A CONTROVERSIAL scheme to pedestrianise a busy Aberga-venny street could sound the death knell for market traders, one of their representatives claims.

Des Hillman, chairman of the National Market Traders Federation, said the situation for local businesses in Abergavenny is extremely grave since Monmouthshire county council decided to press ahead with the closure of Cross Street between 11am and 4pm.

The council wanted to introduce the scheme on an 18-month trial basis but it was aborted after just six days in December when traders complained of a drastic fall in business.

The traders had protested to the council for months that the scheme would spell financial disaster for them - and now they say their fears are being borne out.

Mr Hillman said: "We think it is ill-thought out and completely ludicrous. It was tried a week before Christmas which was ridiculous because trade really dipped.

"The closure restarted again last week and come 11.30am the market is just dying because it has lost all the lunch-time trade and early afternoon trade. "When the barriers reopen at 4pm, there is a noticeable spurt of trade but I estimate that between 20% and 30% of trade is being lost.

"We are talking about traders and High Street shops in Abergavenny going out of business by the end of the 18-month trial.

"When it isn't market day, Cross Street is like a ghost street - all that is missing is a couple of tumbleweeds."

Ken Watkins, landlord of The Kings Head in Cross Street, said: "I can't believe the scheme has started back up.

"It is diverting people away from the town which is not what we pay our rates and taxes for - we are on the road to ruin."

Cross Street normally forms part of a one-way traffic system around Aber-gavenny's existing pedestrianised area and includes a saddlery, pubs, Chinese restaurant, cafe, the market hall and Borough Theatre.

A petition, which has the backing of Monmouth Assembly Member David Davies, is now being collected to ask the council to change their mind. The petition is due to be presented to councillor Giles Howard, the cabinet member for highways and transport, at the One Stop shop in Abergavenny at 9.30am on Monday.

Councillor Howard said: "I'm looking forward to receiving the petition on Monday and I know many of the comments will concur with my own."