News

A466 bus timetable

Published: 15 Apr 26

New timetables have been issued for bus route 69 during the closure of the A466 between Bigsweir Bridge and Redbrook. From 5th May 2026, for approx. 8 weeks, buses will divert via Newland Road and Stowe Road, adding about 15 minutes to each journey. Newport Bus and MCC will put up publicity in the vehicles, at the bus stations and other key places. If you would like a copy of the new timetable, you can also email clerk@starvanscouncil.co.uk. Read More...

Age Friendly Monmouthshire Event

Published: 9 Apr 26

As part of the W.H.O global network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities, an event is taking place on Thursday, 23rd April 2026 at The Palmer Centre, Cormeilles Square , Chepstow. This will be open to the public from 10am-2pm. The organisers anticipate that the event will be open to people of all ages, however there will be a specific focus on supporting and engaging the 50+ community. It will be delivered in a marketplace-style format, enabling organisations to host stalls, share information and resources, and connect directly with attendees and fellow providers. Some services have already confirmed their attendance, including: Age Cymru, Care & Repair, Abergavenny 50+, Warm Wales, Gwent Dementia Friendly Communities, Chepstow U3A, ABUHB Engagement Team, South Wales Police (Fraud Awareness), Bowel Cancer UK, Fast Track Gwent, and the Alzheimer’s Society, with more to be confirmed. You are welcome to drop in and the organisers hope it will provide you with an informal opportunity to connect with attendees and stallholders, share insights, and see the range of services being showcased. Read More...

Volunteers needed!

Published: 8 Apr 26

Development of and Air Quality Information and Advice system. Helping to develop a system to support cleaner air for our communities Air pollution poses serious risk to physical and mental health outcomes. The aim of this project is to develop an online Air Quality Information and Advice System, that provides localised air quality information and advice about how to reduce exposure and emissions in your community. At this time Swansea University are looking for volunteers who live in any of the following areas of Wales: Swansea, Newport, Blaenau Gwent, Monmouthshire. If you choose to take part they will ask you come along to an online focus group (lasting around 60-90 minutes). During this, they will show you the proposed system and ask you to tell them what you think? Upon completion, participants will be compensated for their time with a £25 shopping voucher. If you would like any further information please contact Dr Menna Price, Swansea university (m.j.price@swansea.ac.uk) If you are interested in being a participant, please register your interest by answering a short survey using the following link: https://nottingham.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4IRxyKOkL0FAtsG This research has been approved by the School of Psychology Research Ethics Sub-Committee, Swansea University. Read More...

Severn Crossings Update

Published: 2 Mar 26

UPCOMING POLICE SURGERY DATES – 2026

Published: 16 Feb 26

Chepstow Neighbourhood Officers will be holding regular police surgeries at The Meetings Rooms, St Arvans. This is your chance to come along, have a chat, and discuss any concerns or ongoing issues in your area. Upcoming Dates: Wednesday 25th February - 18:00pm – 19:00pm, Thursday 16th April - 18:00pm – 19:00pm, Thursday 25th June - 18:00pm – 19:00pm. We look forward to meeting you and hearing your thoughts. Your feedback helps us keep Chepstow safe and connected Please note: Any changes to surgery dates will be advertised on Facebook – Gwent Police - Monmouthshire Officers and Neighbourhood Alert©™ Read More...

Neighbourhood Matters

Published: 25 Jan 26

Gwent Police has launched a new online service for residents wanting to know more about the work of their local police officers. Neighbourhood Matters is a free-to-join community messaging and engagement service that puts readers at the heart of its content. It enables residents to sign up and receive updates from their neighbourhood policing team on recent arrests and charges, appeals for information, events and more. Users can choose the type of update they’d like to receive based on their preferences, whether that’s crime prevention advice, news of recent events, or even alerts from partners like Neighbourhood Watch and Action Fraud. Within the system, the public can also have their say on local policing priorities and respond to officers’ updates. Visit https://www.gwentneighbourhoodmatters.co.uk/ and subscribe. Read More...

St Arvans Litter Picking Group update Jan 2026

Published: 19 Jan 26

An update from the litter picking group: The Group continues to thrive and we welcomed new members joining this month. We collected on Saturday morning 10th January from 9.30 till 12.00 10 of us collected 14 bags of rubbish, some hub caps, other car parts, a bucket and a cast iron rod. The litter is mainly fast- food packaging, some still in the carrier bag carefully tied and tossed out on the verge! Also, plenty of cans and drink bottles both plastic and glass. We are supported by Monmouthshire Council with all equipment supplied and we report our collection to Keep Wales Tidy to go on the national register. Our thanks to St Arvans Community Council who provides insurance cover and a Health and Safety Risk Assessment policy. They have also provided x3 signs that we use when working to alert traffic to our activity. In 2025 we had x4 litter pick sessions in all collecting a total of 48 bags plus other larger items. My thanks to all participants for keeping our area clear of rubbish. Please contact me if you would like to join the group. Diane Parnell Co-ordinator 07487 274208 Read More...

Severn Crossings Updates

Published: 8 Jan 26

8 January: Full Westbound closure of the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge (POWB) between M4 J22 – J23 Closure from 21:00 on 8 January to 06:00 on 9 January Required in order to carry out emergency works to expansion joints on the structure, we will utilise this closure to carry out further maintenance work Diversion via M48 Severn Bridge using off and on closures at M48 J1 & J2 with traffic signals on the roundabouts to ensure the freight levels remain acceptable In line with our commitment, during the M4 closure freight will be allowed to use the M48 Severn Bridge as above Risk of high winds – if the M48 is not available as a diversion route then the closure will not take place. On top of the winds there is a high risk of the lengthier land diversion route being impacted by snow. 12 & 13 January Full Westbound closure of the M48 Severn Bridge between J1 & J2 Closures from 20:00 to 06:00 both nights Required in order to carry out surfacing repairs, coring and survey work Diversion via the M4 POWB 14 January Full Eastbound closure of the M48 Severn Bridge between J2 & J1 Closure from 20:00 on 14 January to 06:00 on 15 January Required in order to carry out surfacing repairs, coring and survey work Diversion via the M4 POWB 20 January Full Westbound closure of the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge (POWB) between M4 J22 – J23 Closure from 20:00 on 20 January to 06:00 on 21 January Required in order to carry out essential works to expansion joints on the structure, we will utilise this closure to carry out further maintenance work Diversion via M48 Severn Bridge using off and on closures at M48 J1 & J2 with traffic signals on the roundabouts to ensure the freight levels remain acceptable In line with our commitment, during the M4 closure freight will be allowed to use the M48 Severn Bridge as above 30 January – 2 February Full westbound weekend closure of the M48 Severn Bridge between J1 & J2 Closure from 20:00 on Friday 30 January to 06:00 on Monday 2 February Required in order to carry out essential works to expansion joints on the structure, we will utilise this closure to carry out further maintenance work As per my email of 10 December, this closure was postponed in December to reduce the impact of numerous closures in the area Diversion via the M4 POWB All works are subject to the usual caveats including weather. Read More...

AssistiveTech Monmouthshire

Published: 26 Nov 25

The AssistiveTech service is run by Monmouthshire County Council, supporting people to live comfortably and securely in their own homes. It provides for an emergency response at a touch of button providing peace of mind, safety and security protection. To find out more, please call 01633 644466, email assistivetech@monmouthshire.gov.uk or visit https://www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/social-care/assistivetech/smart-technology-care/. Read More...

Lives not Knives

Published: 26 Nov 25

Gwent Police are promoting Lives not Knives. If you or someone you know suspects somebody of carrying a knife, please report it by calling 101 or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always dial 999. Read More...

Dog attacks

Published: 24 Nov 25

Guidance Regarding Dog Attacks: For dog attacks of any kind you can contact the police. Dog bites / attacks which occur in public places can be investigated by the Police as there are laws which require owners to control their dogs in public. It’s against the law to let a dog be dangerously out of control anywhere. You can call 101 for non-emergencies or 999 for emergencies. For more information please go to https://www.gov.uk/control-dog-public. Read More...

Contacting the Police

Published: 24 Nov 25

In an emergency call 999 - i.e. if there is immediate danger to life, someone is using violence or is threatening to be violent, a road traffic collision where life is at risk or the road is blocked or a crime is happening right now, like a house burglary or a theft If you accidentally dial 999, stay on the line and tell the operator you’re safe and that no crime has occurred. For non-emergencies - call 101. For those with hearing or speech impairments - check this page: https://www.gwent.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us-beta/contact-us/. You can also report anonymously via CrimeStoppers: Onlinecrimestoppers-uk.org or by phone on 0800 555 11. You can also contact Gwent Police on social media (https://x.com/gwentpolice or https://www.facebook.com/gwentpolice/. Read More...

Monmouthshire Citizens Advice AI self help tool

Published: 14 Nov 25

Monmouthshire Citizens Advice have sent through their new Self-Help Tool, accessible through monca.org.uk. Please look for the red circle at the bottom right of the screen. The Self Help Tool utilises AI to search a curated selection of trusted websites, helping members of the public find assistance and support. Just type in a question. Read More...

Phone Signal Survey

Published: 27 Oct 25

Our local MP, Catherine Fookes, is conducting a survey to help push for better mobile coverage and greater investment in our area. Please take 2 minutes to complete the survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd4O r_zoBH8xDTKLlnVPnzUcerIuImjg94j8UA2TukVNs2 A_Q/viewform. You can also watch a short video explaining more about the campaign to improve connectivity here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/26176466019108 75. Read More...

Home to School transport update

Published: 2 Oct 25

Following a recent petition from residents regarding the changes to the Home to School Transport Policy, Monmouthshire County Council has commissioned an independent assessment of three walking routes. As a result of the independent assessment, the walking route from St Arvans to The Dell Primary School has been classified as unavailable. Consequently, home to school transport has been reinstated for learners living within the statutory distance of 2 miles. The independent assessors also evaluated the routes from Mathern to Chepstow Comprehensive and from Caldicot to Archbishop Rowan Williams Primary School. They have concurred with the council that these routes are available, meaning that learners do not qualify for home to school transport on these routes. Cllr Laura Wright, Monmouthshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Education, said: "These alterations to home to school transport demonstrate that we are listening to the concerns of parents and we will make changes when they have been shown to be necessary. The independent assessments of these routes to schools ensure that the council's procedures are thoroughly tested and robust - and we have acted quickly in response to the findings. We will continue working to improve the home to school walking infrastructure, allowing people to take more sustainable journeys whenever possible." Read More...

Annual report

Published: 30 Jun 25

Here is our annual report for 2024-2025. Read More...

Dogs

Published: 7 May 25

Just a polite reminder regarding dog waste. Please clean up after your pets and dispose of waste properly. Dog waste should be placed in a sealed bag and disposed of in designated bins or non-recyclable waste bins at home. It should not be left on pavements, parks, or public spaces. You can find more details on Wales Recycles and GOV.WALES. Many thanks. Read More...

Monmouthshire County Council urges vigilance over parking scams

Published: 19 Mar 25

Monmouthshire County Council is warning residents and visitors to the county to be aware of parking scams in operation in the area. The council have received reports of fake QR codes being stuck to parking machines in council-owned car parks across the region. When scanned, the QR code takes the user to what appears to be a legitimate website. However, the council has learned that the website is a subscription scam – charging a joining fee and signing the user up for a diet plan subscription. Read More...

20mph speed limits

Published: 19 Feb 25

Monmouthshire County Council has conducted a review of the 20mph speed limits across the county, following the Welsh Government's call to gather residents' feedback and provision of new '30mph exception' guidance in 2024. After reassessing some identified roads against the Welsh Government's updated 30mph guidance, which reiterates the importance of providing a safe environment for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists, taking into account also the movement function and road characteristics, the council has concluded that no further changes are required, and all roads currently set at 20mph should remain. Read More...

Free treatment and advice at your local pharmacy

Published: 20 Nov 24

Did you know you can receive FREE treatment and advice at your local Pharmacy through the Common Ailments Service? The Common Ailments Service offers patients access to free NHS advice and treatment for common conditions. The service is available from all community pharmacies in Aneurin Bevan University Health Board and offers an alternative to making an appointment with the GP. You can view the common ailments covered by the scheme on our website here: https://bit.ly/3D19gMo Read More...

Roadworks/Traffic Information

Published: 4 Apr 24

One.Network is a live traffic information website where you can check current road issues and upcoming roadworks. Read More...

111 Urgent Mental Health Help

Published: 4 Apr 24

St Arvans Road Safety Project

Published: 8 Nov 23

Report produced by Peter Evans Partnership (PEP) for presentation to Monmouthshire County Council. Read More...