It is with frustration that I write; there are so many subjects to comment upon, however, in the course of a week I see many incidents of dog fouling, a half a page dedicated in last week’s Beacon to the subject, yet when I try and obtain notices to display in a small area of public garden (that a neighbour spends time clearing, weeding and planting) to alert those who use it as a dog toilet, it seems there are not any that display the fine (£1,000) applicable to those irresponsible dog owners. My wonderful town councillor did source some but they applied only to playing fields. The correct notices for car parks, town centres and residential areas should be available from the Shire Hall.

I attended the RDLP event on Wednesday at The Shire Hall but only because I had read about it in last week’s Beacon. I, along with others, commented upon the lack of a sign outside the Shire Hall indicating the event. When a member of the public mentioned it to one of the staff from MCC, she said it was their fault but made no effort to rectify the situation. This simply demonstrates how many decisions made are done via ‘the back door’. The less people know about something the easier it is to say it was approved!

The member of MCC I spoke to lived in Cardiff. How many of the other members actually lived locally and experience Monmouth’s problems?

I read about ‘Housing Hell for Family’ yet the proposed new developments will not help that family or the many others who also cannot afford to rent or buy. Landlords of town centre empty shops with living space above should help with providing accommodation at low rents.

I read about the increased council tax yet we get nothing more for our increased payments.

I read about flood damage costing millions yet the powers that be want to build on flood plains.

I read about climate change yet the powers that be want to encourage yet more cars and pollution.

The proposed housing developments are either on known flood plains/areas of flooding (did MCC not see for themselves, read or view on national/local television the dreadful situation locally?) or a stretch of beautiful green fields at the approach to the town at Dixton Road. We have only just defeated the dreadful retail development at Dixton Road which would have done little for Monmouth and its people. How will those new houses obtain insurance? Our town is already gridlocked at certain times, how will it cope with even more traffic. A new road from the fields behind New Dixton Road is going to add to the issues on the Hereford Road and/or add to the congestion and resulting pollution at the Dixton Road roundabout.

When will MCC, the Welsh Assembly and Central Government understand that Monmouth and similar beautiful towns, with history, green spaces etc. have reached saturation point in all areas. There is insufficient infrastructure already.

Why is Monmouth/Monmouthshire so often cited as being one of the ‘top places to live’?

It will not claim this situation if we cover the green spaces with housing.

It will not claim this position if our high street is not interesting and vibrant.

It will not claim this position if what we have is dirty and unattractive.

It will not claim this position if the approaches to the town are strewn with all shapes and sizes of litter.

Housing development does not benefit the town long term only the developers who make obscene profits. Housing developments simply result in more cars, more pollution and more opportunity to drive to out of town shopping centres.

Monmouth needs to encourage smaller businesses in with sensible business rates.

The powers that be need to improve upon what we have: empty decaying shops with living space above, roads that are of third world standard (our high street is appalling yet money is being spent on the ridiculous ‘improvement of Agincourt Square); the filth that litters the A40 approaches to Monmouth; the scruffy area on Dixton Road that is still for sale as a development opportunity (the last few attempts have failed so the reasons for not gaining permission should still apply and more so after the recent flooding); the vandalism and drug issues; illegal parking. We need more small buses for public transport to enable those who live just outside of the main shopping area to get to it.

We need to make the most of what we have and not add to the problems that already exisit!

We need to apply common sense!!!!

Karen Blake (Monmouth)