FREE passes have been given to staff at businesses near Tintern Abbey after charges were introduced at the monument's car park.

Monmouth Assembly Member wrote to the heritage minister Huw Lewis after he received complaints about the decision to start charging £3 for all-day parking in the abbey car park.

Abbey custodians Cadw introduced the charges because of concerns that parking during peak periods had become "chaotic" and charging was the best way of maintaining the car park. said Mr Ramsay.

He added: "However, constituents felt it was unfair and feared that local businesses could suffer.

"They also felt that parking charges would only need to be in operation on weekends, bank holidays and during times when the abbey was open.

"The minister has now informed me that a small number of free short stay car park spaces will be provided for residents in the Cadw-owned part of the car park and that free car parking passes have been provided for staff at local businesses.

"This is an issue which obviously aroused strong feelings and it was unfortunate that all parties were not invited at the outset to be part of the arrangement.

I understand the new arrangements will be closely monitored and hope that all local businesses will benefit in the long run."

Mr Ramsay is also looking for an "urgent" meeting with the minister and Monmouthshire Council to address what he says is the poor state of footpaths and roads in the area.

"Having visited the area, I was shocked by the deplorable state of some of the footpaths, " he said.

"Tintern Abbey is one of our greatest monastic ruins and it's a shame that it is being let down in this way."