SIR, As a member of Raglan's community and a local farmer, I read with interest the arguments from those for and against the market project . I would suggest that both parties are missing a golden opportunity to give something extra to those who live in the Raglan community not just a modern livestock auction centre. Having been lucky enough to have visited a number of modern livestock centres in the UK, let us take a leaf out of their book. A new livestock centre for the surrounding farming community can, with a modern building design and portable livestock penning, be developed for many other uses for the benefit of those who live in and around Raglan. Raglan youth - for the young people of Raglan, the building design could accommodate indoor sports facilities. Also a meeting place for the youth of Raglan, surely better than the local bus shelter! Building design - modern clear span design also opens up opportunities for other interest groups in the area to name but a few, dancing, evening education, fund raising facilities etc. With careful thought, the uses for this centre are endless for the community. The issue of traffic ˆ why not look at the development as a way of speeding up the process to alleviate the dangers of traffic in the village. Maybe a relief road on the Chepstow side of the village, taking the danger away from the local school, where an accident is waiting to happen. Also use the project to put pressure on the County Council to look at car parking in Raglan, much needed by all residents of this growing village. Historic argument ˆ the issue of Raglan Castle and the views that will spring up with this new facility. Surely throughout history there has been and will continue to be change. Standing on the ramparts of the castle looking down on a modern developing village would surely bring a smile to our predecessors. Finally, let's all stop arguing the negatives and be positive for a bright and prosperous future for all who live and work in the Raglan community. David Handley (Llangovan)
