MCC asks what about the people who want to shop in Abergavenny?

Officers and councillors involved in the Abergavenny cattle market project said this week that they are representing the quiet majority who want a foodstore in the town.

Following the march on Saturday by those in favour of the retention of the cattle market in Abergavenny, the council said the regeneration plans for the town have been the subject of numerous consultations over the years and these have evolved into the plan to redevelop the cattle market site.

Corporate Director Steve Greenslade at Monmouthshire County Council (MCC), said:

"Over recent years Council and Cabinet have debated the Abergavenny Regeneration Project on a number of occasions and have clearly established their commitment to make progress.

"Any reversal of this policy would require a major change of direction and would also result in the costs of developing the scheme to date and the committed costs of the Brewery Yard development being found from other sources. Currently, of course, these costs of around £3 million are anticipated to come from the sale of the Cattle Market site and with much of the Council's forward capital programme centering around new and refurbished schools, the difficulty of absorbing these costs should not be underestimated."

MCC's Deputy Leader with responsibility for Regeneration, Councillor Bob Greenland, said:

"There have always been a few people who have wanted to retain the market, but the vast majority of groups representing various interests in the town have consistently supported plans to provide a new food store, non food shops and a new library.

"What has been at issue with some is the design and mix of development on the site. None of these plans have included the retention of the market on the site.

"The campaign to keep the market was not supported by the Chamber of Commerce, the Community Forum, the National Farmers Union, the Farmers Union of Wales, or the auctioneers and I don't think the Town Council have indicated their support either. I doubt that if put to the vote there would be much support from County Councillors.

"So how did they get so many signatures?

"It's about how you ask the question. If you stop shoppers and ask - do you want to save our historic market instead of having an urban retail park? -  many people, especially visitors, will answer yes.

"Had you asked the residents in the area, 40% of whom are driving out of the county to do their shopping - ‘do you want to see a new food store, other shops, a new library on the site or pay for the restoration of the market?' - you would have got an entirely different picture.

"As they asked the farmers - ‘do you want to save your market?' instead of ‘do you want this market or a new market designed to modern standards in the centre of the county's farming community?' - then it is no wonder they had 300 signatures.

"The lack of a food store means residents are driving to places like Brynmawr for their shopping. That's unnecessary food miles and it's not good for the prosperity of the town.

"If there is to be a reversal of policy, that is a decision for the elected members of the County Council, but it would have serious financial consequences for residents throughout the County."