THE temporary closure of the main road through Tintern following a major landslide had a crippling effect on local businesses, according to traders.

The lack of passing trade meant hotels, pubs and shops in the village endured "ten days of hell", according to councillor Ann Webb.

She will be asking tough questions of the Forestry Commission at a public meeting next week following the chaotic scenes of January 15, when 200 tonnes of debris slipped onto the A466 following torrential rain.

Police and Monmouthshire council closed the road through the village for ten days as Forestry Commission engineers carried out detailed investigations of Barbadoes Hill, where the incident happened.

The road reopened at the weekend, but a single lane system was put in place with temporary traffic lights due to concrete barriers on the road, close to the landslip site.

Sally Llewellyn, landlady of the Moon and Sixpence, said the closure had reduced her normal takings by 80 percent.

"It's been dead," said Mrs Llewellyn. "We rely so much on passing trade and it's been a nightmare."

Mrs Llewellyn and fellow publican Peter Gowing, of the Anchor, said the signs warning motorists of the road closure only added to the disruption.

"The signs at St Arvans said the entire village was closed, when actually you could gain access to most things," he said.

"One day I took just £4. We were having to close between 4pm and 6pm most days, but I still had to pay the staff."

Councillor Ann Webb said: "I was shocked by the scale of the landslide," she said.

"I will be seeking assurances that the Forestry Commission will be doing all that is humanly possible to make sure this does not happen again.

Monmouth MP David Davies visited the village last week, and said he would be meeting the Forestry Commission to discuss the landslide issue.

  • The public meeting will take place Tintern Village Hall on February 4 at 7.30pm.