SIR,

I feel that the proposed plans for a retail/ restaurant/ veterinary development for land adjacent to the Dixton roundabout need to be considered without reference to McDonald's.

McDonald's is like marmite, you either love it or hate it.

If McDonald's was to open a restaurant in town, I would not object as investment would be within the town itself.

However, I have written to both the council and David Davies MP to express my dismay at the proposed out-of-town development.

My objections are as follows: firstly, development is on an already dangerous roundabout. Secondly, development is not within the town itself.

Thirdly, parking will probably be free and it is therefore unfair to businesses in the town where parking has to be paid for.

Jobs are likely to be low paid, and on zero hours contracts.

The development would cause significant light pollution for the residents of Dixton Road/ The Gardens.

How can the council seem to be able to attract a fast food restaurant and a pub to the Dixton roundabout site when a restaurant could not be found for the proposed hotel development behind the Budgen's Petrol Station?

The council were so confident that this hotel would be built that it cleared the area of trees, destroying valuable wildlife habitat.

I have appealed to Monmouthshire County Council to have vision and to concentrate on the development and support of the town and its traders before supporting large multinational development.

Whether the site attracts a McDonald's is really a red herring. Please set aside your fast food differences people of Monmouth and think clearly on this issue.

Jo Booth

(Monmouth)