A RESIDENT who organised two petitions against the closure of Monmouth's Goldwire Lane to through traffic has hit back at claims that protests are encouraging drivers to flout the ban and putting pedestrians' lives at risk.

Three weeks ago, despite the access only signs, it was the only way to exit the nearby estate, after Wonastow Road was flooded to a depth of two feet at its junction with Somerset Road.

Justine Johnson said: "Three hundred and thirty three people across two petitions have signed to say they do not want to see Goldwire Lane’s vehicle access restricted.

"It is our opinion that had Monmouthshire Council consulted all the residents here that use the lane, this current situation could have been avoided.

"We do not want to see anybody break the law but regrettably the signage saying “Access Only” is seen by many to be ambiguous. The sign does not say where too."

Referring to claims that a photo showed a grey car flouting the restriction, Ms Johnson added: "We do not know if it was the intention of the driver to visit someone along the lane.

"Therefore, it is questionable as to whether they were wrong to exit the lane onto the roundabout...

"This matter has been raised with MCC on more than one occasion, and to which we still do not know the answer.

“Safety is a concern for all of us and just as we must protect the elderly residents and children walking along the lane, we must also be mindful of what sending more traffic along Somerset Road causes.

"There is currently a goalpost along by the flats and children are often out on their bikes by the flats.

"We believe we can keep the road accessible to all with the right resurfacing, signage and calming measures and hope MCC will work towards achieving this for us."