MADAM,
In response to Margaret Lewis (Letters January 4th) I say more power to Mr Stroud's pen - he writes about Monmouthshire for good reason. Many people feel strongly about what has happened to Monmouthshire over the years but feel powerless to do anything about it. I can only explain the situation in brief in this letter but if Mr Lewis wishes to contact me I can explain more fully.
For years, Monmouthshire's status had been disputed but authority regarded it as English. In the 1974 Local Government reorganisation, Monmouthshire was undemocratically forced into Wales. Also, contrary to the act Monmouthshire's loyalties have been forced to change - when was the last time you celebrated St George's Day? - and the Government insists that the County of Monmouth is Gwent. I also know someone who wrote an article on Monmouthshire for a book on British Counties and his article was censored to make it more politically correct.
Contrast what has happened to Monmouthshire with the following: The Government consults Northern Irish people and listens to them. Monmouthshire people are never consulted on any changes affecting them. The Government could not move fast enough to bring back Rutland and Pembrokeshire. The national newspapers were willing to publish letters from people who wrote in to support these causes but they do not want to know about Monmouthshire.
I am sorry if Mrs Lewis is fed up but this is one lot of worms that cannot be buried. Monmouthshire has been wronged. Monmouthshire must have justice.
Glyn Jones
Coombe Road,
Weston-super-Mare