Latest news with #Maby
Wales Online
5 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
25-05-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Speed camera van could be answer to traffic in Llangybi
A local councillor has asked that traffic calming measures be considered to address speeding in Llangybi in Monmouthshire but the councillor responsible suggested a camera van could be the most suitable solution. Councillor Catrin Maby, Momouthshire council's Labour cabinet member responsible for highways, said it was 'disappointing' other attempts to address speeding through the village, including signs showing drivers their speed, hadn't been successful. The Drybridge councillor told the council's May meeting she would ask officers to request the Go Safe speed camera partnership van return to the village. 'Beyond that it's really hard to know what physical measures would be acceptable and I know they can be unpopular and require capital investment. 'The first thing to do is try and get Go Safe to come back, it might be the fastest and most efficient answer.' Conservative Fay Bromfield, who represents Llangybi, thanked council officers for work to address speeding in the area but said data shows it has had a 'limited impact' on reducing speed in the village where there are 30 mile per hour and 60mph limits. She asked if Cllr Maby would attend a meeting to hear the case for traffic calming mesures from residents and also asked for a seminar for councillors with the camera partnership. The cabinet member said she would 'really look forward' to attending a meeting but would also like the Go Safe partnership to attend 'so I'm not stood there saying it's someone else's responsibility.' Cllr Maby said she could ask for a seminar to be arranged while Conservative councillor for Usk and Llanbadoc said he's already requested the public services committee hold a meeting with the partnership.
