This month sees the Council's twice-yearly meeting with the Ministry of Defence. This gives us the opportunity to discuss with them any plans that they have for the uses that the old Caerwent Base is to be put to and to voice concerns of the local residents over existing policy etc.
One of the points to be raised is the shambles left behind when the tree felling took place on the Cas Troggy Road.
Also of interest is the plan to let off parts of the site for commercial use. It is essential that the Base pays for itself. If it does not then there is a danger of its closing and redevelopment.
We will therefore continue to assist their efforts to be self sufficient whilst safeguarding as much as we can the local interests.

We have received some helpful comments regarding the work being carried out on Gray Hill. That was in respect of spraying the bracken. However, that is not how it is being done. The bracken is rolled, usually each year for three years, and by then it should have given up.
So far the initial areas treated this way have all seen a dramatic reduction in bracken after one rolling, and the grasses and other natural vegetation has responded vigorously. Monmouthshire County Council funded by the Countryside Council for Wales are obviously doing a good job here.

Caerwent and Dinham are soon to get their new noticeboards. All noticeboards will be used, if everything works out, to display more local information such as cycle routes etc. Any suggestions as to what else can be dis- played?

The A48 speed signs are still awaited, as are the remaining 30 mph signs in Llanfair Discoed. We will soon.we hope, have a meeting with Highways to discuss signage, road resurfacing etc.
Please, if you have any suggestions that are highways related, send them in to us. What about a way of improving the A48 junction with the Cas Troggy Road? Lighting is, it seems, too expensive - ideas please.
On the subject of that road, we are trying to press for a date for the resurfacing work. It's now the worst road in the country, according to an official!

We are also pressing for winter water drainage or run-off channels to be cleared. We know of some that are in need of clearing. Let us know if you consider any local to you that should be cleared out.

Off-road motor cyclists in the woods etc continue to be a problem. Someone will be injured one day. Many of the sites used are privately owned and permission is not granted. The police are after the offenders so let's hope they can be persuaded to find more suitable sites.

CADW hope to do more work in Caerwent soon at the West Barn site. More when we get it.

Residents of Crick were concerned last month about the housing surveyors. Now it's the rumour about placing asylum seekers in Crick House. We have checked with our local County Councillor, Graham Down, who has been informed by Social Services that they have been assured that there is NO truth in the rumour and there is no intention of closing the Crick House Nursing Home.

Finally, have you noticed that postal collection times have been cut in half? How are you affected by this? Let us know please.

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

Phil Murphy

Chairman, Caerwent Community Council