SIR,

In August 1997, when I collaborated with Monmouthshire County Council on alternative Welsh names for places within our ward area, there was no mention of an alternative name being required for Newcastle.

We were fully appraised of the legal requirements and guidelines; in particular, the Deputy Chief Executive's instructions included that any name adopted would be with the expectation that it would be used for normal business purposes.

Now, to 2004. the county council erected very large signs at Newcastle showing Newcastle/ Castell-newydd. One of the signs was knocked down by a passing vehicle within hours and the other shortly afterwards. They were replaced.

There was no consultation whatsoever with this community council or local people or the press.

With some road direction signs already pointing in the direction of Newcastle/ Castell Meirch, the county council told us that both names were correct.

What we do know for certain is that the remains of the 'castle' is a mound or tump behind a farmhouse.

It was probably the fortified residence of a British Chieftain.

When the Normans came, it was improved by them and then used as an outpost for Monmouth Castle.

The name Newcastle has been in use for hundreds of years. Castell newydd was a 2004 county council figment and a blunder.

Castell Meirch (Castle of Steeds or possibly Castle of War Horses) is mentioned in the Book of Llandaff 900 years ago. It has certainly not been in 'everyday use'.

According to what Prof Gwynedd Pierce told us, there is no conclusive proof that Newcastle and Castell Meirch are exactly the same place, although Castell Meirch was within the boundaries of Llanfocha (St Maughans).

The two questions which need answering are: (1) Why is a section of the county council answerable to no-one when devising alternative place names and at what cost and allowed to discard all rules and regulations? (2) What should be done now? (offending names could be covered with adhesive to avoid more major expenditure).

Roy Nicholas

(Proper Officer, Llangattock Vibon Avel Community Council)