In recent weeks, I have been contacted by many constituents concerned about the significant disruption that road closures and transport issues are causing across the Forest of Dean.

For many of you, these closures are affecting journeys to work, healthcare appointments, school runs, local businesses and everyday life. I fully understand the frustration people are feeling.

Since becoming your Member of Parliament, I have heard from constituents almost every week about the upheaval caused by roadworks and road closures. For a long time, I have questioned and scrutinised the way road closures are planned, coordinated and communicated. While essential maintenance and infrastructure improvements must take place, there must be greater consideration of the cumulative impact on local people.

At present, two major issues are causing particular concern: the closure of the A40 bridge between Over and Highnam roundabouts and the ongoing closure of the Wye Bridge.

I want to be clear that in both instances, I understand and fully appreciate that these works are necessary to ensure public safety. That must always be the priority. However, that does not mean there should be no proper planning, communication, and accountability.

Starting with the A40 closure, I have written to the Department for Transport and corresponded with the Roads Minister, pressing for subsidised rail fares, additional rail services, and further infrastructure support to help mitigate the severe congestion experienced by local residents.

I have also sought answers from Highways about why key stakeholders were not informed earlier and why communication surrounding the works fell below the standard people rightly expect. I have personally spoken with emergency services to understand their concerns and the level of engagement they received from National Highways.

To address these concerns, I brought together National and Gloucestershire Highways, Gloucestershire NHS Trust, and emergency services to discuss practical solutions and ensure emergency access is maintained throughout the works. National Highways acknowledged that the urgent nature of the repairs meant the level of planning and consultation was not what they would ordinarily expect. Nevertheless, I have repeatedly challenged why multiple closures and roadworks are taking place simultaneously without a more strategic approach. I have also met affected businesses and attended parish council meetings to understand the impact firsthand.

The situation at the Wye Bridge remains equally concerning. Residents need clarity about what happens next. I have been engaging with strategic partners and have written to Monmouthshire and Gloucestershire County Council seeking further engagement, following the developments of last week. I continue to engage with both local authorities and the Department of Transport to ensure effective cross-border cooperation and clear communication for residents.

This wider issue of cross-border connectivity is something I raised directly in the House of Commons last week with the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Lucy Rigby KC MP. As she acknowledged, this is a long-standing challenge for our area that I repeatedly raise

I will continue pressing to ensure that the £445 million investment announced for Wales in the spending review delivers meaningful cross-border improvements that will also benefit the Forest of Dean and will continue to hold organisations to account and ensure that the voices of Forest of Dean residents are heard loud and clear.