SIR,

Everyone agrees that the Shire Hall refurbishment was sadly needed and the building now looks superb.

However, it would be far better if the railings were opened so that the building would look a little more welcoming.

As it stands, it appears somewhat daunting and not at all welcoming for the general public.

On a more serious note when can we expect the market to return to Agincourt Square?

Monmouth has been a market town for centuries and a market in the middle of town creates a great atmosphere and is also good for business; not only in the market but surrounding businesses as well.

The current market site on a windswept car park is a travesty.

It has absolutely no atmosphere, it takes up valuable car parking spaces and the majority of stall holders have experienced a decline in business.

Rumour has it that Monmouthshire County Council claim there is insufficient space in Agincourt Square, and in any case, if only one stall holder wishes to stay in the car park they will not move it.

This is obviously arrant nonsense.

The market has been in the square for ages and if more space is required there is a good argument for closing Agincourt Street on a Saturday and extending the market.

As far as one stall holder being able to hold the remainder of stall holders to ransom this is not even worthy of a reply.

If a minority wish to stay in the car park then let them, and before the county council argue that you cannot have two markets in a town, it should be pointed out that it is the same market in two locations.

It is important that we ensure Monmouth remains a vibrant town and that the vast amount of money spent on the Shire Hall is not wasted.

By bringing the market back to Agincourt Square we will re-juvenate the town centre and also create an opportunity for the Shire Hall and Agincourt Square to be a focal point of the town and generate additional business.

Too often have we allowed decisions to be made and then regretted not having opposed them at an earlier stage.

If we want the market to return to its rightful place then we must be vociferous in our comments to the press, local councillors and our MP.

Neill Bell

(Monmouth)