There was more traffic chaos in Monmouth this week as the five week closure of Monnow Street began.

The next phase of the Welsh Water schedule began with Monnow Street closed  between the junction of Nailer’s Lane and Agincourt Street at the top of the pinch point. 

The work to replace the ageing Victorian water main has meant road closures throughout the town since December and now Monnow Street is to be closed off to through traffic until the end of May. Motorists will be able to travel up as far as the junction of Nailers Lane, but the pinch point will be closed to down traffic. St John Street, which was only reopened recently after a three week closure, is only open for access and no traffic allowed to access Monnow Street.

One trader has said said that they counted only 11 people walk past their shop on Tuesday morning.

Welsh Water has asked that nobody use the parking spaces on Monnow Street as they will be prioritising the street for deliveries, using banksmen to allow vehicles to turn below Nailers Lane.

A large haulage lorry was forced to reverse up Priory Street back to the traffic lights on Tuesday morning, the first day of the closure, as insufficient warning signs had been put in place warning large vehicles of the main street closure.

All traffic coming from Priory Street will have to negotiate the corner of Agincourt Street and the sharp junction of St John and Glendower Street.

The trader went on to say they didn’t understand how it is “safe or sensible to send motorists up the street to be turned around in one of the narrowest bits. 

“Surely it would make more sense to be delivery vehicles only with no access for anyone else beyond the bus station where things can safely be turned around?

“What is going to happen with vehicles that come down into Agincourt Square that are then too large to go down Agincourt st to join Glendower street? I can just see frustrated road users causing potentially dangerous situations.

““It’s going to take a large vehicle getting stuck or a very nasty accident for those who make the decisions to see they’ve made a foolish one regarding the road closure points”

The President of Monmouth's Chamber of Commerce said that the closure of Monnow Street by Welsh Water has caused more problems for Monmouth businesses.  Chamber Officials said they haven’t noticed the town this quiet from traffic or people since the days of covid, which is extremely concerning for Town businesses.  At a recent Chamber Meeting the businesses pleaded with the Chamber President to appeal again to MCC to offer a couple of hours free parking to each town visitor to give people a reason to come in and shop.  This has previously fallen on deaf ears.  Monmouth needs help now more than ever.

 "Although Monmouth is experiencing a sustained period of disruption, whilst Welsh Water carry out essential improvements to our water supplies, the town centre is open for business as usual." 

 “Just as they did during and post-Covid, the staff and management in shops and offices are working hard to maintain a warm welcome and provide their customary high level of service. Town car parks, cycle parking and bus station are all open during the works.

“ Monmouth has a lovely selection of independent businesses nestled alongside well-known high-street names. We’ve a good range of coffee shops, restaurants, and pubs. So please continue to support them; give them a smile and a cheery word, you’ll make their day. 

“ In return, and as a token of our gratitude, Monmouth Chamber of Commerce has organised a draw that gives everyone making a purchase of £10 or more, within the town, the opportunity to win £100 worth of shopping vouchers, redeemable at member businesses details through Monmouth Chamber Social Media.”