Town fights for lorry-free roads

There are fears the historic bridge will be damaged by the lorries

People living in Usk in Monmouthshire are trying to prevent lorries from using the town's streets as a shortcut.

Articulated lorry drivers use the main street through Usk to save themselves seven miles off alternative routes.

But local people say the lorries have to mount the pavements in order to pass through narrow streets and there are fears someone will be hurt.

There are also concerns an historic bridge will be damaged by the lorries as they try to negotiate bends.

We've got 18th Century streets trying to cope with a 21st Century problem Jill Jeremiah, mayor of Usk

Mayor of Usk, Jill Jeremiah said the volume of large lorries passing through the town was posing problems for residents and visitors.

She said some were ignoring the 7.5 tonnes limit and risking a £30 fine to avoid the extra miles.

"Going through Usk is a shortcut but it is leading to absolute alienation of the town.

"The lorries are so big, they are having to mount the pavements to get through and their mirrors are hitting people walking by," she said.

People living in the town are concerned about safety

"This is a real danger. We've got 18th Century streets trying to cope with a 21st Century problem.

"And not only that but at the end of the street is a bridge which is a historic monument and the lorries have to take two 90 degree angle turns.

She said it was starting to have an econiomic impact because people were scared to walk along the narrow main street.

Alec Leathwood, who is a councillor with Usk Town Council said he had encountered the dangers personally.

"I was walking along Bridge Street when a vehicle came behind me and the mirror hit me on the shoulder," he said.

"I wasn't hurt, but it does shake you up when you realise how close they are to you."

Gwent Police said it was working with partnership agencies, the town council and Monmouthshire Council, to find the best solution to the problem.