, where the 3rd Battalion of the Monmouthshire Regiment suffered nearly 700 casualties. She said: "I also took the opportunity to recognise our vibrant Royal British Legion branches in Abergavenny, Caldicot, Chepstow, Monmouth, and Usk, and to thank individuals like Peter Farthing, who works tirelessly for Monmouthshire's veterans." (Image: Catherine Fookes) (Image: Catherine Fookes) "I want to thank Monmouthshire County Council and their Armed Forces Champion Peter Strong for organising. "These events gave us all a chance to pause and reflect - we owe a huge debt of gratitude to all those who have served and who continue to serve our great country and who allow us to live in peace."
South Wales Argus
03-05-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Catherine Fookes MP visits Caldicot Joint Cadet Centre
Catherine Fookes MP paid a visit to Caldicot's new Joint Cadet Centre (JCC), which is part of the Reserve Estate Optimisation Programme (REOP) in Wales. The centre aims to modernise cadet infrastructure and provide efficient, future-ready spaces for both army and air cadets. The new building stands in place of the former Army Cadet Force facility on Mill Lane, which was demolished to make way for the £1.2million bespoke centre. The MP also had a tour of the new building, which features high-tech equipment, including a flight simulator, which she had a go on. Ms Fookes said: "It was fantastic to visit the new cadet centre and speak to the cadets. "I even had a go on the flight simulator, flying over Monmouthshire. "The cadets are extremely talented, enthusiastic, and clearly have bright futures ahead of them." While at the centre, which is being touted as an investment in Caldicot's youngsters, Ms Fookes spoke with cadets about their experiences, career goals, and what being a cadet means to them. She also provided them with an insight into politics as she answered questions about her role as Monmouthshire's MP.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
New £1.2m Caldicot cadet centre visited by MP
A new cadet centre has been visited by the local MP. Catherine Fookes MP paid a visit to Caldicot's new Joint Cadet Centre (JCC), which is part of the Reserve Estate Optimisation Programme (REOP) in Wales. The centre aims to modernise cadet infrastructure and provide efficient, future-ready spaces for both army and air cadets. The new building stands in place of the former Army Cadet Force facility on Mill Lane, which was demolished to make way for the £1.2million bespoke centre. The MP also had a tour of the new building, which features high-tech equipment, including a flight simulator, which she had a go on. Ms Fookes said: "It was fantastic to visit the new cadet centre and speak to the cadets. "I even had a go on the flight simulator, flying over Monmouthshire. "The cadets are extremely talented, enthusiastic, and clearly have bright futures ahead of them." While at the centre, which is being touted as an investment in Caldicot's youngsters, Ms Fookes spoke with cadets about their experiences, career goals, and what being a cadet means to them. She also provided them with an insight into politics as she answered questions about her role as Monmouthshire's MP.
South Wales Argus
28-04-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Monmouthshire MP hails penalties for water company bosses
The Water (Special Measures) Bill, which came into effect last week, introduces the toughest criminal penalties in history for law-breaking water company executives. From now on, water bosses who cover up illegal sewage spills could face up to two years in prison. The bill, which Catherine helped to develop and scrutinise in Parliament, also bans bonuses for law-breaking water bosses, imposes severe financial penalties on polluting water companies, and grants new enforcement powers to crack down on persistent polluters. Ms Fookes said: "From today, persistent water polluters will now face up to two years behind bars, and rightly so. "For too long, sewage has been endlessly pumped into our rivers with no real consequences. "That ends now." The new law delivers on a key promise in the Labour manifesto to tackle water pollution. Ms Fookes said: "As part of the Parliamentary committee that scrutinised and developed this legislation, I'm proud to have played a part in making this happen. "This is real, tangible action – not just words – to clean up our rivers."
