THE SECRETARY of State for Wales has thrown his support behind building a bypass for Chepstow.

Westminster Government cabinet member Alun Cairns visited the town to back calls by Conservative councillors to speed up plans for a bypass, to ease traffic congestion and boost growth on both sides of the border.

Local ward county councillor David Dovey (St Kings-mark), chair of Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) Strategic Transport Group (STG), said: “I know local councillors will welcome this support and it demonstrates the UK Government is taking the idea of developing regional capacity very seriously.

“The STG has been examining how to improve and expand connectivity, not just within the wider Cardiff Capital City Region, but with Bristol, Gloucester and the South West as well.

“Improving public transport is fundamental, but it’s clear that the A48 passing through Chepstow is a pinch-point and is having a detrimental impact on commuters and residents alike.

“Highway officers from Monmouthshire and Gloucestershire Councils are currently conducting a feasibility study and cost-benefit analysis, but we need senior politicians from both Westminster and Cardiff Bay to back the plans to give them momentum.”

Cllr Paul Pavia (Larkfield), who chairs the Economy and Development Select Committee, said it was critical that Welsh Government Ministers engaged early in the process to back the scheme as it had to be a cross-border project, funded by both governments.