SIR,

As a wife and mother and a local for the past 17 years, I can see two sides to the McDonald's debate.

Every mother likes to see their children eat nourishing food, this is what I personally try to accomplish.

But, if at anytime my family wish to eat a McDonald's or a local curry, I have no problem with this.

What I do object to is an individual, who wants to be a politician, telling us what we should or shouldn't eat.

The reason being, it is up to the individual what they include in their diet. The majority of us are a little too old in the tooth to change now.

Okay, I understand the location of the proposed development may be an issue, but the Dixton roundabout and the dual carriageway have long been an area for scrutiny.

We all know Monmouth has a large choice of eateries, with half of them being classed as fast food outlets, but on the plus side, there are a number of local establishments that choose to use local produce, which is excellent.

So my argument is; if McDonald's opened up in a property like the old Burtons/ Dorothy Perkins, it would be no different to the coffee shop chains, bakeries King Kebab etc.

I don't recall any debate when these outlets opened up.

As for taking shoppers from our town, I think the dual carriageway and lack of parking did that long ago.

Whenever I happen to shop out of town, because Monmouth doesn't stock what I require, I am amazed at how many locals I recognise shopping and eating away.

The majority of us choose to do this, at certain times.

I refuse to be brainwashed by a politician or someone trying to make political points.

We are still a country of free speech, thank goodness.

Jennifer Evans

(Monmouth)