News

Monmouthshire County Council News

Published: 12 Jun 26

Find out the latest news from Monmouthshire County Council for June 2026. Read More...

Community Council Meetings

Published: 12 Jun 26

The next meeting of Whitecastle Community Council will be at Penrhos Church at 7.00 pm on 18 June 2026. The minutes of the meetings on 14 May are now available on the meetings page of this website. Residents of Whitecastle Community are warmly welcomed to all meetings. The agenda for the meeting is available on the linked page. Read More...

New community planters

Published: 12 Jun 26

The Community Council is delighted to support the installation of community planters, with the first now in place in Llantilio Crossenny. The Council would like to express its sincere thanks to local residents and members of the Llanvapley and District Gardening Club for their work in creating and maintaining the planter. Particular thanks go to Cllr Graham for building the planter. Read More...

Notice Of Vacancies In Office Of Councillor

Published: 12 Jun 26

The Community Council currently has vacancies in the Rockfield and St Maughans Ward. As one of the largest wards in the community, Rockfield and St Maughans is represented by three seats on the Council. However, there are currently no councillors representing the ward, and the Council is keen to ensure that residents in this area have a voice in local decision-making. If you are interested in becoming a councillor and representing the Rockfield and St Maughans Ward, please contact the Council for further information. For full details, please see the official notice on the linked page. Read More...

Improving Footpaths in Llantilio Crossenny and Penrhos

Published: 1 Jun 26

A community footpath improvement day will take place on Thursday 4 June at 10:00am, starting from Llantilio Crossenny Church Car Park (please note this new date). Led by Ross Emery from Monmouthshire County Council, volunteers will help survey and carry out light maintenance on local paths in Llantilio Crossenny and Penrhos. Participants should bring their own PPE, food, and drink. The event aims to improve countryside access and encourage the formation of a new Whitecastle Footpath Maintenance Group. Everyone in the Whitecastle community is welcome to join. See the linked page for full details Read More...

UPDATE Important resurfacing work to start in Whitecastle in w/c 27 April

Published: 21 May 26

The County Council Highways department has informed the Community Council of work which will done to improve road surfaces in various parts of the community. See the linked page for details which includes a report from MCC about the Jet Sprayer trial. Read More...

Notice Of Vacancy In Office Of Councillor

Published: 20 May 26

The council is seeking fill the three vacancies in the St Maughans and Rockfield ward. The official notice is available on the linked page. Read More...

Community Green Energy Advisory Group

Published: 7 May 26

The Community Green Energy Advisory Group has announced that applications for the 2026 Community Benefit Grant Scheme are now open. See the linked page for details. Read More...

Neighbourhood Watch News via Gwent Police

Published: 6 May 26

Gwent Police Neighbourhood Matters is the community messaging and engagement platform used by Gwent Police. It lets residents sign up for local crime alerts, policing updates, safety advice, and neighbourhood surveys in their area. The Community Council has been provided with information from the Neighbourhood Watch which may be of interest to residents. See the linked page for details. Read More...

Gwent Police Neighbourhood Matters

Published: 2 May 26

The Monmouthshire North Neighbourhood Policing Team has published its report for April 2026. See the linked page for details of reports received.. Read More...

County Council has checked a tree in Rockfield which was reported as unsafe

Published: 20 Apr 26

Following a request from the Community Council, the County Council has checked a tree in Rockfield which was thought to be unsafe. The report is on the linked page. Read More...

Road improvements

Published: 16 Apr 26

At the Community Council meeting on 9 April the County Council was made aware of the concerns of residents across the community area. The roads in Penrhos are of particular concern and the County Council has taken steps to improve the roads. See the linked page for details. Read More...

Wales's hidden place names brought to light

Published: 27 Mar 26

Unrecorded historic place names are being collected and recorded through community gathering sessions, adding to a national record of more than 715,000 entries. The List of Historic Place Names of Wales contains hundreds of thousands of place names, providing insights into the history of Wales and its language. Further details and links to the information can be found on the linked page. Read More...

Gwent Health Guide

Published: 26 Mar 26

Gwent Health Guide - an online tool designed to assist the residents of Gwent in navigating the complexities of the local healthcare system. More details can be found on the linked page. Read More...

A message for dog owners from Gwent Police.

Published: 24 Mar 26

There have been a number of recent incidents in the Gwent area involve dogs chasing or attacking sheep, causing distress and harm to livestock. Dog owners are reminded to keep pets under control, as worrying livestock is a criminal offence and farmers may act to protect their animals Read More...

Village Quilters

Published: 12 Mar 26

Six members of the Village Quilters attended the launch of the Gwent Bio Tapestry on Friday 6th March at the Riverfront Centre in Newport. The group meets regularly in Llanvapley Pavilion. See the linked page for more details Read More...

Help Brighten Whitecastle with Community Planters!

Published: 4 Mar 26

Whitecastle Community Council is inviting groups of residents to help enhance the village by installing wooden planters at entrances and central spots. The Council will provide the planters, compost, and plants — volunteers just need to bring their enthusiasm and teamwork. Interested groups should contact the Clerk at to get involved and help make the village bloom. whitecastlecommunitycouncil@gmail.com Read More...

Damaged road signs reported by the Community Council

Published: 2 Mar 26

A resident of the Hendre has asked for the No HGVs sign put back at the top of Llanvolda Lane which runs from the Hendre to Llangattock Vibon Avel. The muddy condition of the road has also been reported. Read More...

Llangattock Vibon Avel Church

Published: 2 Mar 26

A recent visitor to the church wrote this in the visitors' book. "16/02/26 We enjoy visiting churches on our walks. We purposely visited the C.S. Rolls Memorial. A beautiful church set in lovely surroundings. We had a picnic on the bench outside, taking in the scenery and remembering the lives in the graveyard. A must-visit." Many residents of Whitecastle have never visited the church - why not take advantage of the Spring and pay a visit. Read More...

Do you know where your waste is going?

Published: 1 Mar 26

The community council has been asked to support a national campaign to reduce fly tipping. Always check that the person taking away your waste has a waste carrier license. See the linked page for more information. Read More...

Footbridge Closures update

Published: 25 Feb 26

The county council has updated the community council on footbridge closures over the Trothy. Read More...

A public notice about an unsafe monument.

Published: 23 Feb 26

Whitecastle Community Council is responsible for the closed part of the churchyard at St Cadoc's Church, Llangattock Vibon Avel. Following a recent inspection, one of the gravestones was found to be in an unsafe condition. See the linked page for full details. Read More...

Events at the Grange Project

Published: 19 Feb 26

The Grange Project at Grange Farm, Llanvihangel-ystern-llewern is holding a number of events throughout the year which will be of interest to residents. Se the linked page for details. Read More...

Older People

Older People's Commissioner for Wales

Published: 18 Feb 26

The Older People's Commissioner for Wales has published a newsletter which may be of interest to residents. Details are on the linked page. Read More...

Road Closures in Llanvihangel-ystern-llewern ward

Published: 22 Jan 26

Road Closures in Llanvihangel-ystern-llewern ward Pant Lane: approx. 1.65 km from the B4233 Llanvihangel Church Road: approx. 0.60 km from Pant Lane. From 2 February 2026, expected to finish by 19 February 2026 09:30–15:30 daily Read More...

Damaged road signs reported by the Community Council

Published: 19 Jan 26

The Community Council has reported three damaged signs in Newcastle following a report from the ward councillor. Read More...

Community Litter-Picking Kits – Opportunity for Local Groups

Published: 8 Jan 26

Monmouthshire County Council is exploring a new initiative to support local communities to take quick action when litter becomes a problem. It has been suggested making small litter-picking kits available within villages and neighbourhoods, so residents can easily do a short litter pick if they notice an issue. Find out more on the linked page. Please contact the Clerk if you want to go ahead. Read More...

Potholes in Llantilio

Published: 6 Jan 26

Residents who are concerned about potholes can report them on the County Council website. The system is as easy as booking a slot at a waste transfer station, See the linked page for a map of the potholes recently reported in Llantilio. The Community Council has also contacted the highways department to seek a more permanent solution to the problem in the village Read More...

New Planning Applications

Published: 6 Jan 26

The Community Council has been consulted on two new planning applications in The Hendre and Penrhos. Details can be found on the Planning page of this website. Residents can comment online or via the Community Council. Read More...

Gwent Police Neighbourhood Matters

Published: 19 Dec 25

Gwent Police has asked the Community Council to make residents aware of a new two-way community messaging and engagement service. Go to the linked page for more details . Read More...

Public Access Defibrillators: A Guide for Communities

Published: 1 Dec 25

Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK), an organisation specialising in resuscitation, has published the guide ‘Public access defibrillators: A guide for communities’. Whitecastle Community Council are in partnership with the Village Life Community Project who maintain a network of defibrillators in Whitecastle Community and also in Skenfrith. Details of the guide can be found on the linked page. Read More...

Flood Information - Quick Reference Guide

Published: 12 Oct 25

As we move into Autumn and the return of wetter weather, Monmouthshire County Council has asked the Community Council to share some general information and advice about flooding with residents. Read More...

The Village Life Project is moving forward!

Published: 2 Oct 25

The Village Life Project (VLP) in partnership with Whitecastle and Skenfrith Community Councils provides defibrillator installation & CPR Training. Find out more on the linked page. Read More...

Publication of audited accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 - Delay

Published: 30 Sep 25

Whitecastle Community Council has published its 2024–25 accounting statements as required by Regulation 15(5). The audit is ongoing, and the Auditor General’s report and opinion will be added once completed. Read More...

Speed Limits Changes in Rockfield and St Maughans

Published: 10 Sep 25

The county council has approved speed limits changes in Rockfield and St Maughans which will take effect in the coming weeks. Details of the changes can be found on the lineked page. changes : Read More...

Managing local flood risk in Monmouthshire

Published: 8 Sep 25

Monmouthshire County Council is currently running a public consultation to gather views on its draft Local Flood Risk Management Strategy. More details on the linked page. Read More...

Pick up after your dog

Published: 2 Sep 25

Monmouthshire County Council has asked the community council to remind residents of the importance of picking up after your dog. More information is available on the linked page. Read More...

Footbridge Closures continue

Published: 6 Jun 25

The council has been consulted on the continued closure of three bridges over the Trothy. Residents are invited to contact the council with their views. More details on the linked page. Read More...

Audit notice

Published: 4 Jun 25

Notice of appointment of the date for the exercise of electors’ rights. See the linked page to read the notice. Read More...

Planning applications and Biodiversity

Published: 6 May 25

The council is consulted about every planning application in the community. All planning applications must show how the development creates a net benefit for biodiversity. Guidance from Welsh Government on how to do this has been published and is shown on the linked page Read More...

New bench in Churchyard

Published: 19 Apr 25

The community council is delighted to provide a new bench for visitors to Llangattock Vibon Avel Churchyard. Read More...

Dog Control

Published: 10 Apr 25

The Monmouthshire County Council (Dog Control) Public Spaces Protection Order 2024, introduces five key restrictions to manage dog behaviour in public spaces. Find out more on the linked page. Read More...

Transporting Waste

Published: 25 Feb 25

The community council has been asked to support a national campaign to reduce fly tipping. If you transport waste as part of your business, you must be a registered waste carrier. See the linked page for more information. Read More...

Llantilio Crossenny Womens Institute

Published: 17 Jan 25

Llantilio Crossenny Womens Institute has announced its 2025 program of events. See the linked page for details. Read More...

Llantilio Crossenny Church

Published: 10 Nov 24

The Community Council has given Llantilio Crossenny Church £500 towards Churchyard maintenance, car park and toilets for visitors Read More...

Llanvihangel Ystern Llewern Church

Published: 10 Nov 24

The Community Council has given Llanvihangel Ystern Llewern Church £250 towards the provision of toilets for visitors and walkers on Offa's Dyke Read More...

Penrhos Church

Published: 10 Nov 24

The Community Council has given Penrhos Church £250 towards Churchyard maintenance. Read More...

Rockfield Church

Published: 10 Nov 24

The Community Council has given Rockfield Church £250 towards Churchyard maintenance. Read More...

St Maughans Church

Published: 10 Nov 24

The Community Council has given St Maughans Church £500 towards the maintenance of St Maughans and Llangattock Vibon Avel (New part) churchyards. Read More...

The Village Life Community Project

Published: 10 Nov 24

The Community Council has given £1,000 to The Village Life Community Project to support its work in managing its network of defibrillators in Whitecastle community. Read More...

Llantilio Crossenny Womens Institute

Published: 10 Nov 24

The Community Council has given a grant of £250 to Llantilio Crossenny Women's Institute to support its work in the community. Read More...

Llanvapley and District Gardening Club

Published: 10 Nov 24

The Community Council has given a grant of £250 to Llanvapley and District Gardening Club to support its work in the community. Read More...

Air Ambulance Wales

Published: 10 Nov 24

The Community Council has given a donation of £250 to Air Ambulance Wales support its work for the community and visitors to the area. Read More...

The Village Alive Trust

Published: 5 Nov 24

The community council is delighted to support the work of he Village Alive Trust. The trust is currently working on the restoration of Llanarth Church. Find out more on the linked page. Read More...

Dropping off donations responsibily

Published: 30 Sep 24

The community council has been asked to support a national campaign to reduce fly tipping. Please do not leave pre-loved items outside charity shops when they are closed. See the linked page for more information. Read More...

New bench in Churchyard

Published: 18 Sep 24

The council is pleased to announce that a new bench has been installed in Llanvihangel-ystern-llewern churchyard. The council would like to thank members of the Jubilee Group for funding and completing this project Read More...

Llanvihangel Ystern Llewern churchyard

Published: 11 Sep 24

Maintenance work in Llanvihangel Ystern Llewern churchyard is now complete and the route of Offa's Dyke National Trail has been restored. The community council would like to thank Simon Evans of GCC & Plant Hire Ltd and the church committee for their help and support in this matter. Please see the linked page for pictures of the newly restored path around the churchyard. Read More...

Public bench installed in Llantilio Crossenny

Published: 31 Jul 24

Thanks to the work of the Jubilee Group, residents and walkers can now enjoy a comfortable sit down while walking around the village. Read More...

Portrait of His Majesty King Charles III finds a home in Llantilio Crossenny

Published: 22 Jul 24

The community council is delighted that Llantilio Crossenny Church committee has accepted a framed portrait of His Majesty King Charles III from the community council Read More...

Whitecastle Community Council supports a Community Group

Published: 19 Mar 24

Llantilio Crossenny Church Committee is responsible for the maintenance of the churchyard for the benefit of all members of the community. The church committee provides a car park (which is very well used by walkers), seating for visitors and also a toilet which is available for everyone. Find out more on the linked page. Read More...

Monmouthshire Local Nature Recovery Action Plan

Published: 5 Feb 24

The county council is consulting the community council and residents on its Local Nature Recovery Action Plan. Find out more details on the linked page. Read More...

Defibrillators in the community council area

Published: 4 May 23

Did you know there are 10 public access defibrillators in the community council area? Read More...