SIR,

I am responding to a letter by Liam Stubbs and his argument against a McDonald's in Monmouth.

His quotation from the Independent newspaper and a case study from the United States is hardly a strong argument.

I shared many of his views on a personal level. But unlike Mr Stubbs I also recognise that different opinions should be listened to, and that the evidence should be carefully considered, and not misrepresented.

We should not avoid the fact that Facebook support for the Yes to McDonald's page now has well over 1,100 likes whereas the No has less than 800.

On the other hand, the Beacon reported some vital issues which need to be considered, such as the proposed location and the potential effect on local businesses.

What truly irritated me about Mr Stubbs' letter was the following statement.

"County Councillors who wish to keep their seats at the next election would do well to listen to the voices of local people".

This assertion indicates that Mr Stubbs' motivation does not lie in safeguarding the health of children, or battling corporate profits.

But rather with the short-sighted aim of undermining local councillors, with the sole objective of winning a seat at the next local election.

Firstly, I know that the county councillors in Monmouth are hard-working individuals who have known the people of this town, in some cases, for decades.

They do not deserve feeble and indirect threats based on faulty data. They need to be engaged with, and helped, and by doing that they can then respond appropriately. We should be encouraging that kind of community spirit.

Secondly, Mr Stubbs would do well to reconsider his aggressive attitude towards local issues.

Those of us who have a history with this town will recall that opinion is deeply divided on issues like this. I know that I am not alone in thinking that this is a respectable town. So let's hear views from as many different people as possible before rushing to conclusions.

Let's try showing a bit of more respect for all the people of this town, and approaching these hot topics with warm hearts and cool heads.

Mat Davies

(Monmouth)