SIR,

Your correspondents and councillors who wish to protect Chippenham Mead from further encroachment should be careful to differentiate between defending the area and preventing Monmouth people from using it.

The provision of a few allotments for the people of Monmouth, on a temporary basis to cope with a surge in demand, should be considered and is not a misuse. Six groups of people have a theoretical interest in the Green:-

Allotment holders, Millennium Green enthusiasts, dog walkers, tourists, fishermen and Monmouth residents who value their village green.

As a regular visitor to my allotment, it appears to me that due to the terrible condition of the access road, usage is at a minimum at present.

Each group of users contributes to the wellbeing of the others. For example, the early and late dog walkers tell the allotment holders of any unwanted intruders and the allotment holders report any misuse of the area by motorcyclists. All groups provide the security of each other's company. All should not be discouraged.

The Monmouth authorities should get the road into good condition so that those people who want to use it can.

Perhaps one day we shall see a maypole on the green!

Trevor Hooper

(Monmouth)