SIR,

Thoughts on two issues raised in letters last week.

The sensible suggestion that the land at Portal Road adjacent to the garage be used as a car park has already been tried some years ago.

A well-thought out free parking area for about forty cars was created within the trees, although not covered in tarmac. I worked in White Swan Court at the time and found the free parking very convenient, as did at least two other people.

The car park was never full, it seemed that 'it's a long way from the shops', 'too far to walk' and 'a bit muddy' were the excuses for not using the facility, which was eventually closed.

Good for Monmouthshire CC for having taken the sensible step to charge for green waste collection. It would have been better if they had abandoned it completely.

Driving around the county collecting waste that should be composted in gardens and made use of on-site seems totally illogical. It wastes energy, time and money. If people do not want the work involved in a garden maybe they should buy a small flat in town.

Jess Rabjohns

(Monmouth)