IR,

I have been visited by representatives of the Highways Department of Monmouthshire County Council, who have informed me that by extending the display of goods I have on offer to attract potential customers beyond the one metre permitted, I am causing an obstruction, and that if I persist in doing so the goods which infringe the ruling will be summarily removed.

I acknowledge that by extending my display beyond the permitted distance I contravene the regulation but feel, in mitigation, certain points need to be made.

With the removal of weekly markets and the inaccessibility caused by renovation work on the Shire Hall, Agincourt Square has been turned from the natural hub and town centre of Monmouth into a thoroughfare down which people and traffic pass to the opposite end of town, causing an imbalance in trade and activity.

The Post Office has been re-located further down Monnow Street and the Jobcentre and DSS offices have closed, causing further loss of amenity and services.

Against this background, my trade, and that of other small businesses in the Church Street area has been adversely affected.

To maintain trade for my regular customers and attract visitors and tourists unfamiliar with Monmouth, the frontage of my shop needs to stand out to reflect the wide variety of choice in the produce I sell.

In addition, my customers appreciate the attractiveness of the fruits and vegetables on display. Visitors and tourists to Monmouth are often amazed to find a real greengrocer with a real shop, reflecting the "heritage" aspect of its rarity. Special visits are made, photographs taken, and local artists have pictures of my shop front.

Church Street is pedestrianised. The extension of my shop front to two metres has caused people no impediment, and the short distance it takes up still leaves more than eightmetres for passers-by.

Never, in 21 years of trading have I received a complaint from pedestrians or customers, whether disabled, elderly, or mothers with children. Indeed, mothers bring families to my displays to choose what they would like to eat, and learn how to shop. Many of my customers are elderly or disabled, and find the height and extent of my display actually aids their ability to access and reach their purchases.

My shop also plays a part in the everyday life of Monmouth. It is a meeting-place where customers interact, exchange banter, catch up, and show concern for one another. It is an informal social service where customers are treated as individuals, by name, their health enquired after, and extra needs met, or help given wherever possible.

Although a small enterprise, the influence of my shop extends beyond Monmouth, contributing to the viability of local growers, farmers, and producers of dairy goods from whom I source my fresh produce as a priority, where possible, and in season.

Running a small business requires huge commitment from all concerned in its continuity, of energy, time, goodwill and adaptability if it is to endure. I am fortunate in the six loyal and diligent staff whose livelihoods depend on my shop. We continue because we must make a living, but are rewarded by the support and appreciation of our customers for being here at all.

Over the years, small shops have declined due not only to the power and influence of supermarkets, but to increased rents, rates and property prices. In these straitened times, the decline can only accelerate. Towns such as ours prospered through trading, by the diversity of goods, services and outlets imparting a unique and individual character.

People come to Monmouth to shop, but discouraging the ability of small shopkeepers to attract them harms trade.

I appreciate that rules are rules and made with good intent, but if unreasonably or too rigorously enforced shops and streets become uniform, people are tidied away, Monmouth loses its special identity, and shopping becomes a sterile and dispiriting experience.

Philip Munday

(Monmouth)