CALLS have been made for better planning following the Velothon cycling event earlier this year.

Monmouthshire county councillors met last Thursday (24th September) at a full council meeting to discuss the way in which the event was organised.

The race, which took place in June, started in Cardiff and saw more than 15,000 cyclists take to the route which travelled through Monmouthshire.

Numerous complaints were made following road closures and the impact on losses for Monmouthshire businesses was heavily criticised.

Councillor Penny Jones submitted a motion calling for councillors to agree to certain conditions before allowing the Velothon to travel through the county again.

Cllr Jones called for an evaluation of the route selected and an assessment to be made regarding the impact on businesses.

Cllr Jones called for the call centre set up for the Velothon to have an awareness and understanding of the geography of Monmouthshire.

Her motion also included assurance that hosting the Velothon wouldn’t cost MCC any money and that if any costs are incurred they would be reimbursed.

The motion received full support from across the council.

Cllr Val Smith said: “I was not a well organised event.

“There was absolutely no communication at all with local members. As far as my ward’s concerned I can see no advantage to the majority of my residents, no advantage whatsoever and a positive disadvantage to businesses and adjacent businesses.

“One man who owns a pub thinks he lost a third of his covers. We have to communicate and do it better.

“We must have a rolling closure. The route has to be carefully sorted out.

“I don’t want to spoil anyone’s joy, I want to see Monmouthshire prosper but the road closure was totally unacceptable.

“Communication must be better.”

Cllr Francis Taylor said: “I greatly sympathise with members who had significant issues in the areas they represent. Two communities suffered quite serious disruption.

“I would have thought it would be a particularly positive event for Monmouthshire subject to the things Cllr Jones mentioned.”

Next year’s Velothon has been planned for Sunday 22nd May.