In December, Monmouthshire County Council made a Traffic Prohibition order to temporarily close footpaths 6 and 13 in Caldicot and Rogiet. The legal closure due to end on 23rd June has been extended for a further 6 months due to continuing safety issues.

Speaking on the closure, Councillor Lisa Dymock, cabinet member with responsibility for MonLife said: “We are deeply concerned that people are at risk. This section of footpath contains two live firing ranges and we have had reports about people continuing to use the path, wandering around the foreshore and elsewhere putting themselves in danger. An alternative route is in place following the Wales Coast Path, which is well signed and maintained and we appeal to people to use this path instead.

“A multi-agency approach is being taken to resolve the issues on this popular path. These include fly tipping, arson, vandalism, gates being left open, which allowed cattle to wander off, damage to the sea wall, illegal cycling, motorbike use and consideration of range safety measures”.

A Monmouthshire County Council spokesperson added: “Notices regarding the closure of the footpath and alternative route are available on Monmouthshire County Council’s website and we have been endeavouring to keep them up on site. However, there has been problems with individuals removing the signs. This is an offence, but it is also putting visitors and local people in danger and hampering our endeavours to deal with the issues”. If you or anyone should witness someone tampering with the signs, then please contact: countryside@monmouthshire.gov.uk”