Temporary lights blamed for causing traffic problems in Abergavenny town centre look unlikely to be removed in time for the National Eisteddfod which starts on Saturday.

The current system, put in place to guide traffic past scaffolding on Monk Street, has been blamed by drivers for causing heavy congestion at peak times, with the longest tailbacks reaching Station Road.

Speaking at a recent town council meeting, Councillor John Prosser said he thought the temporary lights would be removed prior to the event start on July 31.

“The spotlight, not just in Wales, but from the wider UK, will be on Abergavenny and we have to make sure nothing is overlooked. So, the lights will be going, I’m told,” he said.

Officials at Monmouthshire County Council also made assurances that traffic issues would be minimised, as an expected 150,000 people visit Abergavenny over the week-long Welsh cultural event.

However, as the Chronicle went to Press a spokesman from MCC said that despite a series of meetings between local authority officers, Welsh Government officers, SWTRA officers and contractors working on the fire damaged building, it was now unlikely that a solution could be found before the start of the Eisteddfod.

“The A40 through Abergavenny is a trunk road managed by South Wales Trunk Road Agency (SWTRA) on behalf of Welsh Government.

“Council officers have been meeting with Welsh Government and SWTRA officers along with the contractors working on numbers 5 and 7, Monk Street to seek ways by which the works (the scaffolding in particular) could be altered to allow two-way traffic through the road.

“The safety of those using the public highway is the highest priority and despite various options considered at this time it looks unlikely that the scaffolding can be removed or altered to allow two-way traffic.

“Welsh Government will put the lights on manual control at peak traffic periods during the Eisteddfod to help traffic flow.

It is hoped that traffic through the town will be minimised by the use of the free park & ride service running from three sites at Cwrt-y-Gollen near Crickhowell, Llanellen and Penpergwm.

Council officials added that some delays were unavoidable, and that local people should plan in advance to avoid any delays.