Local MS, Peter Fox, has raised concerns about further delays facing the installation of pedestrian crossing in Goytre, and has branded them as “unacceptable”.
In a response to a letter Mr Fox sent to the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales in January 2025, the Welsh Government confirmed that whilst there had been some delays in the design stage for the crossing, there remained optimism the work would begin before the end of the 2024/25 financial year, with a likely completion date in the new financial year.
Following a flurry of concerned residents asking for an update in March, Mr Fox submitted a question to the Cabinet Secretary, asking for confirmation the work was still due to begin in this current year. In the response received, the Welsh Government confirmed there were some issues they are working through, and as such the start of the work has been delayed. The Cabinet Secretary was unable to confirm a start date for the work.
Peter has written again to the Cabinet Secretary to highlight the urgent need to progress the safety works both in Goytre, and at the nearby Secret Garden Centre, especially following the recent fatal collision that occurred on the A4042 near Llanover, which has re-ignited urgency in the community.
In his letter to the Cabinet Secretary, Mr Fox has asked for an explanation for the delays faced in Goytre and for the up-to-date position and timescales for work to begin on both projects near the village.
Peter Fox, Member of the Senedd for Monmouth, and Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Transport & Rural Affairs, has said:
“I am very disappointed to receive this update from the Welsh Government, especially after there was optimism that works were going to begin shortly.
“Following the tragic incident over the past weekend near Llanover, this has understandably caused anxiety and stress in the community and has re-enthused efforts to get the safety works progressed near Goytre as soon as possible.
“It is quite right that residents are calling for these improvements, and I know it has been ongoing for several years. It’s frustrating to see delays occur, just as spades were supposedly about to hit the ground.
“I have written to the Cabinet Secretary again to express by disappointment at these further delays, and to find out what is going on. Most importantly, I have requested firm timescales on when my residents can expect these crucial works to begin.”
