Barbara Wright, member of the 'Monmouth Broderers' and an active fundraiser for the restoration of Shire Hall, has updated Monmouth residents on the work taking place at the historic building.

She said: "'Work has started protecting the vulnerable areas in Shire Hall in preparation for the renovation work.

"The flagstones and cobbles are being covered with boards packed with polystyrene sheets, and the bollards and cobbles removed at the entrance will be packed and stored until their replacement on completion of the project.

"The Henry V wall hanging was removed and placed in a container custom built by the contractors 'Linford', to store the embroidery for the duration of the refurbishment of Shire Hall.

"For the last five years the impressive wallhanging, of Henry V addressing his troops at Agincourt, was on view for the enjoyment of many visitors.

"The embroidery was donated as match funding to the Shire Hall project by the 'Monmouth Broderers' who produced the work. After renovation Henry V will return to Shire Hall to be on public display, showing the visitors the King who was born in Monmouth castle."

Meanwhile the statue of Sir Charles Rolls has been boxed in. Deputy Leader, Councillor Bob Greenland, Cabinet member for regeneration said: "CADW, who are major funders to the Shire Hall project, expressed concerns regarding the potential damage to the Rolls Statue and advised that it should be boarded into the contractors area for its own safe keeping.

"It was originally agreed to keep it outside the works area after requests from the public, however, now that CADW have formally drawn the matter to our attention we would receive serious criticism if the statue was damaged through not being enclosed.

"We urge residents to be patient while the work is underway and to look forward to a new Shire Hall."