I came to live here 20 years ago, attracted by the delight of the countryside and the town. It is so sad now, to see so many shops closing and now empty. The reasons are obvious and two fold. The business rate, set by the Welsh Government is too high and perhaps,even worse, rental charges are out of control with agents on commission driving these up all the time.

As this decline continues, you report on the Agincourt Square plan proceeding with a budget of £850,000 from the Welsh Government, £90,000 from the Monmouthshire County Council and even £45,000 from the Monmouth Town Council.

I gather that the head of operations for MCC believes that this will all improve the shopping experience in Monmouth and adds that even small independent shops will only be able to receive deliveries before 10am and after 4pm, to again improve the experience. This is nothing short of laughable as with no shops there will be no experience!

It is about time that the Monmouth Town Council took a grip and supported the small independent shops in Monmouth and while they are about it did far more to encourage market holders on a Saturday.

Local government would appear to have budgets available, so please can we see that sensible priorities are set and that the shops in Monmouth are properly supported.

Bill Catling (Tal-y-Coed)