Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) is reaching the closing stages of its review of the future location of Monmouth market.

Deputy chief executive Moyna Wilkinson said: "While we understand that some market traders want the market to move back to Shire Hall, we are also aware that some don't.

"A further issue is that the market has grown quite significantly since moving to the site by the river.

"It's now simply too big to fit in front of Shire Hall in its present form."

Kellie Beirne, chief officer for regeneration and culture, said: "We realise that we have to make a final decision and expect to do so at the beginning of May, once we have the information from the review.

"We certainly want to continue and expand the successful niche markets that we ran before Christmas at the Shire Hall.

"Any decision on the market's future also needs to be informed by the Shire Hall's business plan, which is due to be presented to MCC's cabinet in June.

"This is a great opportunity for both the town and the market.

"One option is to develop the market's current location as well as starting a new set of niche markets at Shire Hall itself.

"This will allow a range of new activities to take place at Shire Hall including  conferences, events and weddings.

"It would mean that the current market would not be affected by these events and that we can enhance Monmouth's attraction as a tourist destination through specialist markets."