Autumn Leaves from the One Stop Shop

1st September 2008. 

First day of autumn, first day back at school! The first day of September is always a day for some mixed emotions; normally the end of summer blues is often mixed up with the excitement of new pencil cases, new teacher and a new start; obviously this year the summer bit is a bit iffy altogether!

However, in terms of a new start, it is hoped that this diary on the site, and elsewhere, will become a regular feature which tries to keep everybody informed of anything that we know that is happening in Monmouth, in the Council, and anywhere else that is appropriate. So if you have anything that you want to share, or have any comments on anything please let us know through the site, or directly to us at the one stop shop.

Talking of the dead loss which we now call summer, it seems an age since we warned people of the possible temporary closure of the bridge between the Castle and Vauxhall Fields. The more observant of you will notice that it has been open all summer, and that despite the appearance of various configurations of sand bags in the river, no work has been done on repairing the retaining wall which appears to be all there is between our part of the market hall and the river. The lack of work is due to the level and flow of the river following our rainy August, but the engineers are looking at it again now to see what can be done. As far as we can see, we are reasonably safe, as some emergency sandbagging is protecting the key weak area. When there is any news we will post some information on the bridge in good time.

And what about the Shire Hall? The contractors have been absolutely ace about accommodating local people’s requests regarding the compound area in Agincourt Square. However, there are some problems re the Rolls Statue. CADW who are so supportive of this work, and who have contributed handsomely to the matched funding, are insisting that the statue be boxed in, to protect in the long term. They feel that the short term contribution that the statue could make to the Rolls centenary is not compatible with the risk of permanent damage by leaving it unprotected on a building site.

CADW are also looking at our proposal to put folding gates at the front of the arches area, that would fold flush with the loggia arches. The reason behind this is that it was felt that the new glass porch and the renovated arches area would benefit from some protection when necessary, possibly from late night revellers at the weekends. However the space is an essential part of the square and the building, being utilised for the market, and in the future, for outside events, and so permanent railings are not an option. We will continue to talk to CADW about this, and at the moment we are considering an appeal if necessary.

So apart from those two issues, everything moves on apace. Everybody realises how difficult it is for traders at the top of town who do now not only have to contend with the credit crunch and down turn in the economy, but with a building site as well. The Chamber of Commerce is supporting a move to brand the top of town into an ‘Old Town’ area to publicise the wealth of small independent businesses, and we are behind this move.

Things to look out for in the next few weeks include a Green Travel Day on 18 September in Monmouth. This will include free local bus trips, trial of new bus routes, a special farmer’s market, and special arrangements for leaving your shopping if you have walked or cycled in, and even the option of having it delivered later. More information from the one stop shop or from Line of Fire.

The next Monmouth Partnership Forum is now on 1 October. If you belong to any local group that needs to know what is going on in Monmouth, or want some wider support from the town for your pet project, why not come along. The partnership forum now has its own website, so why not look it up at www.monmouthshirepartnershipfourm.org.uk