CAERWENT COMMUNITY COUNCIL

We start this month with a big “thank you” to those who turned out for the Public Meeting on 17^th March on the Merton Green development in Caerwent.  The meeting was very constructive and the Officers present noted the views of residents, which were often strongly felt.  The views will be taken into account in the final negotiations over the scheme that will be put to the Planning Committee.  This Council has, as you will note from the notices which follow this report already objected to the development on several aspects of the design.  However, it has indicated that the scheme would meet with approval subject to, what we consider to be essential modifications.

A major consideration, which featured large at the meeting, was the issue of traffic management in and around the village, especially with the additional impact of the development.  Officers indicated that studies were already in hand. However, the points raised will be included in that study.  We will place the matter on the Agenda for the Area Committee of MCC, as this will ensure that a report is forthcoming for consultation.

Caerwent continues to suffer problems in relation to sewage. The Developer and Welsh Water have entered into negotiations over the problem, the results of which should not only cope with the additional burden but, improve the existing pumping arrangements.  Lets hope so.

On the matter of schools, Officers explained how Rogiet School would, in its new form, cope with the expected increase in children in the area.  It also became evident that existing school transport arrangements needed immediate attention and this was put in motion the next day.

Turning to other matters, viewers of Channel 4’s “Time Team” programme will be interested to learn that the team will be excavating three sites in Caerwent during the Summer.  Keep an eye out for them.

After a considerable amount of work, the Community Questionnaire, which was contributed to by residents throughout the area, is now ready for publication.  It makes very interesting reading.  So watch out for it as we intend to distribute the copies very shortly.

Hopefully, by the time this article is published re-surfacing work will have begun on the Crick to Caldicot road.  If not, it will begin very shortly.  Roads have improved considerably in the area in recent times but some of the lanes in particular still leave a lot to be desired.  MCC Highways have embarked upon a programme which aims to get rid of water from the roads.  Extra run offs, clearing of ditches and soakaways will increasingly be seen in the area.  The intention is to try to prevent water from damaging the road structure so that when repairs are carried out they remain more permanent.  Lets hope it is successful.

Phil Murphy

Chairman

Mrs L McKeon, Clerk to the Council, Caerwent Community Council,

Mayfield, Pill Row, Caldicot, Monmouthshire, NP26 5JD.   Tel:  01291 424802