SIR,

With reference to the letter by Malcolm French on Wednesday 6th November, firstly I applaud him for allowing his name to be published in association with such an emotive issue.

Secondly I recognise his courage in both admitting a) his incompetence in the kitchen and having to wait to eat until his wife gets home to cook his tea for him and b) his preference for McDonald's cooking over that of his wife's.

I have not been in a McDonald's for more than 20 years so I cannot comment on its contribution to the national diet.

I do share some concerns about its likely contribution to the litter problem that Monmouth already has.

My main concerns are very much with your other correspondents on the siting of the restaurant close to the Dixon roundabout.

To Mr French's point, it clearly serves two important functions; firstly to take traffic to the north of Monmouth (and the comprehensive school) without having to travel up Monnow Street, and secondly to serve Agincourt school.

This section of the A40 already has a reputation as a bottleneck.

To increase the level of traffic in its vicinity seems only likely to exacerbate it further.

Guy Moody

(Monmouth)