In the Beacon of 17th July there is a picture of the Bailey Bridge (not iron bridge) over the Monnow. I cannot remember this, though I have pleasant memories of the promenade and remember while I was in school the wall being moved back and the hotel being demolished.

Of course in those days there was much less traffic with goods vehicles being limited to 30 or 20mph compared with the speeds and numbers these days.

I was wondering what bridge was there before the Bailey Bridge was erected? Or was the road between the Wye Bridge and Beech Road a comparatively new construction. It is nice to see how level the bridge is compared to the ‘high rise’ concrete monstrosity that now graces Monmouth.

Gerald Richardson (Monmouth)