DESPITE a polished presentation on a future vision for Monmouth, town councillors decided against providing any funding for the project at a meeting on Monday (23rd May), until more concrete proposals have been put forward.

A working party, consisting of members of the public and town councillors, had been looking at ways for the town to progress and the options open to them. Mr David Farnsworth, a former urban planner, outlined the ideas – called the Place Plan – at an extra meeting of Monmouth Town Council on Monday night.

The plan identified the strengths and weaknesses of the historic town and suggested Monmouth could develop in one of two quite different directions in the future, influenced by the growth in internet shopping which has had a radical effect on small market towns.

The two directions Monmouth could go were towards larger scale housing and a shift in a retail mix towards local convenience and discount retail centres, or an alternative way forwards emphasising lifestyle and artisan shops, smaller in-town housing sites with increased walking and cycling from the suburbs.

Areas identified for urban projects included Agincourt Square, Church Street, Blestium Street with projects including destination play space and enhancing arrival and access within the town.

It is not yet known full details of projects planned for these areas.

Looking for funding to continue research into the way forward, the working party had costed out options which included £5k for coordinating and promoting Agincourt venues and £10k for re-imagining the museum, following the American approach of providing a place of entertainment and excitement rather than items in glass cases.

Councillor Sue Chivers said she was “totally confused” and wanted to know what the money was going towards: “We don’t know if Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) intend keeping that [museum] building and the museum in it, so we’re just flying in the air there,” she said.

“You are talking about money and amounts and I don’t know what you want it for.”

Councillor Ann Were said that more information was needed from consulting the residents of the town: “Our vision may not be what residents want.”

Cllr Stuart Wilson felt they were putting the “cart before the horse.” The highways department of MCC has already submitted ideas for Agincourt Square, “More research needs to be done,” he added.

The council proposed to agree in principle to the new vision for the town but there would be no funding until further research into public opinion was undertaken.