Sir,
I write in response to the inevitable letters at this time of year regarding lack of flowers in Monnow Street. While I have to agree with your respondent's regret, I wonder if they realise who is responsible for this?
I remember that some years ago the Town Council invested several thousand pounds on a watering system for hanging baskets. A private contractor supplied the baskets at a rate that was subsidised by the Town Council and this worked well for a couple of years.
Sadly, as shops got refurbished (by national chains) parts of the system were ripped out and these national chains declined to reinstate the system or replace it with their own hanging baskets.
The few baskets that we had last year were the result of a small community group working with local businesses, but this has now also gone.
Compare Monnow Street today with Church Street and White Swan Court – where the watering system installed by the Town Council still operates and there are hanging baskets on many of the locally owned shop fronts.
If they care about the town and its appearance, I urge your readers to support our local shops. Their owners care about our town and we should value them and ensure that local businesses thrive.
Usk is lucky to be dominated by small businesses working with a strong community group that cares about its flowers.
In Monmouth, the County Council has done its bit with the planting in St James' Square and St Thomas' Square.
And Monmouth Town Council should be congratulated on the delightful sites they have created near the "Welcome to Monmouth" signs and the planters in the town. While avoiding copying the County Council's garish colour clashes, these clever displays give year round pleasure, while doubling as a haven for bees and other wildlife.
A V Smith
(Monmouth)