MADAM, 

Has the Monmouthshire County Council finally lost the plot? It would appear there is no problem about having street furniture in Church Street as long as a fee is paid. Despite the fact that it is blatantly obvious this will have a detrimental effect on the businesses in the street, and that the monies generated by the charges will be paltry, the council seem determined to implement this ludicrous rule.

It would seem that they have no desire to protect and assist the retail shops in Monmouth but appear to be quite willing to see shops fail. There has been a totally valid outcry about the rates shops are faced with but the council appear to be quite happy to see closures resulting in more charity shops opening. We currently have 14 empty premises in Monmouth and at the last count 10 charity shops. Empty shops do not pay rates and charities only pay minimal rates.

In addition the charity shops do not employ people but rely on volunteer labour if as a result of the council’s action only one shop closes, the loss in rates, taxes and other benefits will be substantial. It would probably take at least five years of street furniture charges to compensate for this.

This decision should have all our elected representatives in uproar and they should be demanding that it is revoked immediately. It is decision totally without merit and all the traders should ignore it. The council appears to be unsure of their position, offering meetings with individual businesses. A petition has already been raised and if anyone cares about the well being of Monmouth they should sign it, lobby the elected representatives and ensure the voice of the majority is heard.

Neill Bell

(Queens Head Hotel, Monmouth)