SIR,

With regard to Monmouth Market, Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) has once again shown its total disregard for the wishes of virtually everyone in Monmouth.

The evidence gathering conducted by Mark Gardner showed overwhelming support for the return of the market to the square but once again MCC officials rely on snippets of information which will justify a decision which they had obviously made a long time ago.

Despite always claiming that a market could not be held in two places at the same time, MCC is trying to suggest a split market with smaller stalls will take place on a Saturday.

The comments in the Beacon from Kellie Beirne and Moyna Wilkinson are merely PR flannel lacking in opacity.

Despite the rather disingenuous use by the Beacon of a front page photo showing a European-style market, nothing could be further from the truth.

MCC is actually suggesting that smaller stall holders could hold a market, not in the square itself, but under the arches using trestle tables. This of course defeats the whole object of a market in the square.

Despite awaiting a survey from one of MCC's own officials, due mid-July, on markets in the county the council pre-empt the results by announcing what they intend to do whatever the report says.

The recommendations on the market go before cabinet on 20th July.

In normal circumstances Monmouth people could expect their elected representatives to lobby on their behalf and ensure the wishes of the electorate would be defended.

Unfortunately, none of our four councillors have said a word on this issue and it is highly unlikely that they will say anything at this stage.

Perhaps this will be remembered when the next elections come about.

I care about Monmouth and want it to be a vibrant and successful town, but unless we make our elected representatives and appointed officials listen to what the people of Monmouth want and not ride roughshod over everyone, our town will suffer.

I would have thought the petition would have made them have second thoughts, but it appears to have had no influence whatsoever.

Neill Bell

(Monmouth)