Concerns that the artist’s impression of the plans for Agincourt Square are "misleading" was one of the concerns raised at the start of the consultation on the idea to transform the area.

Roger Hoggins, Head of Operations for Monmouthshire County Council welcomed comments on the proposed ’shared space’ concept that the Beacon reported on last month (19th June) announcing that the work would begin in January 2020.

The proposed work would involve different materials to delineate the pavement and road, using granite setts for the pavement and a resin bonded surface for the road and low chamfered kerbs.

However, advocates of the ’shared space’ concept said the artist’s impression (pictured inset) shows granite setts on the roadway as well as the pavement area.

Mr Hoggins said he was concerned about the amount of disruption that the work will cause and estimated that there would be at least a four week total closure of the square to allow for the narrowing of the road and finalising the road surface.

"To lay granite setts on the roadway as well would take a lot longer as the foundation has to be right," he explained.

He said it would be possible to do and he could speak to the contractors to see if it could be done quicker, but would certainly take the idea back to officers.

David Farnsworth said that the present plans with different materials would still look like a square with a road running through it!

Mr Hoggins explained that there would be defined crossing points in contrasting granite setts, which would also be used for disabled and loading bays.

Details of the pinch point plans were also discussed although he admitted that his department were looking at ways to try to stop southerly traffic blocking off the route to Agincourt Street.

He also suggested using concrete planters at each end of the pinch point. “If somebody knocked over a bollard in the first few weeks, the council would have to repair the setts the bollard was anchored in, but a concrete planter could be easily moved if damaged,” he explained. If they were not getting any problems, they could then replace the planter with bollards at a later stage.

David Farnsworth congratulated the county council for bringing forward a scheme that tries to make the historic Agincourt Square a pedestrian-friendly and comfortable place that will increase footfall to shops and historic buildings, instead of being dominated by through traffic.

“However, the scheme that is presented today does not achieve this. For all intents and purposes it is still the same tarmac road with kerbs and slightly bigger pavements. Neither drivers nor pedestrians will feel that they are sharing the same space at all.

“At least three changes to the proposal are essential to achieve the objective and justify spending £1 million of public money. First, the whole surface of the square must be the same natural stone setts from one side to the other. Both vehicle drivers and pedestrians will then feel that they share the space equally.

“Second, a speed limit of at most 20mph must be imposed and properly policed. Third, the ‘entrances’ to the square at the pinch point and Priory Street must be road humps that signal to drivers that they enter a place that requires extra care.”