Monmouthshire County Council is prepared for Storm Eunice. Following the Met Office’s Red Warning for high winds that could pose a danger to life and possible damage to property, it has been confirmed that all Monmouthshire school sites will be closed on Friday 18th February 2022. All pupils due to attend school and any planned inset days will move to a virtual setting instead.
Five Lanes and Llanfoist Household Waste and Recycling Centres will also be closed, and residents are being asked to not put waste and recycling out for collection as collections on Friday 18th February are being cancelled. Any bags left out will be at risk of blowing around, so should be kept securely until a collection can be made.
A flood warning is in place for the River Wye at Tintern, the council’s Highways teams have been out delivering sandbags and clearing channels.
MonLife’s Abergavenny, Caldicot, Chepstow and Monmouth leisure centres will be closed to the public all day. The county’s museums will also be closed as will the council’s community hubs. The adverse weather will also close the markets scheduled to be held in Abergavenny and Monmouth tomorrow. Abergavenny Town Hall and Market will be closed throughout the day.
The Countryside service has requested that residents avoid putting themselves at risk by walking in the sites during Storm Eunice, and in its aftermath being mindful of the risks posed by damaged trees and debris.
The council’s Community Meals team will deliver food to all people who require it and have made contingency plans for tomorrow. If staff are unable to deliver on Friday because of worsening conditions, everyone will be contacted by phone if they need assistance. The Community Meals service has the use of a number of four-wheel-drive vehicles while bad weather persists.
The council’s contact centre staff are working remotely and will operate as usual from 9am to 5pm. The MyMonmouthshire app can also enable access to services via www.monmouthshire.gov.uk. Residents can ring the contact centre on 01633 644644.
County Hall in Usk will remain closed to avoid staff needing to travel and office based colleagues will work remotely.
Monmouthshire County Council’s Leader, Cllr Richard John said: “I would like to thank all those front line colleagues who will be continuing to support our community during this potentially challenging time. I would encourage everyone to stay at home where possible and avoid any unnecessary travel while Storm Eunice is still a threat. We have not taken the decision to close schools and other services, such as our leisure centres, lightly, but have done so to protect members of the public and colleagues.”
Residents are advised to follow the council’s social media accounts @MonmouthshireCC on Twitter and Facebook for the latest service updates.