A CHEPSTOW man says Monmouthshire council is acting "unreasonably" - after it allowed a funfair to return to fields behind his home.

Andrew Gay, (pictured) who lives in Lord Eldon Drive - in front of the rugby club where the fair is due to be held - said residents complained to the council about the event when it was there six months ago.

But the fair returns this weekend - and Mr Gay said he was "amazed and concerned" permission had been granted.

The council's recreation officer, Tim Bradfield, told the Argus residents' concerns were addressed, and discussions were being held over whether the fair would go ahead at all, given the effect of the recent bad weather on the ground.

Mr Gay is also concerned because heavy lorries willl use the narrow roads to get to the ground.

He said the issues had not been addressed as far as he was concerned: "Have all the residents of Lord Eldon Drive moved out? No.

"Is the funfair being sited at a different location? No. "Have there been major road improvements in the area? No. "The fact is that these enormous fairground vehicles will use a road that has a 7.5 ton weight limit.

"They will enter a residential area at Lord Eldon Drive with these huge, oversized vehicles, causing a real danger to children's lives and property.

"Then, after causing a major gridlock negotiating tight bends at the bottom end of Lord Eldon Drive, will enter a single-track lane which children use to get to the local park. "I believe that Mr Bradfield has behaved in an unreasonable manner by granting permission again for this funfair to be sited at Chepstow Rugby Club."

Mr Bradfield told the Argus there was no weight restriction on the road concerned and that the fairground operators would be liable for any damage.

He added: "Following the last visit of the fair to the rugby club, there were some concerns expressed by residents.

"We undertook to address those concerns, and that is what we have done. "The fair operator has signed a licence agreement which will prevent the use or maintenance of machinery between 10pm and 8am.

"There are also undertakings to minimise the noise and to clear the area of litter."