A PERMIT scheme to allow businesses access to a pedestrian zone in Caldicot has not yet been implemented, but the council hopes it will be in place by the end of November.

It has previously been reported about vehicles driving illegally on Newport Road which is the main shopping area in the town and is a pedestrianised zone.

Businesses have voiced their concerns about their deliveries as seven businesses do not have rear access to their premises.

A permit scheme to allow access for delivery vehicles before 10.30am and after 4pm was proposed and businesses submitted their applications last month to the council.

A Monmouthshire council spo-kesman said they had received five applications from businesses.

Nick House, 56, a partner at Wye Valley, said: “We haven’t heard anything at all. We’ve been left in the lurch really – I wrote a letter to MCC more than three weeks ago but haven’t received a reply.

“We don’t have rear access and need to gain access to the studio. There has been no change at all, no enforcement – there are still vehicles driving down the pedestrian zone.”

Caldicot Town Council is still waiting for a date when new signs prohibiting cyclists from the pedestrian zone are put up.

Cllr Alan Davies, mayor of Caldicot, said: “We need to get the permit system up and running and to be enforced.

“There hasn’t been any change here – there are vehicles regularly driving through. If a few people are caught and fined this would be a deterrent to others.”

The Monmouthshire council spokesman revealed: “New signs should be in place before the end of November.

“All businesses which have applied will be approved to enjoy restricted access during morning and late afternoon. The council will send letters to these businesses indicating the conditions under which they may operate.”