Signs are just 'too big' (From Free Press Series)

Signs are just 'too big'

LARGE and confusing road signs near the village of Llangattock are a danger to motorists, the community council complained this week.

Local residents say they are becoming increasingly alarmed by Monmouthshire council's new policy of placing huge road signs at the approach to villages and hamlets in the area.

They say the signs are too close to the edge of the road and other signposts have been installed in the wrong place.

Roy Nicholas, clerk to Llangattock Vibon Avel and Llantilio Community councils, raised the problem with councillors at the Central Monmouthshire Area Committee this week.

He said the large road signs were dangerous and called on highways officers to take action.

He said: "These (signs) are so close to the edge of the tarmac that high-sided vehicles are veering to the centre of our narrow roads to avoid colliding with them. The one at the blind corner at Newcastle disappeared within one day.

"The 30 sign opposite another of these signs was struck within days and for many weeks has been facing the field.

"The 30 signs at Rockfield were dismantled within days of erection and moved to a different position. The supporting signs are still there - what is all this costing the tax payer?"

Mr Nicholas told the committee a z-sign in the village had been struck by a vehicle within days of being installed and is now facing the centre of the road.

A giveway sign at Rockfield on the junction of the B4233 and B4347 has been facing the wrong way for over a year and a 30 sign on the B4233 to Monmouth has been facing the wrong way for weeks.

Furthermore, important warning signs along roads in the area are being ignored in places because overgrown trees engulf them.

Cllr John Harrhy expressed his disappointment. He added: "I can assure you that action will be taken."