THE Monmouthshire Beacon from 50 years ago was a significantly different newspaper than the one seen today. In 1970 the paper was six pages for the grand price of fourpence.

27 March edition writes that fire fighters were busy this week with three callouts. At Comonin Garage on the old Raglan road, fuel was leaking from a generator down onto some hot pipes and smoking badly. However, the fire was prevented and no damage was done. Fire services were also called out to Kents factory at Redbrook and a grass fire in Coleford.

Residents who travel some of the area’s less used bus routes welcomed good news after the local council and Red and White Services’ traffic manager, Mr JAH Snell agreed to a three month postponement on whether certain routes would continue to be maintained.

The Monmouth group of primary school managers were asking the Monmouthshire Education Committee to buy the haulage depot at the Burgage for the grand price of £3,950. Cllr Blake raised the idea that some of the land could be used for parking as several teachers were still using roadside parking. Cllr TN Ballinger added that it wouldn’t just be the infants who get use out of the purchase, but the adjacent secondary school and nearby youth club would also benefit. Monmouth’s mayor, Cllr JC Lewis did express concern that it was a considerably expensive purchase at a time when the council were hoping to rein in spending.

The public toilets were vandalised at Raglan, with the Monmouth Rural District Council appealing for information. The town clerk, Mr D Watts, said: "The people who are doing it must be simpletons."

Following the removal of litter baskets from a lay-by near Crown Farm, Raglan United parish councillors discussed the concern regarding the level of fly-tipping that had been occurring in the area. Frustration was expressed that the county council had failed to recognise the issue or even to reply to a letter from the clerk.