CONTROVERSIAL speed humps are to be ripped up and replaced by a new £200,000 traffic-calming scheme in a Monmouthshire village.

Residents in Llanfoist, near Abergavenny opposed the five sets of speed humps and chicanes when they were introduced on Merthyr Road six years ago in a bid to slow traffic.

They claimed they were doing more harm than good, following several minor accidents involving the chicanes, which are in place at the entrance and exit to the village.

Four years ago a raised pedestrian crossing in the centre of the village was removed after residents complained of discomfort and noise caused when driving over them.

After lengthy consultation with residents Monmouthshire council is to start work on a £200,000 scheme to rip up the humps, remove one of two chicanes, add a zebra crossing, electronic warnings and a mini roundabout.

The council’s traffic and network manager, Paul Keeble said work will be carried out in two phases, with the first due to begin in April.

"We have consulted with residents on their preferred option and had unanimous support for the proposals," said Mr Keeble.

"Other measures to be introduced include resurfacing the road, creating a mini-roundabout at the junction of Gypsy Lane and Merthyr Road, creating six marked parking bays outside the post office, dropped kerbs and introducing flashing speed signs at each end of the Llanfoist," he added.

A resident, who did not wish to be named, said she welcomes the scheme.

"Everyone wants rid of the humps because they are detrimental to cars and don’t stop drivers from speeding," she said.

"I think electronic signs and another zebra crossing will slow drivers down on what is a dangerous road," she added.

The project will be funded by the Road Safety Capital Programme budget.