MADAM,

The present market being held on the original site of the cattle market is where we as young children used to play. How dare L J Smith suggest we should do away with what is left! {‘Time for fresh thinking?’ 29th July)

As a small child I remember my mother going to the then butter market in Priory Street, where local farmers sold their home grown produce: butter, cheese, vegetables, poultry etc. The market was then moved to the Shire Hall cobbles where again it sold local produce. I remember George the egg man, Gwen the flower lady and the WI, for lovely cakes and preserves, which many people miss I’m sure.

For the sake of a few car parking spaces we must not lose our market. It is not only the locals who appreciate the lovely people who provide great plants and flowers, fruit and vegetables and other interesting products.

As we now know, there are plans for a new free car park not too far away for shoppers. Two days is all the market sellers ask, the festival took up more spaces I’m sure.

Please leave our market alone.

Carol Turner Williams

(Monmouth)