Mention of the Shire Hall brings great public interest at the moment, not for the far sighted, visionary plans of its manager, Mike Booth, but for news of a decision on the return on the markets.Monmouth Town Council's (MTC) Finance and Policy meeting held on Monday night (18th April) was swamped by over 30 members of the public hoping to hear mention about the markets from Kellie Beirne, chief officer for regeneration and culture, and Moyna Wilkinson, deputy chief executive of Monmouthshire County Council (MCC), who were there supporting Mr Booth's presentation on the budget plan for the Shire Hall, pictured below.The chairman, Councillor Bob Hayward, welcomed councillors, MCC officers and members of the public, who were reminded that as it was a town council meeting, they were not allowed to speak apart from Tim Buckland, who had made a request in advance.Mr Booth began by outlining the ongoing works and the plans for the tourism element of the building.More than 250 different events and activities have taken place so far – the Civic Society's Open Doors event alone attracted 700 guests in three days.

For full story see Beacon 20/04/11.