SIR,
Mrs B. J. Cutter (letter, June 24) has misunderstood the position about the new Iceland. It was not the town council that expressed concern about the traffic chaos the store in Priory Street might cause, but Terry Ashton in the period set aside at the beginning of the council's meetings for members of the public to address it.
The council itself was entirely relaxed about the traffic Iceland will bring. Counc Richard Bond stated no planning application had yet been received and apparently felt that excused him from having an opinion.
Counc Bob Hayward, however, was much more forward. He rejoiced in saying that parking was a matter for the county council and not something on which the town council could have any influence.
Of the other councillors, not a squeak. Not a single opinion. It was left to the Mayor, Ann Were, to say simply that the council "would keep an eye on the application".
So much for the council's "engagement" opportunity for members of the public. Mr Ashton had taken the trouble to attend the meeting and had raised concerns that are probably widely shared in the town and for his pains was patronisingly slapped down - by the council's silence as much as its answers.
Nearer the mark was the anonymous letter from Old Monmothian (June 17), who asked of Mr Ashton several of the points Mr Ashton himself had asked the council in vain. The council should try to give some answers.
Charles Boase
(Monmouth)