SIR,
The statement by Debbie McCarty on behalf of Monmouthshire County Council in the Beacon (9th March) regarding the return of the market to Agincourt Square is beyond contempt.
Are we really being asked to believe that after a three-year re-furbishment of the Shire Hall, a capital spend of millions of pounds and a current wage bill of approximately £100,000 no business plan exists and will only be ready for discussion at the end of June?
If this scenario were repeated in any reasonable organisation the people concerned would be out of a job.
The return of the market to the square is not just to the benefit of the market traders, but has a significant impact on the future of Monmouth as a viable and prosperous market town.
It is important that this fact is recognised by everyone and that our elected representatives understand the depth of feeling and start taking the wishes of the people who elected them into consideration.
This matter is in the public domain and if councillors continue to allow unelected county officials to continue to use delaying tactics to frustrate the will of the people they should be held to account.
Our four County Councillors, Liz Hackett-Pain, Bob Hayward, Sue White and Alan Wintle have made no comment on this issue and it is time they, as well as our AM and MP let the people of Monmouth know where they stand.
The mayor and other town councillors have gone public with their support for the return of the market to the square and we have to question why our other elected representatives remain silent?
The return of the market to the square will benefit everyone, and anyone who cares about the town should be writing to their representatives to ensure that they act in the best interests of Monmouth.
Neill Bell
(Monmouth)