Residents have objected to controversial plans forwarded by the county council to ban drivers waiting on five roads near a busy Abergavenny school.

Nine objectors, and a petition with 20 names, voiced concerns to Monmouthshire County Council, attacking plans to block waiting on large stretches of road near Cantref School in what the council deemed ‘illegal and obstructive parking’.

The order, which has also attracted local support would ban drivers from waiting on roads including Avenue Road, Cantref Road, Chapel Road, Harold Road and Stanhope Street – at any time during the day.

A report written by the council’s traffic and network manager, Paul Keeble, revealed that the MCC had received a number of concerns over child safety, pedestrians and drivers, on the various streets surrounding the school.

“Monmouthshire County Council has previously received concerns regarding the level of road safety for school children and other highway users on the various streets in the locality and vicinity of Cantref School,” said Mr Keeble.

“Concerns have been also been received regarding illegal and obstructive vehicle parking on the various junctions in this locality.”

The report also contended that drivers were putting the safety of school children at risk.

“The area is also experiencing issues with some parents of school children parking illegally and inappropriately at school opening and closing times thereby endangering vulnerable highway users, specifically the school children,” it continued.

MCC’s plans have attracted both support and opposition from the public, with nine objections issued, a 20-strong petition delivered, and five comments offering support for the measures.

Mr Keeble also said the council had decided to take action after witnessing the issues raised.

“Officers have visited this location on several occasions and noted the illegal vehicle parking at the junctions referred to in the schedule of prohibition of waiting at any time,” said Mr Keeble.

“The current level of obstructive vehicle parking is also restricting the free flow of traffic especially at peak traffic periods on these streets which are relatively narrow in character.

“Inappropriately parked vehicles were also observed to cause potential safety issues for pedestrians especially school children due to the serious lack of conspicuity/visibility whilst attempting to cross the carriageways at these locations.”

This news follows a council proposal to install double-yellow lines along a section of Harold Road — one of those concerned within the report — following a public consultation.

Abergavenny Mayor Councillor David Simcock, who is also a Cantref councillor, told the Chronicle that he sympathised with the residents in opposition, but felt the measures were fair and necessary.

“I do feel for the residents concerned,” he said. “Especially the people who park in Chapel Road, but, on the other hand, this is a child-safety issue that needs to be addressed. ?

?“The safety of children overrides all else, and the convenience of other people,” continued Councillor Simcock. ?

“That particular issue has caused locals some concern, and I understand that, but this is about the safety of children. The chances of an accident in that area will be reduced, and child safety must come first. ??“The police have identified this issue as an ongoing problem. I must stress that I do sympathise with the residents.”

The plans also garnered strong support from the ward’s county councillor, who said he was happy the changes were expected to pass council scrutiny.

County ?Councillor Paul Jordan (pictured) said he was totally in support of the measures, after fighting for the changes for the last two years where he has consulted with local groups and residents in support of the plans.

“I’m in full support,” he said. “We’ve been fighting for this for some time, and at long last we have finally sorted it out. The highway is not a car park. So, we are glad to get this moving.”

“This is a traffic safety issue,” he continued. “Some residents may be upset, but road safety and the safety of the children comes first.”

The plans are currently recommended for approval and will be discussed by the county council next month.