No amount of ironwork will disguise the scaffolding crisis currently playing out in Church Street, but this project may just be the start in turning around the fortunes of the beleaguered traders in this once-pretty corner of Monmouth.

Platform One, a Monmouth design studio, had successfully tendered for the design and artwork of the town council commissioned project of an archway.

David Evans of Platform One explained that the artwork was approved and supplied over 18 months ago, “but progress was delayed due to various technical issues and works being carried out in the area.”

They had to wait for the scaffolding to be removed from the Barton before the posts could be built and installed.

But the problem scaffolding on the Nationwide building and other premises still remain as an effective blocking structure to shoppers, much to the anguish of traders who have seen footfall drop like a stone.

At 2 Church Street, the former Cotton Angel, the scaffold licence has been renewed until 30 June. The council’s planning service has had no engagement from the contractor or owner yet. Officers are trying to find out what works are proposed. The contractor has been informed that the licence may not be extended past June if this information is not provided.

Work to the roof at the Nationwide Building Society at ​4 Church Street has a scaffold licence in place until 6 September. Traders have felt that the building society has been “ dismissive“ about their concerns

The scaffold licence is valid until 8 August at the former fruit and veg shop at 10 Church Street and according to one frustrated trader, could be there "for years”.

Discussions are ongoing with heritage officers regarding future investigations and the Listed Building Consent application.

MP Catherine Fookes has been involved among others and has written to the Nationwide to press for the works to be completed as quickly as possible and reinforce the points already raised by Creates Restaurant about impacts on footfall.

She has contacted Monmouthshire County Council’s Heritage and Planning teams to request that the timber inspection is carried out urgently and written to Monmouth Town Council regarding signage and lighting on Church Street.

“One of the main concerns raised with me was the lack of communication around the timeline for the works. Following my letter, Nationwide have now confirmed that the scaffolding is expected to remain in place until the autumn,” she said.

“Nationwide have however also offered to contribute towards signage to help make the area more welcoming and encourage footfall while the works continue.”

One man took to social media to say it was an “absolute disgrace” and “ a complete eyesore.”

Roger Jones listed the number of eyesores that the town has seen in 12 months including the long-standing scaffolding outside The Barton (now removed) and Peacock's as well as the scaffolding outside the Shire Hall”.

“It's an absolute disgrace that the town and its immediate environs are like a never-ending building site, and nobody appears to care, except for all the traders who are forced to close.”