Chepstow Town Councillors were surprised at last Wednesday's meeting, (25th September) to discover that a new 20mph speed limit has been suggested for Thornwell.

The proposal, submitted by Monmouthshire County Council's Roger Hoggins, received mixed reactions from councillors, who questioned the roads selected by the head of infrastructure, networks and sustainability.

"I have a slight issue with this," said councillor Dale Rooke, "the plan given to us doesn't include Thornwell Road, and therefore Thornwell School.

"I would have thought the main road was important as it has a school on it?"

Councillors discussed the "unclear" map provided, which shows the 20mph route in place on much of Burnt Barn Road, and other smaller residential roads.

"These roads are pretty congested most of the time, so traffic can't go fast anyway. It isn't necessary at this time," said Cllr Rooke.

"Whoever thought this out, really didn't think it through properly," said town and county councillor for Thornwell, Armand Watts.

Councillor Peter Farley added: "I have no problem with 20mph limits, but we need to look at this for the town as a whole. There is no scheme for Monmouthshire as a whole, only individual schemes."

In agreement, councillor Yvonne Havard said: "Lots of other streets would benefit from a reduced speed limit. Welsh Street would be another one."

The plan is in a consultation stage and county council are seeking responses from interested parties, including the public and town council by 14th October.

"This is the first the three Thornwell councillors have heard of this plan," said Cllr Watts, "and the first I as a county councillor have heard of it.

"This is poor culture and is frankly amateurish."

Town and county councillor Peter Farley added: "This is not a satisfactory way of proceeding.

"We are challenging for good reason a proposal that has come out of the blue".

When approached to comment on the topic, a spokesman for Monmouthshire County Council said that the proposal has now been held back to allow consideration for amendments to the route.