SIR,

With regard to the plans for a face lift around Monnow Bridge, perhaps they could include on the new bridge a coat of paint and some flowers, which would make it more welcoming for people entering the town?

The plans mention that the present public conveniences are to be demolished; would the new ones be re-built in a seperate building or situated inside a proposed cafe?

And I would ask- do we need another cafe? We have more then enough coffee and eating establishments in Monmouth as it is.

But what does bother me about the plans is that we would be losing what is most important in Monmouth, and that's parking spaces.

With another 400 houses due to be built this means there's the possibility of at least another 400 cars coming into Monmouth.

Many of us that live out in villages and do not have a bus service have to use our cars to come into town, so we know first hand the problems of finding a parking space. And I know for a fact people are put off coming to Monmouth for that reason.

Could we not turn the piece of land by the Shell Garage into a car park (it is only a short walk to town). Perhaps the staff from the businesses in Monmouth could use it 'free of charge' (like Cwmbran).

It would then free up the car parks in town for visitors and would mean we would not have to worry about losing spaces by the Monnow Bridge.

We are blessed with living in a beautiful area which attracts a great number of visitors.

Many of these visitors love coming to Monmouth because it is a small market town with lots of history and old world charm. They enjoy being able to sit outside and have a coffee and wander along Church Street looking at the fresh produce on display and browsing in the shops. It all helps to give the town a holiday atmosphere.

Margaret Stranger

(Monmouth)