CHEPSTOW'S historic Wye Bridge is crumbling bit by bit, says a local councillor who is calling for quick action on repairs.

Cllr Kirton says urgent repair work scheduled for April by the Monmouthsire Highways Department failed to materialise.

"Unsightly scaffolding has been in place since boy racers smashed through the side of this historic  bridge some 18 months ago," said Cllr Kirton.

"According to Monmouthshire's Highways Department this scaffolding was meant to have been just a temporary feature."

Add to that there now seems to be pieces falling off it just near the English side. Amazingly, the Highways Authority's response is to place an ugly bright orange plastic barricade to stop pedestrians falling over the side.

"As a town councillor who has lived close to the bridge for most of my life I believe this tourist hotspot is now a public disgrace. Why can't Monmouthshire and Gloucestershire County Council get the show on the road and repair the bridge to stop further decay?"

The Wye Bridge was built in 1816. Most local people appreciate the centre of the Wye Bridge also marks the border between the counties of Wales and England.

Steve Baldwin, engineer at Monmouthshire County Council said: "Unfortunately, another vehicle has since caused further damage to the Old Wye Bridge, this time on a different section of the parapet. The works are a little more involved and complicated than first anticipated

"We have obtained quotes for the original repair and have a preferred contractor on board who will be confirming costs and the programme in the next few weeks.

"We would like residents and road-users to know that we are working hard to make sure the appropriate work is carried out as quickly as possible. 

"We will need a number of consents and possibly a road closure to undertake the works which realistically means that August will be the earliest time that we can carry out repairs. This will be subject to environmental consultation and contractor's availability."