The Monnow Bridge Gatehouse was officially re-opened to the public at a formal ribbon cutting last Thursday (1st May). Monmouth Mayor Jeana Hall and Chairman of Monmouthshire County Council, David Dovey, were present to cut the ribbon and say a few words about the bridge's historic importance in the town. David Dovey said: "The bridge and gate are symbolic of Monmouth and Monmouthshire through history as being of both strategic and economic importance. "It has always been my very favourite part of the town". Monmouth's historic Gate on the Monnow Bridge has been at the heart of the town for 700 years and remains the town's main landmark and the local 'gateway to Wales'. The historic structure is unique in Britain and only a handful of similar bridges survive in Europe. The recent restoration will breathe new life into Monmouth's unique heritage. The gatehouse, previously only open one weekend each year, will from the end of May be open one day per week, after renovations and improvements made by Monmouthshire County Council. The work was spearheaded by project manager Colin Phillips. Councillors Dovey and Hall declared the building open by jointly cutting the ribbon to the refurbished Gate and ascended the narrow spiral staircase to sign the new visitors' book, replicating the original opening of 1902. Also attending were pupils from Overmonnow Primary School, together with representatives from the town council, CADW and the Monmouth Civic Society. The Gatehouse has changed several times through the years, from starting life as a defensive structure, it has had levels added, alterations made by the Victorians and even a house built on stilts adjacent to it. Inside, names from visitors through the years are sketched onto the walls. Bookings are being taken by Monmouth's Shire Hall for tours of the building. Schools and community groups are welcome to apply. For further details of opening arrangements, contact the Shire Hall on 01600 775257. This project has received funding through the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013 which is funded by the Welsh Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.