THE first meeting of Monmouth Town Council in the newly refurbished Shire Hall took place last Monday (6th September). Councillors met at 7pm in the historical building for the first time in two and a half years. Mayor of Monmouth, Jeana Hall commented on how special the evening was, saying: "I am delighted to be here". Items up for discussion included the extensive development of Merlin's in Monnow Street into 14 residential

units and an arcade of shops. Cllr Richard Bond said: "The town council like to encourage the idea of Monmouth town centre as a place for congregation and it is hoped that the proposals go ahead." Cllr Bob Hayward told members that the long-standing dispute over the CCTV invoice between Monmouthshire County Council and Monmouth Town Council "has now

been settled."