SIR,

I am not sure which point to address first as I am quite amazed at the proposed merger of the Nelson Museum with the Shire Hall and the library with the One Stop Shop; the reasons given being quite ludicrous.

I cannot imagine that 'to investigate the feasibility of merging' is what is on the cards as I am sure it has already been decided; just like all the 'consultation' that took place regarding the proposed 400 new homes and light industrial area  along the Wonastow Road.

I congratulate Pauline Cass for her wonderful letter regarding the existing problems for the inhabitants of  Monmouth and associated infrastructure.

Pure common sense, but that of course goes out of the window when the 'big boys' want something.

The beauty of small market towns like Monmouth is that they have a diversity of shops, buildings, places of interest which progress from one to another.

The proposed enhancement of the Gateway to Monmouth area begins a wonderful trip through Monmouth culminating with the older, interesting area of Church Street, the church, museum and Priory.

Why remove one of the delights of this area which is the wonderful museum,  housing the most amazing collection of artefacts which is free.

In these times of economic hardship it is a pleasure to find something that is free but of historical importance too.

I am in no doubt that once the museum is moved to the Shire Hall it will no longer be free to visit the museum as one already has to pay £2 to visit the Shire Hall so this is more about making money than saving it.

The council claim that the proposed merger would 'free up the current premises – the Market Hall – all in prime retail locations'.

There are already a few empty shops in 'prime retail locations' so there isn't a lack of empty premises; we do not need another coffee shop or an estate agent nor another high street retailer (Monmouth needs to retain its own identity) and we certainly do not need another garish establishment.

I also understand that the Community Room at the Shire Hall was provided with the help of a lottery grant for community use.

The installation of a mezzanine floor will make the room even more claustrophobic and conditions cramped.

The museum's collection is obviously stored in precise conditions to preserve the artefacts and as such, would have to be replicated in the Shire Hall and the overall cost of all these alterations (mezzanine floor etc) would add up to considerably  more than the proposed savings of £35,000.

We, the public, are not stupid and know that the majority of building/ renovation projects actually cost a great deal more than we are initially told.

The library is also a lovely building, not long renovated and would lose its charm if the One Stop Shop were squeezed in.

The library is a place of quiet and learning yet the One Stop Shop has much coming and going, telephone conversations and one-to-one conversations; quite out of keeping with the library.

For those unable to walk far the One Stop Shop would be even further away from the town, whereas if it were to be moved anywhere, it should be more central to the town for ease of access.

It is no wonder that Monmouthshire County Council declined to comment. This often means they have already made their decision.

Karen Blake

(Monmouth)