AN ABERGAVENNY woman has penned a letter opposing the recent Velothon, claiming that the event was in breach of residents' human rights and civil liberties.

Rosemary Jones says the closure of businesses on a Sunday in May meant any trade lost "will never be recovered".

The letter is also critical of the choice of day, stating that for many, Sunday is the only day of the week residents can pursue their own agenda.

Mrs Jones, who owns Pont Kemys Caravan Park in Chainbridge with husband and Monmouthshire county councillor Bryan, said that they lost multiple bookings due to road closures.

"I feel totally incensed that yet again our beautiful county has been invaded by cyclists," said Mrs Jones.

"I am fed up with all this tosh about the Velethon bringing money into the county.

"I do not know of anyone local to us who has benefitted, rather we have all suffered in some way."

Residents of Mr Jones' ward of Goytre Fawr claim they were "severely curtailed" as to when and where they could travel due to road closures.

The site owners were also critical of "inadequate and dangerous" signage on the B4598, with Mrs Jones saying it was fortunate there were no serious incidents.

There is also explicit reference in the letter to reports of inadequate toilet facilities leading many competitors to urinate on the side of the road.

According to Mrs Jones, stewards looking after Chainbridge were allowed to use the Caravan Park facilities.

Mrs Jones said: "I know this is only a local snapshot of all the inconveniences suffered but I genuinely believe that this is in total contravention of our human rights and civil liberties.

"We all have to pay our council tax, vehicle tax, pay our business rates and yet feel powerless to have any say over our freedom of movement."

Chief Officer for Enterprise at Monmouthshire County Council, Kellie Beirne said: “I'm sorry to hear of Mrs Jones' views. The decision to support the Velothon was one which was made by our full council.

"Event organiser Run4Wales has worked hard to accommodate all those residents requiring specific assistance and support.

"Solutions were found to the problems identified and while some disruption was inevitable, the event ran smoothly and efficiently."