THE construction of the new Monnow Bridge has entered its latest phase with the arrival of two giant beams.

The two 51 tonne beams entered the town during the early hours of yesterday morning under police escort.

The journey from where they were constructed in Chepstow took two hours and their arrival in Monmouth at 6am was watched by a dozen people.

The beams were moved from the lorries with military precision and positioned in such a way so that they can be welded together.

The manoeuvre was repeated with another two beams earlier this morning and they will form the backbone on the new bridge.