SIR,
May I ask what is happening to the Shire Hall? It must be several months ago that we enjoyed being shown around and like many people expressed pleasure in the way this important building has been refurbished and redeveloped.
It was explained to us what was yet to be done, including moving the Tourist Information Centre (TIC) into the reception area inside the imposing glass doors.
Looking at the building now, there is still little sign of life.
All but the central set of gates remain padlocked, giving the impression that townsfolk and visitors are unwelcome within its space.
Where is the bustle of the market which helped bring life to the focal point of town?
I recall that the location of the TIC within the Shire Hall was a key feature in the plans submitted with the various grant applications that were made, and we were shown the rather imposing and expensively fitted out area inside the glass reception area where the centre was to be located.
Why are the TIC team not in place yet? Surely they could so easily act as the first point of welcome to anyone wanting to do business within, while keeping an eye on what is going on under the arches, as well as providing information to visitors to our town, their prime task.
It seems to me that there are some very good reasons to crack on and get the show up and running properly.
Get the lights on, get the TIC/ reception desk manned up and at least during the working day get all those gates unpadlocked and open.
Our Shire Hall is a wonderful asset – let's use it properly and to its full extent.
Toby Elliott
(Monmouth)