A CALDICOT man has accused the council of using bullying tactics in the installation of a raised pavement and bus stop outside his house.

Peter Coles, 65, of Longfellow Road, Caldicot, has been in dispute with Monmouthshire county council since 2001; when they initially tried to put in a new bus shelter and a chicane, two doors away from where he lives. The original plans included a chicane which overlapped someone's drive way.

Mr Coles said: "Four years ago contractors came here and started digging up the road - nobody had asked us about it. I went to see my local MP Mr Howarth and he wrote to County Hall and had it stopped."

Elderly residents living at Cwrt Severn sheltered accommodation had requested raised pavements and a bus shelter, after finding it difficult to board the modern high-raised buses. The bus shelter was to protect them from the bad weather.

Two years ago the Free Press reported on an argument which erupted in the street between Mr Coles and Ian Phillips, who then lived at Cwrt Severn.

Mr Coles and his next door neighbour Jean Matthews, 71, were objecting to the bus stop being moved from its original position between their houses; where they claim it has been for the past 30 years.

Mr Coles says he has since received two letter from county hall, one dated February 2, 2005, informing him there would be opportunity for further debates on the matter from 'all parties concerned'. The second letter is dated February 6, 2006, in which Dave Clark, assistant engineer for integrated transport, environment directorate, informs Mr Coles that he has been given the go-ahead to carry out the work by local councillors Dave Evans and James Harris.

Mr Coles also complains that he has not been visited or consulted by MCC or his local councillors.

Cllr Evans said: "I have been to see Mr Coles on two occasions - these problems have been going on long before I became involved. I spoke to Mr Clark ad informed him resident did not have a problem with the bus stop staying where it was. The next thing I knew there was a letter saying we had agreed to have it where it is at the moment.

"A bus shelter is definitely not going outside Mr Coles house, I have been assured of that by Mr Clark. If there was one put there I would fight it."

Mr Clark said: "This has been going on for quite a long period. Mr Coles has been consulted. I am not sure where it goes from here!"

Chris Woodhouse, Cabinet member for the environment, said: "Following requests made by the residents of Cwrt Severn Sheltered Housing Complex and the local member, MCC has provided a raised boarding platform at the bus stop on Longfellow Road in Caldicot, opposite the Cwrt Severn Sheltered Housing Complex.

"Considerable consultation has taken place, including site meetings. The boarding platform has had much support, including the approval of Councillor James Harris, the Town Council, Cwrt Severn Residents Association, Action 50+ Caldicot District and our AM and MP. The platform is a permitted development and therefore does not require planning permission.

"This facility means more vulnerable members of the community, young and old alike, have better access to public transport and increased independence."

Cllr Harris denies knowledge and giving permission for a letter in his name being sent to Mr Coles.