SIR,
The return of a market to Agincourt Square would be wonderful, but is no longer, in its present form, a viable proposition because the railings around the refurbished Shire Hall erode the space available.
Aside from a continuation of the present arrangement in the cattle market, more radical solutions need to be considered.
Pedestrianising the square on market days is one option and would even provide the opportunity for market expansion – bringing lots more shoppers into town; surely a boost for Monmouth's other traders.
If it works for Hereford and for Venice then it could work for Monmouth.
The other solution, which the county and town councils appear to have ignored, is to create a new market at the rear of Merlins, halfway down Monnow Street, where very soon a new retail arcade will open up the whole area to the south of Nelson's Garden.
Not only will this scheme create additional parking for the town, but also has the potential to provide a site for a market at least as large as that at the bottom of town.
The added value from this proposal is that a proportion of the market stalls could be under cover and fully serviced and a lot of trade vehicles will be kept off Monnow Street.
A major consultation exercise two years ago indicated strong public support for a market in this location and full planning approval for this development is imminent.
The developer, Provis (Monmouth) Ltd, is still open to the market option – and is also prepared to manage the site, saving Monmouthshire County Council (and ratepayers) substantial costs.
All the townspeople have to do is ask.
Alastair Robertson
(Penallt)