A SCHOOL governing body added its voice to the controversy over the new roundabout at Chepstow Racecourse, it was claimed.

Town councillor Hilary Beach, who is sits on the Pembroke Primary School governors, said members were "furious" over reports that money originally earmarked for making routes to Monmouthshire schools safer was used to construct the roundabout outside the racecourse entrance.

She said: "The issue was raised at Pembroke governors – to hear that safe routes to school money was used raises serious questions.

"People are furious."

Monmouthshire council says improvements were made from the top of Welsh Street along the A466 to St Arvans as an extension to the Chepstow safer routes in the community scheme.

Town councillors are still angry about what they claim is the impact of the roundabout on race days and confusion over which lane people should be in – many people are unaware that the left lane takes them into the car park.

Councillor Yvonne Havard said: "The road system in Crossway Green and St Arvans is disabled on race days by a cosmetic adjustment to the entrance."

Councillor Tony Red­head said he knew of a case where a driver coming from the Monmouth direction "almost ended up in the middle of the roundabout" because there was little warning of the new road layout.

He added: "As far as I was aware there was consultation and they were going to report back. I was amazed when they started work."

The town council should write to the county highways department asking for better signs "so people are aware that the left lane is a lane to nowhere," said Councillor Paul Rutter.

Paul Keeble, the county council's traffic and network manager, said: "The roundabut formed part of a package of measures forming an extension to the original Chepstow safer routes in the community and was agreed with the Welsh government.

"The extension of works included the widening and improvement of the footway and cycleway from the top of Welsh Street and along the A466 all the way to St Arvans, along with a new lower speed limit and improved access arrangements at Chepstow Racecourse.

"This was made possible as a result of the original approved scheme coming in well under budget and contributions from the racecourse and was set out in a (county council) cabinet report.

"There are still some outstanding signs and marking works to be completed – however there is also an opportunity to make a couple of additional changes to improve the current arrangements which will bring significant safety benefits within a much improved and appropriate 30mph speed limit."