There seems to be an ongoing concern about Wentwood reservoir and the probable cause of winter flooding at Five Lanes. This is coupled with concern over the existence of blue-green algae which, if in the discharge from the Reservoir, could affect livestock etc. We are assured that the whole situation is being monitored by Newport City Council and will continue to be. We for our part will ensure that any matters affecting residents of this area are kept in the forefront of the representations. It continues to be the case that no-one here can take any direct action on this matter, but we can do everything we can to make sure that Newport does.

At last we can report that the road resurfacing schemes at Llanfair Discoed have commenced. The main road will follow soon, but at the time of writing we do not have a firm start date. We will let you know when we have.

For some time now we have been trying to get CADW to do something constructive with the Caerwent School site. Various schemes have been suggested to them, such as letting parts of the building out while any decision is taken regarding a visitor centre. CADW have limited funds and, at present, other sites are considered more of a priority. We have made representations to the Assembly, and will let you know the outcome.

Many of you will have noticed Surveyors in Crick and Llanfair Discoed. It seems that Gwerin Housing Association are in the process of identifying sites for future social housing. We can assure residents that there are no specific plans to put such housing in either place. The policy is to survey the whole of the County and identify sites but only to put social housing into rural areas where there is an identified need, eg for agricultural workers.
There is also the question of sustainability and in these two areas this would not apply. We therefore, at least on present information, consider that residents concerns are unfounded.

If anyone wants to e-mail the Council on any matter the address is CaerwentCouncil@aol.com.

Phil Murphy

Chairman, Caerwent Community Council