On a recent visit to Monmmouth I was dismayed to see that the children’s playpark on Chippenham is still in a state of disrepair and has not been refurbished or rebuilt. This is despite the fact that the money for the work was granted over three years ago and the then Town Council recognised that the park was in a poor state and badly needed work doing so that the very young of Monmouth could benefit.

Since then there has been a protracted argument by a group of politically minded people to move the park closer to Waitrose and resistance from other politically minded people to resist any move. A recent statement by a senior county council employee has suggested that it might take a further two years to obtain the necessary permissions to move the park. This situation is ridiculous and has resulted in a whole generation of children of primary school age being deprived of a decent central playpark because of the stubbornness and misguided aims of a small amount of adults.

For goodness sake councillors of MTC, refurbish the existing playpark NOW with the existing funds and then debate the pros and cons of a new park and raise the funds when you can eventually make up your minds and obtain the necessary permission. We are not talking about a bypass or a new bridge over the Wye but a simple playpark which will benefit our young children.

Bob Hayward (Northallerton, North Yorkshire)

(ex-Monmouth Town Council)