SIR,

I write in response to the recent articles that have been printed regarding the potential development of the land adjacent to the Dixton roundabout.

I note that as part of the application there is the possibility of a veterinary practice on the site.

I comment that this is not a planned move by Elms Veterinary Surgery to a new position.

For the record, we are in absolute opposition to a development in this location.

I would further comment that the proposal for an additional practice appears beyond the realms of ludicrous, given that we already have three practices in town.

Perhaps a look at similar professions would give some sensible guidance. Small towns in the past have been restricted to three pharmacies and GP partners seem to work to similar numbers.

This system gives people adequate choice without swamping the town with replications. It also provides a sustainable population size for the practices involved.

I sincerely believe this development will have a detrimental effect on the current veterinary practices in town as the population is not high enough to support an additional service.

On a wider scale, the businesses as a whole in Monmouth will inevitably suffer.

I genuinely believe that the preservation of Monmouth as a market town is of utmost importance and the location of this proposal is woefully inappropriate.

Terry Dixon

(Elms Vets, Monmouth)