SIR,

I wrote a poem about Monmouth, some weeks ago, which the Beacon published, that spoke about the peace and beauty of the area, and the welcome you get from the manageress at Neros, the owner of Pasty Heaven and my favourite librarian, but many in the town seem resistant to change.

I can understand why as I spent 40 years in an urban area with the attendant congestion, crime and divided communities that often accompany such places.

Lately there have been objections to McDonald's, who arrived in my former home town of Bolton in the late 70s, and new housing developments.

I presently live in rented accommodation and this entire area is in desperate need of affordable housing, where do people like me find to live if the 'not in my back yard' approach prevails?

Also, for many in the area a development such as McDonald's can only enhance the area, and give familes more options.

To lay obesity at the door of one fast food chain really is unfair.

There are a few empty shops in the town now, and many are forced out to other towns when this one cannot provide what is needed.

The main street looks tired and in need of a fresh brush of imagination. So please let them build, within reason. Let us move forward. Let the town prosper.

Stephen Starkie

(Whitchurch)