MONMOUTH MP David Davies and the leader of Monmouth­shire Council have joined forces to oppose the demolition of 24 garages in Portskewett.

Plans by Monmouth­shire Housing Association to replace the garages in South Brook View with four two-bedroom homes are due to go before county planners next week.

Mr Davies and council leader Councillor Peter Fox, who represents Portskewett, met residents who say the garages are still used and should not be demolished.

"During our site visit, we met with local residents who opened up the garages and demonstrated they are very much in use.

"Indeed, some have been rented out for many years.

"It would be extremely regrettable if these garages were demolished and I fully support residents in calling for them to be kept. I shall be making my objections known to the relevant planning officer."

There are currently 84 people on the housing list with Portskewett connections and they would have priority to be housed in the new development, states a report to be considered by the planning committee on Tuesday.

Neighbours say the garages have been used for more than 40 years.

Councillor Fox said: "This application takes no account of the use to which the garages are put.

"Demolishing them would also mean a whole load of extra cars on the roads of an area which is popular with young families."

The recommendation to the committee is to approve the application.