A WORKMAN on the site of the ongoing roadworks on Rockfield Road in Monmouth was hit by a vehicle last week, as council employees undertaking the project complained of "abuse" from local residents.

Monmouthshire County Council closed off the B4233 last Monday for the start of a four-week essential resurfacing operation. But since the disruption the local authority has experienced considerable problems in dealing with traffic while on-site employees have taken the brunt of local residents' frustrations.

A County Council spokesperson said: "One incident saw a workman being hit by a vehicle. Fortunately the workman was not seriously injured and the police are investigating the incident."

Monmouth Police confirmed a one-vehicle incident had occurred on the morning of Tuesday, January 31. Officers are now in the process of obtaining accounts from those involved to progress the matter.

The incidents have prompted a re-think from the council's Direct Works Organisation. Having completed the first phase of the resurfacing, the DWO and Health and Safety Officer are limiting further traffic restrictions to ensure the safety of staff and the public.

They are installing more signs on the diversion route - which sees Monmouth-bound traffic re-directed north on the B4347 and back via the B4374 and the southbound A466 Hereford Road. But an alternative route is now signed for light vehicles gaining access to the Hendre, Rockfield village and Newcastle.

A Council spokes-person added: "Although this is not an official diversion, it should make it easier for people in cars to avoid the roadworks."

The work had been intended to take place on ten days over the period from January 30 to February 27, with the road closed from 9am - 3.30pm on days when workmen were present. But now specific areas are being targeted.

The stretch of road from the Rolls Avenue junction to the top roundabout will be closed from today until Friday from 9.30am-3.30pm daily. The section between the Wonastow Road and Watery Lane roundabouts will be closed each morning from Monday, February 13, to Wednesday, February 15, from 9.30am-12.30pm.

But David Cummings at Monmouth and District Chamber of Trade and Com-merce says he has received complaints from a number of businesses in town affected by "the lack of notice of the intended works."

The Chamber of Com-merce says businesses and residents did not receive letters outlining the work to be undertaken until Thursday, January 26, just two working days before work began.

Mr Cummings adds that no notification was given to Anne Rollings, general manager of the Monnow Vale; town centre businesses with staff living on the Rockfield estate or the Chamber of Commerce itself.