MP BACKS DISABLED RESIDENT'S CALLS FOR MONNOW STREET CROSSING

DAVID Davies MP has taken up the cudgel on behalf of a disabled resident in Monmouth who is campaigning to have a pedestrian crossing installed at the top of Monnow Street.

Miss Nicola Porter, of Cornwallis Way, has been suffering with Pulmonary Hypertension for nearly seven years, a debilitating heart and lung disease which means she gets extremely short of breath when walking any distance. This confines Nicola to either her wheelchair or scooter in order to get about.

She contacted Mr Davies to express concern over the difficulties she faces on a daily basis when crossing the busy town centre road and to enlist his support for a safe crossing point in the vicinity of Agincourt Square.

"In addition to shopping at that end of town, I spend quite a lot of time at the studio and craft workshop for students of all abilities in White Swan Court, which means I often have to cross the road there," said Nicola.

"It would not be an exaggeration if I were to say that if feels like I am taking my life in my hands due to the speed of traffic and the fact there is very limited vision given the bend in the road.

"If I had to cross elsewhere I would go to the traffic lights which are at the bottom or to the traffic island which is situated in the middle of town. Neither of these alternatives are acceptable to disabled or elderly people with limited walking capabilities and they are placed in the unacceptable situation of taking a chance so as to make the crossing.

"With the town being home to a large number of disabled and elderly people and parents pushing prams, I'm concerned it will only be a matter of time before an accident occurs."

After meeting with Miss Porter on site to view the situation at first hand, Mr Davies has written to Monmouthshire County Council to ask them to consider installing an extra crossing.

"I'm aware from past campaigns of this nature that such a request will need to be looked at very carefully with the needs of the traders in mind, but it is clear that some action needs to be taken to prevent Nicola's fears from coming to fruition," he said.