USK Town Council has written to the First Minster Rhodri Morgan expressing its concern regarding the number heavy goods vehicles that travel through the town.

The letter, signed by all 12 councillors, asks the Welsh Assembly along with Monmouthshire County Council and Gwent Police to ensure the A472, which is used a short cut from the A449 to the A4042, is kept safe for the pedestrians that use it.

It highlights the continuous problems with HGV's hitting the narrow bridge which has been damaged three times in the last 12 months, presenting a significant cost to Monmouthshire tax payers.

"Two such vehicles find it difficult to pass each other in the centre of Usk," says the letter. "It is a daily occurrence for vehicles to mount the pavements, forcing pedestrians to seek shelter in shop doorways."

A traffic

Usk has also be declared an Air Quality Management Area because the nitrogen dioxide levels in the town are higher than they should be, this is cause by the high volume of traffic in the centre of Usk.

A recent public meeting found a there were number of incidents where serious personal injury has been avoided by good fortune.

At a meeting on October 2, 2008, Monmouthshire County Council admitted "that is is aware that there is a continuing and present danger to pedestrians in Bridge Street."

Councillors say in the letter, "It is obvious that the continuing presence of large heavy goods vehicles on Bridge Street will eventually result in some serious injury to a pedestrian in Usk. The fact of repeated damage to the bridge should be sufficient evidence of this."

The letter was copied many others including David Davies MP, MCC, and Gwent Police.

Expressions of Interest are sought from persons interested in appointment as Trustees of a substantial Charitable Trust in Usk.

Applicants with an established knowledge of charity management or administration are particularly encouraged to apply.

Send a written application with CV to, Jonathan Stephens & Co, Ty Cornel, 11 Castel Parade, Usk, Mon NP15 1AA, by Friday 21st November.