Monmouthshire County Council has been working with Town and Community councils and residents to develop green space enhancements for nature and people through the Gwent Green Grid and Local Nature Partnerships.
This year, the focus is on enhancing green spaces in Goytre, Llanover, Usk, Llangybi, and Raglan, along with selected sites in Llantilio Pertholey, Abergavenny, and Monmouth.
Shared Prosperity Fund and Welsh Government Local Places for Nature Fund have supported the design and provided the funding for the practical delivery of these initiatives across 15 sites.
Green Infrastructure encompasses creating and managing vibrant green spaces, including projects such as native tree planting, meadow and woodland management, and establishing wildlife-friendly habitats, including ponds and wetlands.
Park Close, Abergavenny Green Infrastructure Project
We are eager to hear from local communities and invite residents to share their opinions on proposed biodiversity enhancements. The council has consulted community councils and held public meetings, but further feedback is essential.
Residents can participate by visiting the Monlife website and completing a short questionnaire before the deadline of midnight on Friday, January 17th, 2025.
Green corridors and interlinked green spaces serve as essential pathways for wildlife, offering shelter and food while connecting larger landscapes surrounding our urban areas. As urban spaces grow ever more important for wildlife conservation, the council aims to develop native habitats that support biodiversity.
Proposed designs for the green spaces will complement their current uses while delivering numerous benefits, including resilient ecosystems, improved community well-being, climate change mitigation, enhanced air quality, carbon storage, flood management solutions and increased access to nature.
Cllr Catrin Maby, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and the Environment, emphasised the importance of resident input: “This survey will help us to understand better what people want in their area in terms of green infrastructure. I encourage everyone to visit the Green Corridor Infrastructure Project page on Monlife and share your feedback. Your contributions will drive these projects forward.”
Monmouthshire County Council has launched a consultation on the Local Nature Recovery Action Plan (NRAP) and Green Infrastructure Strategy.
Between the 14th of September and the 24th of October, we aim to understand how the climate and nature emergency impacts Monmouthshire residents and gather valuable insight on how we can support our communities.
Monmouthshire County Council is unwavering in its commitment to enhancing and preserving our natural environment under the Environment Wales Act 2016. Our Climate and Nature Emergency Strategy is built on four interconnected pillars: Council Emissions, Nature Recovery, Rivers and Ocean, and Communities and Climate. Central to our efforts is the Nature Recovery pillar, which will be advanced through the Monmouthshire Local Nature Recovery Action Plan (NRAP) and the Green Infrastructure Strategy.
The Monmouthshire Local NRAP is a collaboration between MCC and the Monmouthshire Local Nature Partnership. It provides a roadmap for local conservation efforts, offering practical steps to reverse biodiversity decline and strengthen ecosystem resilience across Monmouthshire. The plan aims to support everyone, from individuals and communities to businesses and conservationists.
The Green Infrastructure Strategy encompasses all natural components of our landscape, including trees, plants, green spaces, grasslands, and water features such as ponds and rivers. These elements are vital for environmental health, societal well-being, and economic stability. Our strategy aims to create a connected network of green spaces to improve health, support biodiversity, enhance ecosystem resilience, increase climate resilience, preserve our landscapes, and promote sustainable economic growth. A key focus is on protecting and restoring natural habitats to support wildlife and increase ecosystem resilience through innovative projects and partnerships, ultimately improving health outcomes and promoting climate action on a larger scale.
Our consultation, which launches today at the Usk Show, is a crucial opportunity for you to share your feedback on the NRAP and Green Infrastructure Strategy. Your opinions on how the nature emergency affects Monmouthshire and your ideas on the support needed to motivate communities to take action are invaluable.
So not to be identified, the names of the child and parent have been substituted.
Name: Ethan
Age: 8 years old
Location: Outskirts of Caldicot Monmouthshire
Family Situation: Lives with his single mother, Sarah
Economic Situation: Limited financial resources
What is the ‘Cycle for All’ Scheme?
The “Cycle for All” scheme is a community initiative aimed at providing bicycles to children, adults and their families.
Introduction
Ethan is a vibrant and active 8-year-old boy who loves cycling. Living in the Caldicot area, cycling is a key part of his social and physical activities, offering him both a means of transportation and a way to play with friends. However, as Ethan has grown, his bicycle has become too small for him. His mother, Sarah, works a part-time job and struggles to make ends meet with the current economic climate and the cost of living, making it difficult to afford a new bicycle. This is where the “Cycle for All” scheme comes into play.
Ethan’s Experience with the Scheme
Discovery and Enrolments
Sarah learned about the “Cycle for All” scheme through a flyer when visiting the castle for one of the organised bug trail events in the school half term.
After applying, Ethan was quickly enrolled, thanks to the simple booking process that only required proof of ID and a brief statement on how a to use the bike and where to ride.
Hiring the Bicycle:
Once the booking process was completed, Ethan was invited to the pick up area within the Castle, where he was matched with a bicycle that suited his size and preferences.
The excitement on Ethan’s face was evident as he selected “a Big boys bike” bright blue bike, complete with a helmet and a lock.
Learning and Empowerment:
As part of the hiring scheme, Ethan was given an overview on how to use gears on “the big bike” he learned how to perform basic and repairs, such as pumping up a flat tire and adjusting the brakes seat and gears.
This not only empowered Ethan by teaching him self-sufficiency and that he was now in control of a bike with gears without the need to stop and ask Mum to push his bike up a hill.
Impact on Daily Life
Physical Health: Cycling has become a weekly activity for Ethan, contributing positively to his physical health and development.
Social Integration: With This new bike, Ethan can easily join his friends on weekend rides around the castle grounds on exploring adventures to the far edges of the park strengthening his social bonds.
Emotional Well-being: The newfound independence and ability to participate fully in activities with peers have boosted Ethan’s confidence and overall happiness.
Economic Relief: For Sarah, the scheme alleviated the financial burden of purchasing a new bike while Ethan is growing so fast, allowing her to allocate resources to other essential needs.
Conclusion and Impact
The “Cycle for All” scheme has had a broader impact beyond individual recipients like Ethan. By promoting cycling, the scheme encourages environmentally friendly transportation and fosters a sense of community.
In the future workshops such as bike maintenance workshop with his mother where she would learn how to perform basic repairs, such as fixing a flat tire and adjusting the brakes. This not only empowers children by teaching them to be self-sufficient but also ease parents’ concerns about ongoing maintenance costs. Having also engaged parents and volunteers, this would help creating a network of support and shared experiences.
Ethan’s story is a testament to the significant impact community initiatives like the “Cycle for All” scheme can have on individuals and families. By providing Ethan with a bicycle, the scheme has not only enhanced his weekend life but also contributed to his physical, social, and emotional development. For Sarah, the program has been a vital support, providing a sense of relief and community connection. Through such programs, communities can effectively address the needs of their members, fostering inclusivity and empowerment for all.
On Saturday, 10 August, families joined MonLife’s Outdoor Accessible Adventure Day at Gilwern Outdoor Centre.
The day was filled with activities enjoyed by families and officers, with smiles evident on all the faces of those who attended. One highlight of the day was a conversation between a son and his dad. The son was overheard encouraging his dad to “Hold on tight, Daddy!” as they enjoyed the abseiling.
The activities, which were modified so that everyone could take part, included abseiling, archery, water play, crate stacking, and many more.
Cllr Angela Sandles, Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement, said: “What a fantastic day at Gilwern Outdoor Centre. The day allowed us to provide an opportunity for families to come along and take part in the free activities available at the centre. Seeing everyone participating with a smile will stay with me for a long time in my memory.”
These projects are part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Gilwern Outdoor Centre is located in Gilwern, Abergavenny, and is situated near some of the best outdoor environments you could wish to find anywhere in the UK, including the River Usk, Black Mountains, and the Brecon Beacons on the doorstep. On-site, there is comfortable accommodation with plenty of space in the communal areas for children to get together and celebrate their achievements after a busy day of adventurous activities.
As part of developing the wider Active Travel network for Caldicot and the Severnside area, Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) is proposing alteration of the design and traffic management for Woodstock Way in central Caldicot to improve active travel links to and from Caldicot School, Caldicot Leisure Centre and other local destinations. Subject to funding, later phases will improve further active travel links across the Severnside area of south Monmouthshire.
Phase 1 of this programme is to provide safer crossing points and efficiently manage traffic on Woodstock Way. Funding to build Phase 1 was secured for this year, as research and design had reached the necessary stage for consultation and implementation. We are concurrently working on connecting schemes across Severnside, and plan to follow this scheme with active travel improvements to Mill Lane, which leads from Woodstock Way to Caldicot School entrance, the leisure centre and Park & Stride car park, Durand Primary School and homes in south-east Caldicot.
These proposals are developed in response to local issues and needs that have been identified by the County Council and other local organisations. There is a need for safer routes and crossing points for walking and cycling, with better management of traffic speeds, congestion and hazardous parking, particularly during drop off and pick up times, with the aim to improve the safety and quality of the environment for local people and for those travelling around Woodstock Way.
We aim to make it easier to make short, local trips by sustainable and active modes. Walking, wheeling and cycling to destinations (also known as Active Travel) can have a positive impact on physical and mental health, ability to learn and concentrate, and open up affordable access to local shops and services, employment, education and cultural destinations, and public transport connections.
Severnside v5
Image: Severnside indicative active travel overview
Phase 1 proposal overview
Caldicot Active Travel Education Scheme phase 1 will upgrade active travel paths and crossings along Woodstock Way to address issues of safety, path quality and congestion. The route improvements in this phase will connect to the wider Severnside Active Travel scheme in later phases. This section has been progressed with urgency because it is a major route to important local services, including Caldicot School, Gray Hill Surgery, Library and Leisure Centre.
Image: Woodstock Way scheme overview
Widening and resurfacing of the north side Woodstock Way footway from the southwest end of Woodstock Way (where it meets the B4245) to just beyond the Mill Lane junction, to make a 3-metre-wide shared use active travel path. Signage and tactiles will be installed to indicate shared-use designation.
Widening and resurfacing of the south side Woodstock Way footway from the Mill Lane junction to the crossing outside Aldi to make a 3-metre-wide shared use active travel path.
Installation of traffic lights with smart Toucan crossing facilities at the Mill Lane junction on Woodstock Way (by Gray Hill Surgery/ Caldicot School) to improve safety of traffic flows (vehicle and active travel). This includes three lateral crossings and a diagonal crossing from Norman Court to the Gray Hill/Caldicot School corner, to efficiently route the main flow of active travel traffic at peak times.
Narrowing and resurfacing of the south side footway of Woodstock Way from Durand Road to Mill Lane to – at minimum – a width of 1.5 metres. This will allow for widening of the opposite pavement.
Conversion of existing Puffin (signalised, pedestrian only) crossing outside Aldi to a Toucan crossing (signalised, walking and cycling).
Repositioning of Gray Hill Surgery bus stops (north and south side) eastwards along Woodstock Way, towards the pedestrian cut-through to the town centre, and away from the Mill Lane junction.
Upgrade of bus shelters to include information boards and green (sedum) roof
Removal of Aldi bus stop (south side) as the Gray Hill bus stop would be moved closer.
Signage to indicate traffic order to restrict Heavy Goods Vehicles from turning off Woodstock Way southwards onto Mill Lane (buses excepted).
Integration of tactile paving, dropped kerbs and signage throughout to improve route visibility, and access for disabled people.
Update of road markings.
Image: Woodstock Way and the local area
Consultation
Historic consultation of local stakeholders highlighted risks and barriers to active travel in the Caldicot School and Woodstock Way area, resulting in the design of the Woodstock Way active travel scheme. A consultation on the detailed design of phase 1 was held 27th August – 25th September 2024. Some details of the design were adapted in response to consultation responses.
Construction
Monmouthshire County Council have appointed contractors Centregreat to install the Woodstock Way active travel scheme phase 1. Construction is planned for spring 2025. This scheme is funded through the Welsh Government’s Active Travel Fund.
Scheme drawings
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Active Travel is a term used to describe walking, wheeling or cycling to a destination (also called “purposeful journeys”). It does not cover walking and cycling done purely for leisure although it could significantly enhance leisure activities by helping to link up networks. Active travel can be used to get to school, work, services and shops, or as one of several modes on a longer journey – for example, walking to the station to catch a bus or train. MCC’s active travel strategy focuses on journeys of three miles or less, which means improving walking and cycling infrastructure within communities, to make active travel the first natural choice for local journeys.
This scheme is funded through the Welsh Government Active Travel Fund, with funding awarded through a competitive bidding process. The funding obtained is scheme specific and cannot be spent on anything else.
Why is this scheme needed?
This scheme is needed to improve the safety of Woodstock Way and sustainably meet the travel needs of people in the area. It is designed to address multiple issues, in a way that is cost-efficient, more holistic and less disruptive than tackling them individually. Monmouthshire County Council (MCC)’s business case for this scheme has secured funding and seeks to maximise beneficial outcomes, through its strategic focus on active travel links to education and services, which in this area include Caldicot School, Leisure Centre, GP surgery, town centre and the Library/Hub.
Woodstock Way is a busy road where incidents of road danger involving Caldicot School students have been reported, and high traffic levels were observed during peaks causing congestion and safety concerns. The design of the area has an effect of how people travel, and the safety and attractiveness of that experience.
Our vision for the area is one where people have fair and convenient access to travel and transport options that are best suited to each trip, thereby improving connectivity and reducing the inequalities created by over-reliance on driving. Just over one fifth of adults in Monmouthshire have obesity, and more than one third do not do enough physical activity (source: British Heart Foundation 2023). It is generally recognised that walking and cycling paths need to be improved so that active travel (walking, wheeling and cycling for purposeful journeys) is an attractive and viable option, because that drives ‘modal choice’ (how people choose to travel) has a knock-on economic effect through consequences to our health and wellbeing, the environment and the quality of the local area.
To further understand the local travel and transport issues around Woodstock Way, we engaged with the primary local sources of traffic (of any mode, i.e. drivers and users of public transport and active travel). In 2020-2022 MCC commissioned Amey Consulting to study the area around Caldicot School and Leisure Centre. Conversations have been held with the Gray Hill surgery. Leisure centre users were consulted in 2020. Caldicot School students were consulted in 2021 on issues faced in commuting to school. Hazards and perceived danger were mentioned regularly, related to narrow pavements, heavy goods vehicle traffic, anti-socially parking and congestion during school pick-up and drop-off times. Students reported cramped and uneven pedestrian infrastructure and inaccessible pavements, with a lack of drop kerbs for wheelchair users even forcing them to use the road. Routes for cycling were also reported as inadequate and inconsistent. High traffic volumes make it difficult to cycle on the roads without segregated facilities. Crossing roads was another difficulty faced by Caldicot pupils, whether walking, wheeling or cycling, due to the volume and speed of traffic. The responses highlighted the need for a crossing on Woodstock Way at the corner of Mill Lane, as the nearest formal crossing is too far from the schools and does not serve active travel traffic from south and west Caldicot via Woodstock Way and Norman Court. Other factors that influenced the use active travel to get to school included time pressures, distance, weather conditions and the social aspect of commuting with peers.
From a study of the wider area, there are these specific issues on Woodstock Way:
Major safety concerns associated with students crossing at the junction in all directions. Poor visibility for drivers at Mill Lane junction due to over-parking on Woodstock Way
Insufficient footway width at the bus stop opposite Gray Hill Surgery, resulting in pupils blocking footway and spilling onto the carriageway
Footway width restriction and poor surface quality
Lack of necessary signage on Woodstock Way
Unpredictable crossing/parking was also observed, The consultants then prepared the proposed scheme as a Full Business Case, based on a range of evidence including interviews, observation, traffic surveys (including walking and cycling counts) and studies of the drainage, topography, land ownership, etc., to meet the objectives of the Council and the Active Travel Fund.
Image: Amey 2022 Site visit photos
This scheme has been designed around this consultation, which showed that safety and active travel infrastructure improvements are needed. Beyond safety and traffic management measures, high quality active travel routes are needed to support everyone, including students, to live active, healthy and connected lives.
Why has Woodstock Way been prioritised over other schemes?
A limited number of schemes can be progressed each year. Funding for this scheme was secured for this year, as research and design had reached the necessary stage for consultation and implementation. Woodstock Way was identified as a walking/wheeling and a cycling route in the ATNM (Welsh Government’s Active Travel Network Map) consultation in 2020-2021. It is a Very High Impact route on the Transport for Wales route impact tool, based on its central location and proximity to schools and other services, and this underlines the need to address the safety issues on the route as a matter of urgency.
We are building a network of routes throughout the County. Woodstock Way and its junction with Mill Lane has been prioritised as an active travel scheme because it is a main route to Caldicot School, with risks associated with school start and end times, but it’s also a town centre route to other destinations that attract traffic, be it by foot, wheeling, cycling, mobility scooter, bus or private vehicle. Destinations in the vicinity of this central road include Gray Hill Surgery, the town centre, bus stops, the leisure centre, Library/Hub and TogetherWorks, supermarkets, car parks and other local services, and there’s also through-traffic and recreational travel to consider.
The Woodstock Way scheme has ring-fenced and time-limited funding from the Welsh Government’s Active Travel Fund for financial year 2024-25. MCC successfully secured Welsh Government funding for this scheme by prioritising high-potential, central routes near schools, transport hubs and other services. This route has been prioritised because of the safety issues, and because it meets the criteria to maximise the impact of investment in active travel.
When will the route be constructed?
MCC is aiming to progress this project following public and stakeholder consultation, subsequent finessing of designs and a successful tender process.
How will the scheme be funded?
The scheme is to be funded through the Welsh Government’s Active Travel Fund. This funding stream is ringfenced to improve active travel infrastructure within larger settlements. Active travel infrastructure improvements support other policy areas, such as health and wellbeing, air quality, road safety, the Socio-economic Duty and placemaking/regeneration. The funding is administered by Transport for Wales on a competitive basis, where Monmouthshire County Council has bid for the funding to improve the Caldicot and wider Severnside area, creating safe and equitable access to sustainable transport for everyday journeys in Severnside.
The grant objectives of the Active Travel Fund, by which funding bids are assessed:
Encourage modal shift from car to active travel in isolation or in combination with public transport
Improve active travel access to employment, education, key services and other key traffic generating destinations
Increase levels of active travel
Connect communities
Have grants been secured for the proposals?
Funding has been secured in principle to complete the proposed works this financial year following a period of consultation and any following design amendments. This funding is time-limited and ring-fenced.
What about the rest of the area – does this mean other schemes in Severnside are de-prioritised?
MCC is developing an active travel network for the growing population across the Severnside area, with a range of schemes and minor works being brought forward as funding and processes allow. This is called the Severnside Active Travel Scheme. The survey of Caldicot School students in 2022 also highlighted the need for safe and practical active travel routes linking to Caldicot for the services that are shared across Severnside such as the secondary school, library and leisure centre. MCC is working through Welsh Government’s Active Travel Network Map and Active Travel Fund to futureproof travel and transport options for the residents of Caldicot, Crick, Caerwent, Portskewett, Undy, Rogiet and Magor, and support sustainable travel in and out of the area.
The Severnside active travel map (below) is indicative of the general areas of focus as we develop routes to central destinations in Severnside. The Woodstock Way scheme is shown on the map as 6. Education Scheme Phase 1 (red line). Routes are shown on the map for illustrative purposes and are not definitive of final network design. Other parts of overall Severnside active travel network are at earlier stages of development, and we will update the map as and when route alignments are established. Connections through Caldicot town centre will be the subject of a separate study.
Why Woodstock Way and not Newport Rd?
Newport Road was subject to a trial closure in the Autumn of 2022, scheme consultation following this trial indicated the strong desire for the road to remain open to 2-way through traffic. The space available within the carriageway does not allow for significant improvements to walking and cycling infrastructure along its length. A funding bid was submitted to redesign the road in light of the consultation results and with improvements for pedestrians where possible. Unfortunately this was not supported by the funding body.
During the progress on Newport Road, a separate scheme was underway looking at improvements around Woodstock Way and Mill Lane, including the improvement to pedestrian crossing facilities in the vicinity of the school. This scheme gained traction with the funders and is now what is presented here.
Will traffic be diverted onto Newport Rd?
Woodstock Way will remain open to 2-way traffic and the road widths will remain within standards. No impact is foreseen on motor vehicle traffic with the current 20mph speed limit.
How will this affect parking?
There will be localised road narrowing around the Woodstock Way/ Mill Lane junction at the new signalised crossing. Vehicle tracking analysis has established the feasibility of the planned road widths. To maximise parking within the redesign, and as a safety measure, a new Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) will restrict very large lorries from entering Mill Lane.
The standard restriction on informal parking in the vicinity of junctions, as per the Highway Code, will be maintained to allow safe sightlines around the crossings. Access to residential driveways on Woodstock Way will be maintained.
Woodstock Way is well served for visitor parking, with Woodstock Way MCC free car park and the Asda and Aldi car parks. In addition to supporting better use of capacity in the MCC car park by improving the entrance sightlines on Woodstock Way, the scheme is aimed at encouraging modal shift (converting some short car trips to walking or cycling) thereby reducing pressure on parking for those who need to drive.
What is a ‘shared use active travel path’?
A shared use path is a path for use by any mode of active travel, be it walking, wheeling or cycling, without any physical separating features or markings. The proposed shared use path is designed as three metres wide, in accordance with Active Travel Act guidance. Illegal use of active travel paths by motorbike and e-scooter riders is a police matter and should be duly reported by calling 111.
Image: Shared Use path roundel sign
This scheme includes widening sections of footways of Woodstock Way to accommodate a shared use active travel path that will be open for use for walking, wheeling (wheelchair, mobility scooter, kick scooter, etc.) and cycling. Specifically, the Woodstock Way north-side footway from the B4245 end of Woodstock Way to just beyond the Mill Lane junction, and south-side Woodstock Way footway from the Mill Lane junction to the crossing outside Aldi. Signage and tactiles will be installed to indicate shared-use designation. The routeing is designed around surveys of local active travel flows and traffic modelling.
Shared use paths allow for people walking, wheeling and cycling to use the same path, with enough width for it to be comfortable to walk with a buggy, use a mobility scooter, or accompany a child on a bike. An observation from other active travel schemes is that shared paths are conducive to considerate and slower-paced use: – where cyclists want to travel fast, they opt to use the road instead.
How does this scheme connect to the railway station?
The scheme is one part of a series of projects to connect through all of the Severnside communities. Projects are proposed to link into the railway stations, and we will progress these as resources and prioritisation allow.
How does this scheme connect to Mill Lane?
The Woodstock Way scheme is part of the Severnside Spinal Route. Building on the Woodstock Way scheme, designs are in development to (subject to funding and approval) continue the shared use active travel paths from Woodstock Way down Mill Lane to the entrance to the Leisure Centre car park, increasing capacity for active travel and creating a more direct Park & Stride route to Caldicot Comprehensive School from the Leisure Centre car park. This will address the safety and accessibility of routes to Caldicot School and Durand School, whilst improving the quality of place and green space along Mill Lane.
Won’t new traffic lights and crossings cause traffic jams?
The impacts of signalising the junction were tested using LinSig traffic modelling of observed pedestrian, cycle and vehicular movements through the junction at peak times. The results of the model show that signalised junction is slightly over capacity in the afternoon peak (105%), but this only results in a maximum queue length of less than 3 vehicles in the peak period and should be mitigated over time by modal shift encouraged by better active travel provision. The queue modelling should be compared to the current situation, which is a lack of safe crossings, or the suggested alternative, which is a zebra crossing and several informal crossings that will cause congestion differently (see below). It is possible that there will be a short-term peak in congestion after the scheme is constructed: this is typical of remodelled junctions, as it takes a few weeks for people to get used to changes to a route that they are familiar with.
The advantage of providing signalised crossings across all arms of the junction is that it caters for all pedestrian and cycle crossing movements in the most efficient way possible. On site observations and surveys show that the crossing movements are spread out across all arms of the junction as well as diagonally across Woodstock Way. It will also prevent vehicles from stopping in the mouth of the junction to let out pupils (this currently happens causing further congestion and confusion and increasing the potential for conflicts).
Advances in signal-controlled crossings will assist in the efficient control of traffic flows: Firstly, the new traffic signals will detect the presence of approaching vehicles on both the main line and the side road, as well as pedestrians and cyclists waiting at the kerb side or crossing the junction. The vehicle detectors will prioritise green-light time to the main road demands on Woodstock Way and will only stop main road traffic when there is a demand from traffic approaching from Mill Lane, or when the push button is pressed for the pedestrian/cycle crossing.
Secondly, detectors on the crossing facilities will detect the presence of pedestrians and cyclists and extend the crossing period time to suit. This means that traffic is only held for as long as needed and accommodates those who may need longer to cross (such as elderly/mobility impaired). Lastly, sensors on the kerbside will check the presence of people waiting to cross so, if someone presses the push button but walks away, the crossing phase will be cancelled allowing main line traffic to continue.
Wouldn’t a simple crossing, without the rest of the scheme, be quicker and cheaper?
If, instead of the proposed active travel scheme, a single zebra crossing was to be installed on Woodstock Way, this would only cater for one pedestrian crossing movement but may cause traffic to be stopped more often due to lack of provision for other crossing movements and the school peak period arrival and departure profile. The main pedestrian desire-line crossings (established in the preparatory traffic surveys) focus around the Mill Lane junction: a standalone zebra crossing in this location would either have to be placed too far from the junction to solve the safety issue, or fail safety audit and not be buildable, without the proposed measures surrounding it.
The proposed scheme addresses both current issues and future/growing problems with a secured source of funding. Road traffic danger has been highlighted, but the installation of a crossing on its own would not effectively address the systemic structural and behavioural legacy that underlies the current safety issue. Particularly at school start and end times, there is a clear need for improved route accessibility, traffic flow control (vehicular and active travel), wider paths and safer crossings serving several routes. In addition, there is the potential to address comprehensive issues to make active travel attractive enough to support even more people to leave the car at home for local trips. This scheme includes safe infrastructure for wheeling and cycling, vital to making active travel accessible, safe and practical. This scheme is designed to be cost-effective and ambitious in addressing multiple issues, from urgent questions of road safety to more general problems with public health and sustainability, in a way that is less disruptive than tackling them individually.
Why does the scheme have to be built to Active Travel standards?
This scheme is funded through the Welsh Government’s Active Travel Fund. This funding is ringfenced for active travel and, as such, the scheme must meet the specifications of the Active Travel Act guidance and evidence that it is focused on achieving the Wales Transport Strategy’s outcomes including modal shift, through the Welsh Transport Appraisal guidance (WelTAG) process.
Why do we need active travel routes in Caldicot?
Walking and cycling can be a useful, low-cost, efficient way to get about the town. Where students can walk to school, they are better able to concentrate, maintain good health and build social connections. MCC is working to support them, and everyone else too, to be more active because it benefits everyone’s health and wellbeing, as well as the environment and the community. We have seen an increasing proportion of short, local trips made by car: This creates a vicious cycle of congestion and feeling of risk that puts people off active travel. Some priority routes around schools, such as the junction of Woodstock Way and Mill Lane, urgently need to be re-designed to boost the safety, attractiveness and practicality of active travel for short, local trips.
Why not develop the King George V path?
The King George V path has been put forward as an alternative route connecting Church Road to Caldicot Station. It has not been prioritised for development or funding bids over Woodstock Way because of its location, and because it is narrow and isolated in places, though it remains on the Active Travel Network Map for addressing in the future. Woodstock Way, on the other hand, is adjacent to the Comprehensive School and there have been specific incidents of clashes between road and active travel traffic that have made this road the focus of the safety and quality design improvements. Woodstock Way is a wide route, with potential capacity for high volumes of active travel traffic.
Why are the bus stops being moved, and one bus stop being removed?
The Gray Hill Surgery bus stops (north and south side) will be repositioned eastwards, towards the supermarkets, Hub & Library and pedestrian cut-through to the high street, and away from the Mill Lane junction. This is designed to improve safety and visibility at the junction and better distribute the bus stops on Woodstock Way to bring the Gray Hill stops closer to the town centre. Studies of traffic flows in the area have shown that bus stops are currently too close to the junction which both creates risk and makes an unpleasant experience for those waiting when the junction is crowded. The Aldi bus stop (south side) will be removed as the Gray Hill bus stop would be 60 metres away, and the following bus stops are accessible at Caldicot Cross. The Woodstock Court bus stops will remain in the same place. The route of the public bus will remain the same. The bus shelters will be upgraded to include information boards and green (sedum) roof for access and environmental benefits.
Why doesn’t the scheme extend around the Asda corner?
Funding was provided to address problems around the school. It was assessed that this phase of the design should end at the Aldi crossing, where the main flow of active travel traffic will be heading towards the town centre, rather than continuing along Woodstock Way. Footway provision around Asda is already rollable and of a suitable width, so would not currently attract funding.
What about disabled access?
The accessibility of the route is central to the design and its funding, and particularly important to its proximity to Caldicot School and the Nurcombe Centre for students with additional learning needs (ALN), and the GP surgery. The current problems with local pavements, including a lack of drop kerbs, particularly affects the access, safety and comfort of people with disabilities, as highlighted in our 2022 consultation.
Paths will be designed and constructed according to the Active Travel Act guidance, ensuring that accessibility is considered throughout, both in the material infrastructure, signage and surfacing, and as part of a connected network. This means that design of the crossing facilities at the Mill Lane junction creates a more convenient and direct route, so that people aren’t forced to go a long way out of their desire-line along their route in a way that is particularly arduous for people with mobility restrictions and using wheelchairs.
We want to ensure that Woodstock Way active travel routes are accessible and attractive to everyone, including those with disabilities and reduced mobility, and/or travelling with children and/or baggage. Wider paths and clearer indication of routing are designed to reduce the potential of clashes between different traffic streams and improve the comfort and sociability of active travel. Safer, formalised street crossings with sensor-led smart phasing will further improve the accessible and intuitive function of the active travel paths.
How are people supposed to get to the town centre?
Existing walking/wheeling routes between Woodstock Way and the town centre will not be affected by this scheme. Improvements to connections into the town centre will be a later phase of development of the Severnside active travel network. There is currently rollable access from Woodstock Way to the town centre via the two routes through the Wesley Buildings (Bargain Booze/Davies & Son and Aldi/Dominos) and from the Library/Hub to the Cross, which will not be negatively affected by this scheme.
Will the scheme take trade away from the centre of Caldicot?
Good quality active travel infrastructure supports local shops and high streets by making it easier to get into the town centre for Caldicot and Severnside residents. We are working to increase the attractiveness and convenience of walking, wheeling and cycling to local shops as an alternative to driving out of town or to the supermarket. Access to active travel supports the regeneration of characterful, resilient and sustainable communities, for the health and wellbeing of current residents, a growing local population and for future generations.
This scheme will improve connections to existing walking/wheeling routes between Woodstock Way and the town centre, with later phases of the scheme linking-in Mill Lane and Caldicot station, to enable more local people to shop locally, benefiting from the financial savings and social opportunities that accompany better access to active travel.
Where cyclists want to commute past the town centre, this scheme will improve their safety on Woodstock Way, whether using the road or the active travel path. Caldicot town centre is pedestrianised. Mobility scooters are accommodated, and cycle parking is provided at either end of the pedestrianised area, giving competitive advantage to active travel over car parking in the area which can be enhanced by improving routes that connect to the town centre, such as Woodstock Way.
How has the consultation been promoted?
The consultation has been promoted via local poster distribution, as well as on the Monmouthshire County Council website, local newspapers, and social media. We have delivered information on the proposed double-yellow line extension to the residents that will be directly affected by this change. This approach is to ensure that, outside of the few households directly affected by the double-yellow line extension, we give equal treatment to the views of people who live in and use the area, regarding their need for safe and comfortable use of the space.
‘What Makes Monmouth, Monmouth’ exhibition is now at Monmouth Leisure Centre. As part of the exhibitions tour around Monmouth, residents and visitors can now view the collection at the Leisure Centre over the school summer holidays.
The exhibition will tour different community venues in Monmouth until March 2025.
A partner exhibition can also be seen at Monmouth Shire Hall until March 31, 2025.
The exhibition is part of Museum Services ‘Dynamic Collections: Opening the Box’ project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Residents from different local communities were invited to ‘open the box’ to the Shire Hall museum’s collection. They chose objects they thought told a story of Monmouth for them and gave their personal stories which are displayed in the ‘What makes Monmouth, Monmouth’ exhibition. The exhibition includes many objects, photographs and paintings that have never been displayed before, connecting us to our rich local history and culture.
Church Street embroidery, 2006 – will form part of the display
Alongside the exhibitions at the Leisure Centre and the Shire Hall this summer, MonLife Museum officers will also hold free family craft activities. The activities are available for all ages, so make this a summer of discovery and pop along to take part. Find out more here: www.monlife.co.uk/events/
Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement, Cllr Angela Sandles, said: “Thank you to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, donors to the museums, and our volunteers for making this project and exhibition possible. Showcasing the vast history of our towns is vitally important. Our team’s work, along with volunteers, is a true testament to their commitment to keeping local history alive. I’d urge everyone to come along to see ‘What Makes Monmouth, Monmouth’.”
The Shire Hall exhibition is open daily from 11 am to 4pm except for Wednesdays and Sundays (open Sundays during school summer holidays). The touring exhibition can be seen any time during open hours at Monmouth Library and Hwb, and after at Monmouth Leisure centre. Admission is free.
The Caldicot Links active travel scheme is designed to create an integrated network of shared use routes, linking existing and planned residential areas around east Caldicot to local destinations and public transport. The aim is to enable residents to use active travel for local trips and to connect to the wider Severnside active travel and public transport networks, through the construction of high quality and accessible routes for walking, wheeling and cycling.
Caldicot Active Travel Links scheme
Caldicot Links scheme focuses on the north and east of Caldicot. The scheme is broken down in to three different sections* (see plan below):
Phase 1: Running along the route of the old ex-Ministry of Defence Dinham railway line, from just south of the Cornfield at Portskewett, to level with Caldicot Castle Country Park.
Phases 2 & 3: From level with the country park northwards to Crick, crossing the northeast Caldicot RLDP sites.
Phase 4 – Multi User Route: Running through Caldicot Castle Country Park connecting up with the Caldicot Links and the B4245 at its eastern end and linking into Church Road (and on to Caldicot Town Centre) at its western end.
*Sections of the scheme are being brought forward as funding and other constraints permit, i.e. not necessarily in numerical order.
Current progress
Phase 1: Main construction work is now completed, with some minor works still to be completed in autumn 2024 which include: tree planting, landscaping, lighting and signage.
You are welcome to use this section of the new Caldicot Links active travel route for walking, wheeling, and cycling. Please note that this route is not being promoted as accessible to all users at this time and represents the first stage in delivering a complete connection from Portskewett to Caldicot.
Please note the following:
Caldicot Castle Country Park: There is currently no formal hard-surfaced path connecting this tarmac path to the Country Park tarmac service road. Users wishing to continue into the Country Park will need to use informal grass paths, which have uneven surfaces, slopes, and gates.
Elderwood Parc: There is no onward connection from the top of the ramp into Elderwood Parc due to the housing development still being under construction.
Picture: Caldicot Links phase 1, before and after.
Phases 2 & 3: MCC appointed consultants have undertaken a study of the options available for developing the route north and east of the Country Park, considering the key opportunities and the constraints of this area. MCC is now progressing the next steps with developing this section.
Phase 4 – Multi User Route: Consultants are being appointed to progress the design and permission work up to pre-construction stage for a proposed new active travel route running from the northern end of the Links Phase 1 through the eastern side of Caldicot Castle Country Park to join the existing country park tarmac road just east of the Nedern brook. Additional separate assessment work is being undertaken to look at the onward connections to both the east and west.
Why focus on north and east Caldicot?
This scheme looks to improve sustainable access to services, shops, and sites of education and employment around Caldicot. Trip generation related to the planned residential development to the east and north of Caldicot, as well as the need to mitigate congestion related to local employment sites and the newly toll-free Severn bridges gives extra impetus to the scheme, as this is an opportunity to make active travel the preferred mode for local trips for old and new residents alike.
The phased Caldicot Links scheme focuses on the east of Caldicot, including linking to housing developments off Church Road and Crick Road, to ensure that current and future residents have accessible, healthy and sustainable transport options, to minimise and manage the road traffic impact of a growing population and to direct residents and visitors into the town centre as a local destination.
Below is a detail of our Active Travel Map for Caldicot, showing the time it would typically take to travel in the local area. The local development areas, shown in brown, will include parcels of green space (i.e. the indicated sites include areas that will not be built up):
What is active travel?
Active travel is a term used to describe walking, wheeling or cycling to a destination, which the Active Travel Act (Wales) 2013 calls “purposeful journeys”. It does not cover trips taken purely for leisure although it could significantly enhance leisure activities by helping to link up networks. Active travel can be used to get to school, work, services and shops, or as one of several modes on a longer journey – for example, walking to the station to catch a bus or train. Monmouthshire County Council (MCC)’s active travel strategy focuses on journeys of three miles or less, which means improving walking and cycling infrastructure within communities and between close-by settlements such as Caldicot, Portskewett and Crick, so that active travel can be the natural choice for local journeys. MCC also aims to improve active travel links to public transport, to support sustainable travel across the county.
How is the Caldicot Links scheme funded?
The Caldicot Active Travel links and Multi-user route will be funded through Welsh Government grants aimed at improvements to sustainable transport modes.
How will the removal of trees along active travel path route be mitigated?
In the construction of Links Phase 1, trees and vegetation have been cleared to make way for the path and its access ramps. Additional tree clearance was also required in response to ash dieback being present on site and was combined to be more cost effective. The amount of clearance was only that which was required to ensure the old railway line is safe for current users and to enable the construction of the Active Travel route while safeguarding wildlife on site. Once construction is complete, compensation planting of native trees and shrubs will introduce a more varied and resilient tree canopy bringing a net benefit for local biodiversity after the intervention.
The improved active travel routes are expected to increase local walking, wheeling and cycling opportunities, which should have a long-term positive impact on the environment and local biodiversity as described by Welsh Government’s Active Travel Act Guidance.
Throughout January, a new exhibition has been displayed at the Shire Hall to celebrate its 300-year history. This exhibition is the first of many new displays showcased at the new Shire Hall Museum.
Alongside the exhibition, the Shire Hall team will engage with our local communities and speak to visitors to understand what topics and themes they want to see in the museum. All feedback will be used to create the Interpretation Plan that will shape the design and visitor experience of the museum.
In addition to the exhibition, visitors can view the recent collection reviews carried out across MonLife’s museums.
Funded through the National Lottery Heritage Fund, this work supports the move of the Nelson and local Monmouth collections into their new home at Shire Hall. The grant is a welcomed positive addition, especially with the increasing pressure felt on cultural services due to reducing budgets. The work will help shape a sustainable future for the museum. Visitors will have an opportunity to vote on the key objects and themes related to Lord Nelson, which will further shape the future exhibitions at the new museum.
All this work has been part of the Dynamic Collections – Opening the Box project that the museum has been carrying out throughout 2023. After reviewing the Nelson collection, the team identified a collection of national significance. Now is your opportunity to provide feedback on what matters to you within the collection.
Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement, Cllr Angela Sandles, said: “The new exhibition at the Shire Museum is an excellent opportunity for local communities and visitors to Monmouth to learn more about the history of such an iconic building in the heart of the town. We want to provide a space where everyone can learn about their local history and view displays they want to see. Please visit the exhibition and learn more about the fantastic work being undertaken in MonLife Museums.”
Starting from 22nd January, Monmouthshire County Council will begin work on a new active travel route, the Williams Field Lane to Monnow Bridge Active Travel Route.
This project is funded by the Welsh Government Active Travel Fund and Core Active Allocation Fund, and it aims to develop a brand-new active travel route in Monmouth.
This route is a crucial part of the comprehensive Active Travel network. It will provide direct access to Monnow Bridge and the services and facilities within the town centre. The path will connect Williams Field Lane to Monmouth town centre via Wonastow Road and Drybridge Street. It will also provide connections from Rockfield Road skatepark to the town centre.
The work being undertaken will see a number of changes along the route. They include:
Widening the existing footway on the northern side of Wonastow Road to accommodate a shared-use footway/cycleway (two lanes for traffic will be maintained).
Replacing the existing Wonastow Road/Rockfield mini-roundabout with a priority junction (T-junction).
Providing a pedestrian crossing on Wonastow Road and Rockfield Road.
Widening the existing footway on Rockfield Road from the new priority junction to Monmouth skatepark. Two-way traffic will be maintained, and bus stops will be unaffected.
Widening of a short section of the existing footway along Drybridge Street near the Monnow Bridge roundabout
Removing sections of on-street parking along Wonastow Road to deliver the route in line with the Active Travel Act Guidance.
The work is expected to last for 12 weeks, with an aim to finish by mid-April 2024. This route will provide links to education settings, such as Overmonnow Primary and Monmouth Comprehensive, and be a pivotal link to the town centre and its facilities. The works will require temporary traffic light controls and have been arranged, taking into account other planned roadworks in the area to minimise impact.
Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and the Environment, Cllr Catrin Maby, said: “This is an exciting step in the progress of an Active Travel Route in Monmouth. The widening of footways will provide a safer route for cyclists and walkers as they travel around Monmouth.”
The MonLife Sports Development team has been named a Centre of Excellence by the Leadership Skills Foundation for delivering the PlayMaker Award for Year 5 pupils across all primary schools in Monmouthshire.
The status recognises that MonLife Sports Development has excelled in implementing leadership and promoting the message of believe, lead and succeed through its high-quality provision. The Centre of Excellence status is awarded to the top 2% of the 2,500 centres.
Having delivered the PlayMaker Award since 2017/18, the team have delivered the training to more than 5,500 pupils, with 100% of schools engaging in the programme.
The PlayMakers Award aims to support young people in developing their leadership skills and provide the knowledge and skills to plan and organise sports provision at their school. This allows young people to create activities they can deliver during break and lunchtimes safely. Through the PlayMaker Award, the pupils will gain critical communication, leadership, organisation and resilience skills.
The PlayMaker Award is the starting point for pupils on the Sports Development leadership pathway. Upon completing this award, there is potential for pupils to progress on to the Year 6 Bronze Ambassador scheme and later to the Secondary School Leadership Academies. The pathway spans from Year 5 onwards and provides the skills and knowledge necessary for students to pursue post-16 employment opportunities.
Monmouthshire County Council Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement, Cllr Angela Sandles, said: “This is such fantastic news for the team to be recognised for their dedication. The Sports Development team ensures that pupils lead an active lifestyle and gain key skills in communication, leadership and organisation. These skills will allow them to develop in school and when entering the working world.
For more information on Sport Development programmes, or to contact the team, please email sport@monmouthshire.gov.uk.
