Monmouthshire landslip leads to 70-mile diversion for drivers

People are being forced to make a 70-mile round trip following the closure of one of Wales' highest roads due to a landslip. Monmouthshire council is looking to pay £100,000 for a section of land to provide a route around the affected area near Gospel Pass. The diversion between the villages of Llanthony and Capel Y Ffin has been causing disruption for about 50 homes and businesses, said a council report, adding about a 90-minute round trip to Abergavenny. It was also affecting visitors' access to the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons and concern about emergency service response times since the landslip in January. According to the RAC, Gospel Pass is renowned as the highest road pass in Wales, at about 549m (1,801ft). "The residents of Llanthony and Capel Y Ffin are reliant on access to Abergavenny for work, medical care, shopping, post deliveries etc and access for those basic services results in an additional 70-mile diversion," said the council report. Emergency services have had to reroute vehicles and identified potential delays due to the extended alternative route, it said. The council has reached an agreement in principle on the land sale with the landowner while the deal