MADAM,

Why oh why is Monmouth not governed by its town council and those we elect? I hope that because those representatives live in the town and have some concern for it, they will do their best for it. Would they, I wonder, have chosen to punish some of its life blood? 

I despair at the recent action taken by the Monmouthshire County Council to turn Church Street into a dead and uninteresting street.

Visitors to the town will take one look and possibly not bother to venture down it. The lack of tables and chairs, especially in this glorious weather, the lack of Phil Munday’s colourful and interesting display of fruit and vegetables, the A boards telling visitors what they can find and the display of books outside Stephen’s bookshop is a huge and not thought-through action, primarily to make money from traders who already struggle with increased rents and small profits.

With regard to the delightful Mr Munday, his produce is sold loose or in paper bags which, in this current time of trying to reduce plastic packaging should be rejoiced in not heckled by legislation. We need more such shops, not less.

This unreasonable and ridiculous piece of legislation will not only kill Church Street but also those businesses in Swan Court, as fewer people will venture that far. Small, market towns, like Monmouth need all the help they can get to survive. This ’Old Town’ as it has been referred to is just that old and for that reason interesting, but it is tucked away and visitors need direction.

I disagree with the safety issue, Church Street is wide and has no vehicles, unlike the high street. Church Street is no less dangerous with its A boards and outdoor displays than those on the pavements, which are much narrower and in many cases uneven and possibly dangerous in the high street. Will MCC now remove all litter bins and seats in case someone bumps into them?

Will MCC soon be charging businesses and householders for the right to have the beautiful hanging baskets and window boxes, just in case someone gets watered or heaven forbid, a basket fall on them? These, like Church Street, serve to brighten and make Monmouth pretty and interesting.

Karen Blake

(Monmouth)