A FURIOUS couple from Chepstow have vented their anger about their house being surrounded by speed humps.

Carolyn and Philip Chapman from Mount Way have been fighting a long battle with Monmouthshire county council over the traffic-calming measures located near their home on Welsh Street, which they believe are putting lives in danger and damaging vehicles.

The couple first complained to the council on November 1, 2005, about protruding metal bolts from the speed humps. The council did eventually fix them three weeks later, however the Chapman's still believe the speed humps pose a risk. Mrs Chapman said: "Although they came and fixed the speed humps the bolts still go up and down sporadically.

The humps have also caused serious wear and tear to our cars and we even suffered a blow-out on the road. We did not get this kind of damage before the speed humps were put there, so they must be to blame.

"We are trapped by the speed humps because if we turn left or right at the end of our road we have to go over them. We end up driving over them about 50 times a day.

"I know some elderly people who find it uncomfortable going over them and it has caused them to have quite a lot of pain in their back."

The speed humps were placed on Welsh Street in 2002 and they have continued to be a bone of contention since with some residents even buying 4x4s so they can go over the humps more easily.

Mr Chapman said: "We understand that there are two schools on the road and the safety of the children is important but we propose that instead of putting speed humps in the road, which are such an ineffective safety measure, that they put more pedestrian crossings to help them across the road."

The council responded to the Chapman's complaints by saying: "The traffic calming scheme complies with all relevant regulations and guidance. The council does not believe the road surface humps that form part of the scheme cause damage to vehicles, provided that they are being driven properly and within the speed limit."