News - May 2009

MAY 2009

June 2009 >>

CALDICOT TO CONTINUE TO GROW
Latest information from Monmouthshire County Council indicates that over 650 new homes are planned for Caldicot and Portskewett by 2021. The Local Development Plan Newsletter reveals that 45 new homes were built between 2006 and 2008 and planning permission has already been granted for 235 more. Potential sites have already been identified for a further 82. 339 homes are scheduled for sites which have not yet been identified or which do not yet have planning permission. With another 450 homes planned for the other villages of the ‘Caldicot conurbation’ (Rogiet, Sudbrook, Undy, Magor) it is clear that the growth that has been witnessed over the last 50 years has not yet ended. Some councillors have expressed concern over the plans. Councillor Tony Easson pointed out that some of the land earmarked for development in Caldicot had already been turned down for planning permission on two occasions.

MARKET TO CONTINUE?
Councillors are calling for the trial period for the Saturday market in Caldicot to be continued until the end of November.

CONTINUED CONCERN OVER AMBULANCES
County Councillor Jim Higginson has called for representatives of the Welsh Ambulance Service Trust to personally attend county hall to explain the poor ambulance response times in the area. He said, “It is about time somebody got to grips with the problem. It’s been there for quite some time and really its not good enough.” Figures for Autumn 2008 show that only 53% of life-threatening calls were responded to within the eight minute target time.

SHOPMOBILITY RETURNS
The recruitment of new volunteers has led to the reopening of the Caldicot Shopmobility scheme. The scheme is now to be co-ordinated by Churches Together in Caldicot. Shoppers with mobility problems will be able to hire scooters from the base in Jubilee Way car park on Tuesdays and Fridays between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. The times have been co-ordinated with the arrival of the Green Routes bus. It is hoped to recruit more volunteers to allow for longer opening times.

SUPPORT FOR ASTHMA SUFFERERS
A support group for asthma sufferers has been set up in Caldicot. Breathe Easy Caldicot holds meetings in Caldicot Choir Hall featuring guest speakers. For more details phone the British Lung Foundation on 01792 455764.

PROTEST PHOTO IN EXHIBITION
A photograph taken by Caldicot green campaigner Anthony Perrett has been included in the Welsh Artist of the Year Exhibition at St David’s Hall, Cardiff. The photo, taken during the snowy weather in February, shows a banner with the words “Supermarket Here?” slung between the rugby posts at the comprehensive school against a background of a white school field. The exhibition runs until 25th July.

HOUSE PRICE WATCH
The cheapest house advertised in the local press for sale in Caldicot at the end of May 2009 was, as in March and April, a one bedroom property in Keats Road at £92,950. The most expensive was a six bedroom detached property in Chepstow Road at £369,950.