MADAM,

I am horrified at the draconian imposition by Monmouthshire County Council of charges for small independent business in Monmouth for putting out tables and chairs, fruit and vegetable stalls, book stands, etc on the pavements in front of shops. Clearly some sort of limit is required in the way of space, but where the pavement is wide or in pedestrian precincts it adds immeasurably to the character of the town.

The council is being disingenuous in claiming that this is a health and safety issue to protect the blind and partially sighted. I know of at least one blind lady who loves to shop at Phil Munday’s shop. If it were a heath and safety issue then how can they argue that if the shops pay, they can put the street furniture out? No. Some bright spark at county hall has thought this up as a money-making scheme for a council so strapped for cash by the government that they have to resort to this.

It is hard enough for independent high street retailers. I know many of them have been hit by recent huge rate rises and many are struggling to compete with the internet and large shopping centres and supermarkets. Now this council is just adding to their burden.  

Church Street without Phil Munday’s stall looks bland and boring. Monmouth will be the poorer for the loss of character, and the possible loss of the businesses concerned.

I hope that something can be done to make MCC see reason.

Daphne Smith

(Monmouth)