ANGRY traders in Abergavenny are to boycott a meeting with town redevelopers over fears the plans will harm business.

The town's chamber of trade held an emergency meeting to discuss the council's proposals to develop the cattle market site.

They say the plans will move the "centre of gravity" away from the High Street.

Ken Watkins, landlord of the King's Head, in Cross Street, told the meeting the plans would be "disastrous" for trade.

He said: "They will put in a free car park and then everyone will go to Asda."

The traders claim they were not properly consulted about the £10 million scheme to build an Asda food store, flats and retail units on the site.

Last month it was revealed Monmouthshire county council had chosen Henry Boot Developments for the scheme, which is to include an 18,000 sq ft Asda food store, plus a separate store for their clothing range.

Originally there was to be a 25,000 sq ft food store only.

Now traders say they will not meet developers and the council as planned, accusing them of only paying "lip service" to their fears.

John Bannon, of Jaybee Furnishings, said: "They gave us reassurances that a 25,000 sq ft food store would be built.

"I am disappointed there is now room for retail, pushing it further away from the High Street."

The chamber of trade is demanding an explanation from the council about why it made the changes without consultation.

It is also seeking assurances that the cattle market car park will not be free.

Chamber of trade chairwoman Alex Edwards said: "We want an explanation."

A spokeswoman for Monmouthshire council said: "We are currently in the midst of legal discussions with Henry Boot Developments on the re-development of the town centre cattle market site.

"In accordance with the council's planning committee decision in April the scheme will deliver a 25,000 square feet net sales area supermarket.

"The supermarket includes a shoppers' car park, which will be managed. Whether it will be free or not is still under discussion."