SIR,

Having read with interest the countless letters asking for our market to return to Agincourt Square, we don't really understand who exactly is the person in charge of the decision to not let this happen for so long.

It has been established that the majority of stallholders want to return, that other traders from the top end of town would welcome this, that the citizens of Monmouth wish for it, and that the market has a historic and legal right to be held there.

Seeing that not all the stallholders want to be there means there's likely to be enough room for those who do.

We welcome the decision to let the Tourist Information Office return to the Shire Hall, but found the comments of Ms Beirne strange when she said a few weeks ago that brides who might one day get married in the Shire Hall would probably not like their pictures taken with the market going on in the background behind them.

Instead, and equally, couples may like to make this scenario into a pretty unique photo opportunity: how many newly-weds receive the friendly smiles and good wishes of a whole community of people they don't even know as they leave the building of their choice on their journey together?

If they want a sterile venue (of which there are many) why choose a historic, ancient market town?

This is our heritage which we love and are rightly proud of, it's not just something from the past but has continued through the ages and is still happening now, every week.

The venue matters greatly; we do not want our market in a draughty car park but back where it rightly belongs.

Ms Beirne is chief officer for regeneration and culture.

Regeneration, ie rebirth or renewal, means 'roughly the same is being created again'.

A niche market in Agincourt Square selling specialist 'niche' things serves the few who want to afford it; it's fine for special times in the year, such as Christmas and similar occasions.

'Specialist markets' are not regeneration as we understand it for the people of Monmouth.

Instead, we believe the railings must be unlocked and opened up during day-time hours, and the Friday and Saturday markets must take place once more in their rightful place, underneath and outside the Shire Hall.

Last but not least, please may we have the names of those councillors who are for, and those who are against the market to move back?

That way, we'll clearly know when it comes to the next elections as to who we want to support, should we be this way inclined.

Evi and Gordon Williams

(Monmouth)