MADAM,

This year, local shopkeepers have had to contend with a major increase in business rates as well as growing competition from online traders who make no contribution to the local economy.

This seems hardly the time for MCC to introduce a ‘street furniture’ tax of £242.50. This shoddy money-making ploy was carried out without reference to our town council - why?

Church Street is traffic free and filled with independent traders who bring much-needed atmosphere with their displays. Who on earth believes that the street suddenly becomes ‘health and safety compliant’ if the traders pay this iniquitous extra tax.

Paul Ramage

(Monmouth)