Concerns over traffic problems in Abergavenny town centre has led to fears of an Eisteddfod gridlock as the premier national event approaches.

Local people jammed in long queues over the recent busy bank holiday period have driven concerns that thousands of Eisteddfod visitors will only worsen the issue.

The National Eisteddfod of Wales is set to attract 150,000 visitors to Abergavenny over the week-long festival beginning July 31.

Residents have expressed concerns the sheer number of visitors could cause further chaos, as temporary lights squeeze drivers into congestion during busier periods.

Monmouth AM?Nick Ramsay has also expressed his concerns over the congested roads saying he has asked the Welsh Government to look into the situation.

“I’m very concerned about the continuing congestion in Cross and Monk Street,” said Mr Ramsay.

“I’ve been warning about potential traffic disruption during the Eisteddfod for some time.

“This situation needs to be dealt with now before it’s too late or it risks major problems in August.

“I’m asking the Welsh Government to look into this as a matter of urgency and to assist the appropriate bodies in taking immediate action.”

Chris Meadows, who was stuck in traffic over the Whitsun bank holiday, said, “This was the scene for the third consecutive year.

“I heard many people stating that it was unacceptable and they would not be revisiting the town whilst this situation prevails.

“The council should be ashamed of this ongoing debacle.”

Those caught in the frequent jams have said long tailbacks snake out from the centre of town and out along Station Road, as the lights on Monk Street cause a bottleneck.

Many concerns centre on the smooth running of Wales’ premier cultural event, where national spotlight shines on Abergavenny.

Tourism in Monmouthshire grew seven percent last year, driving hundreds of millions into the economy.

Monmouthshire County Council has invested £580,000 in hosting the event, with a further £300,000 raised by the community. Organisers say up to £6m in should find its way into local businesses.

Officials at MCC said they hoped the traffic lights on Monk Street would be removed, along with scaffolding, before the National Eisteddfod begins.

A spokesman added that a contingency plan is in place if work to the affected properties is delayed.

“The council is in contact with the Welsh Government over the scaffolding on Monk Street which is due to be removed before the National Eisteddfod,” said the spokesman.

“In any case, we plan to minimise traffic in Abergavenny’s centre during the National Eisteddfod by employing a free park and ride service running from three sites at Cwrt-y-Gollen near Crickhowell, Llanellen and Penpergwm. 

“This will reduce the need for visitors to drive through the town.  Each site has capacity for 1,500 cars and the service will be effectively communicated to all ticket holders and marketed to day visitors in advance.

“Professional traffic management will control the journeys of buses from each site to the entrance of Byefield Lane car park. 

A park and ride service will also operate from Maes B (the youth area) and the caravan site while a service connecting Abergavenny train station will run on demand,” he added.

Council officials also said some delays were unavoidable, and that locals should plan in advance to avoid any delays.

“With thousands of people attending the Eisteddfod, an increase in traffic and pedestrians is inevitable.  This may result in minor congestion and delays. We advise people to plan ahead and allow for extra travel time during the week.

“Abergavenny’s Byefield Lane car park will be partly closed to the public from Monday, July 25 July and fully closed from Friday, July 29 to Saturday, August 6. All other council-operated car parks will open as normal.

“Further details will shortly be available on the Eisteddfod website.”

Council officials also said work to revamp the town centre ahead of the Eisteddfod was nearing completion.

The one million pound refurbishment has seen work around the clock, with local building firm, Alun Griffiths, tasked with the vital job.

Work is now entering the final phase, following four months of improvements. Paving in Nevill Street has almost finished whilst workers continue on the lower end of High Street and St John’s Square.

Contractors say the project will be complete by the end of July, when the revamped area will provide the backdrop to welcome an expected 150,000 to the National Eisteddfod and other cultural events being hosted.

Councillor Bryan Jones, cabinet member for operations, said he was thrilled with the transformation, and looked forward to the project’s completion.

“I’m particularly pleased with the performance of local contractor, Alun Griffiths of Abergavenny, who is delivering the project to a very high standard.

“I would also like to acknowledge the support of local businesses and the public who have put up with inevitable disruption.

“I’m sure, though, that all concerned will agree that any short-term inconvenience will have been well worthwhile when they enjoy the improvements, which will result in a very pleasant and high quality environment,” he said.