We’ve been trapped on our street for over a year after the council blocked off our bridge – we’ve been forgotten
FURIOUS residents claim they have been trapped on their street for more than a YEAR after the council closed off a bridge.
Locals in Newport say the authorities have “forgotten” them after their only access road was blocked off months ago.
Old Bassaleg Bridge was closed for urgent repair on 6 August 2021 and is yet to reopen.
When it was first closed, an access point was built to ease the problem, but that too has since been closed.
Only pedestrians are now able to use the bridge and those who live in Forge Mews have to park across the Ebbw River.
This has caused all sorts of problems, as locals say there have been multiple instances of vandalism to their cars as they are parked so far away.
They also worry about crossing the bridge in winter if the repairs aren’t finished in time, describing it as an “ice rink.”
Indeed, they say there have been several near misses while crossing the road to get to the bridge from where they have to park.
READ MORE UK NEWS
Problems with anti-social behaviour include the vandalism and “blatant” drug deals in the area, as it is hard to prove any complaints when the road is so isolated.
Residents worry that there is no end in sight.
They also say they have no received any information about the closure since March, despite being promised regular updates.
Alison Williams, one such resident, told South Wales Argus: “We’ve been forgotten.
“They [Newpoert City Council] are scared to see us.”
“Why can the council spend £27 million on a super centre in Ringland but can’t repair our bridge?
“This is an emergency – it’s affecting our sanity.
“The next stop is we stop paying council tax.”
Several people who live on the street have health and mobility issues and rely on easy access to medical care.
Many are concerned about emergency services not being able to access the road, leaving them in danger and the area effectively lawless.
There are now further plans to redevelop a cottage on the road into flats, which residents object to on the basis it will cause more disruption.
Most read in The Sun
They worry that increased footfall could further damage the bridge and lead to even more closures.
Newport City Council has not responded to a request for comment.