SIR,
Surely Monmouth's successful voluntary organisations and groups must reflect 'The Big Society'.
Yet Monmouthshire County Council have imposed on us a new chief officer for regeneration and culture, with her 'comprehensive branding review', to tell us what we need, which is opposed to what we want.
The demanded return of the market to its historically legal, and promised, position in Agincourt Square awaits a still uncompleted business plan.
But it just might insult any possible wedding groups, as yet unbooked, who prefer the hall to our famous churches.
There has been no public consultation and the present councillors hardly represent local opinion on anything.
Equally unforthcoming is the Shire Hall's participation as the hub of local life.
So far 3,500 have attended 250 events – a sad average if it includes the crowds who crammed in for Princess Anne's visit.
The poorly promoted Shire Hall Live and Local History Fair on 2nd April attracted a trickle of visitors, outnumbered by the participants, some of whom quit before lunch.
Why did they hire actors from Swansea to portray the Chartists, and expensive costumes for the hall's still-increasing staff when Monmouth can provide both?
Where were local performers? Local actors have re-enacted that brief episode in the hall's long history many times before.
There were no musicians and no carnival talent on the cobbles.
This was another expensive fiasco following the regrettable Rolls Royce commemoration last summer – how long is this learning curve to be?
Meanwhile we learn that the hugely popular carnival is struggling for funds, while the Kymin Dash is cancelled.
A chunk from the regeneration officers' salaries, county councillors generous expenses or the town council's administration costs could give us a memorable carnival every day of the summer.
Is 'The Big Society' doomed?
Kirstie Buckland
(Monmouth)