One of the most important parts of my job as your MP is making sure that when residents raise an issue with me, I do everything I can to help get it resolved.

That doesn’t always mean there is a quick or easy solution. Most of the time, an issue involves several different organisations, which can make it difficult to know who is responsible and how we actually get things moving.

That’s why a big advantage of being an MP is that I can bring all of those organisations together in one room to meet, discuss solutions and get some serious action on an issue.

I did it when fighting for flood defences and pumps in Skenfrith, and did it to make sure Inglis Bridge was repaired as soon as possible.

So this has also been the case with the long-running sewage issue at the Slaughterhouse Arches in Monmouth.

The issue has been going on for far too long, and residents are rightly fed up.

While the situation is more complicated than a simple fix, I felt that what was needed was for everyone involved to sit down together and agree on a clear way forward.

So last week, I brought together Welsh Water/Dŵr Cymru, Natural Resources Wales, Monmouthshire County Council, Cabinet Member Catrin Maby, representatives from Priory Church and local landlords to discuss the issue.

The meeting was really productive, and most importantly, it resulted in clear actions being agreed to start addressing the problem.

I have also been assured that the sewage is not directly leaking into the River Monnow. Instead, it is being directed into the sewage system and cleaned up daily by Welsh Water.

Following this meeting, works are now planned to begin later this year to start addressing the issue.

It is also clear that the property owners need more help from Dwr Cymru to get properly connected up to the sewage system. Dwr Cymru have also said they will look at what more they can do to help.

I have limited powers and most certainly no ‘magic wand’ to get issues sorted quickly, but I can make sure the right people are around the same table, ask the right questions, and make sure we get some action.

I want to thank everyone who took part in the meeting and is working to get this issue resolved.

There is still work to do, but it is good to finally have a clear plan in place and action on the way. I will make sure to keep everyone updated as things progress.