A petition has been handed to the Monmouthshire Beacon with the names of 58 traders who "strongly urge that the weekly market be returned to its rightful place in Agincourt Square.

This follows the news that the market traders, after two and a half years of trading in Blestium Street car park, will not be returning to their former position at the front of the Shire Hall.

Sources close to the Beacon have told us that the Tourist Information Centre (TIC), which was also ousted in 2008 to make way for the builders, has been told it is unlikely to return to the building in its present form.

At the moment, the centre has two permanent members of staff, with other seasonal workers during the summer.

Monmouthshire County Council's (MCC) cabinet report in November indicated that a new business plan would be written for the Shire Hall and it is intended, as part of that plan, that the market remains in its current location and that the Shire Hall runs niche markets under the arches.

In the same cabinet meeting the report, submitted by chief officer for regeneration and culture Kellie Beirne, stated: "Other proposals were formulated to use TIC staff and resources to 'cover' front desk activities and while this may be an inexpensive option in the short-term, it might not be the most feasible or appropriate option over the long-term".

One problem is that the market has expanded since it last traded in Agincourt Square in 2008 – the present day traders will simply not fit into the now reduced space at the Shire Hall.

Not only has the new loggia taken up space, but there must be suitable access to the hall and a 'muster station' area in case the fire alarms go off.

Staying at the lower end of town will mean that, under the collective banner of Monmouthshire Markets, there would be the opportunity for expansion of social and business ideas

For the full story see Beacon 8/12/2010