There’s a lot of conversation in the town about the amount of money being spent in the refurbishment of the Shire Hall, which if one remembers, was only totally refurbished not that long ago.

The town councillors and MCC state very clearly “They want to hear from people, We will listen and act for the benefit of the local residents and visitors”.

Could I ask therefore that we have a town referendum when we have a very simple vote. ‘Shire Hall or Monnow Street’.

The question is, should over £2million be spent on the Shire Hall refurbishment to make a ‘nice’ museum, or on Monnow Street, bringing back a decent pavement and parking”

I think the refurbishment of Monnow Street will create good will towards the councillors more than a Shire Hall fit out. But the locals living in the Beacon catchment area should have their say.