AMBITIOUS plans to transform Abergavenny's cattle market have received a cautious welcome from residents.

The plans for the site were put on public display at the Town Hall yesterday.

They include a food-store, retail units, library, 31 flats and car parking spaces.

Monmouthshire council also intends to retain the old slaughter house and create five units within the ground floor for hospitality purposes and use the second floor for flats.

Resident Laurie Jones said: "We do need another food store in Abergavenny but I am worried that the new development will not blend in with the surrounding landscape."

And local Friends of the Earth co-ordinator, Barry Greenwood said: "I am worried that the development would take business away from the main town centre and I would like to see it including more affordable housing."

George Ashworth, assistant director of planning at Monmouthshire council, said: "As the scheme involves significant proposals for the town centre we felt it was important to provide local people with an opportunity to come along and see for themselves the type of development prop-osed and advise on how they can formally comment."

For more information call the council on 01633 644805.