A CAMPAIGN calling for an end to speed humps in Abergavenny is gathering momentum after hundreds of people have added their names to a petition.

Motorist Malcolm Ewers, is spear-heading the fight to get humps in Llwynu Lane ripped up and replaced with alternative traffic-calming measures.

Mr Ewers first appeared in Free Press in January after finding a five-inch steel bolt - used to secure the humps - had come lose, and feared it could an accident.

Since then he has received support from dozens of residents and motorists who want to see the back of the humps.

Mr Ewers says the humps are a nuisance causing £300 of damage to his car (for which he is seeking compensation) and has identified several that are in need of repair. The retired gardener, who supports traffic-calming around all schools, wants Monmouthshire county council to think again and come up with an alternative.

"The humps are a nuisance and costing motorists money.

"The petition has been signed by hundreds of people and everyone I have spoken to from the milk man to taxi drivers has the same view. "We all agree traffic calming needs to be there but there must be a better way of doing it."

Mr Ewers says the problem is not confined to Llwynu Lane. Albert McNab, of Dan-Y-Deri has echoed his concerns there as have residents in Llanfoist.

One resident, a mum-of-three, told how her daughter escaped serious injury when she was hit by a car as she played outside her house. "She was playing outside in the summer when she was hit by a car which was trying to avoid the humps by going around them."

"I'm loathed to let my kids out now."

Stephen Hughes, of Rother Avenue said the humps are affecting the disabled.

"I have a bus pass and can't use it because it's too bumpy to sit in a bus as it goes over them."

Croesonen ward member, county councillor Roger Harris, and Mardy ward member, Nick Ramsay, met with residents' on Llwynu Lane. Cllr Harris agreed that the issue is a 'bone of contention'.

"The trouble is that we as a society have to suffer for the small percentage of people that abuse traffic-calming measures. I have seen for myself the state that these humps are in. There is no doubt that the bolts are coming out on two of the humps I have seen here."

Cllr Harris said that David Harris, head of highways at MCC, has agreed to meet all parties concerned at Llwynu Lane tonight.

Cllr Ramsay said: "We need to see if any modifications can be made, particularly with any of the humps that are in a bad state."

Mr Ewers said he would welcome alternatives such as a reduced speed limit, narrowing of the road or flashing 30s signs to slow drivers down.