COUNCILLORS agreed last week that Severn Bridge tolls were too expensive and that they place pressure on tourism, limit job opportunities and affect trade.

Council met last Thursday (21st November) at a full council meeting to discuss the high toll prices charged at the Severn Bridge following the recently announced increase in tolls.

A motion submitted by Councillor Jim Higginson of the Severn ward, suggested Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) write to the Westminster Government stating that an increase to the Severn Estuary tolls will cause additional costs to those companies within Wales.

Councillor Higginson said: "The Severn Bridge provides two of the main gateways into Wales. The charges have increased year on year. Now, I appreciate it's an act of government but it's high time someone did something about it.

"The cost of the bridge tolls on the average family is £1,500 to £1,600 out of a family income per year. Bridges are valuable tools for getting about but we should do something about the prices as they are getting ridiculous."

The motion was met with great support from councillors who all agreed that the tolls place pressures on Monmouthshire in terms of tourism, trading and job opportunities.

Cllr Jessica Crook said: "I'd like to support this motion, the tolls place a barrier on people's lives in terms of where they can work. This reduces job opportunities for people living in Monmouthshire as people just can't afford the tolls."

Chepstow's Central Kaff Youth Centre has been awarded £3,000 to help prevent crime and anti-social behaviour.

The police and crime commissioner for Gwent, Ian Johnston, has given £100,000 to 25 projects across Gwent.

"Many of these projects have already generated overwhelmingly positive results within their communities, but this vital funding will help them achieve a great deal more," said Mr Johnston.

"It will complement the hard work they have already dedicated to the cause.

"We want less victims of crime in our communities and we recognise the fantastic role that volunteers at some of these projects can play in complementing the work of Gwent Police and other local partners in the community."

The £3,000 given to Central Kaff will help create the 'Reaching Out Project' in Chepstow, and will help pay for the resources needed to carry out community events such as preventative Hallowe'en activities.

The staff at Central Kaff said: "The Reaching Out Project will focus on working with young people in the Thornwell and Bulwark area. The project aims to engage young people in positive, community based activities.

"It will focus on encouraging young people to make the right decisions in life, whilst empowering them to become responsible young people."

The Abergavenny-based Bridge to Cross Charitable Trust was awarded £5,560 to buy a new caravan and generator while Abergavenny Youth Group were given £1,100 for a community landscape project.