TRADERS say they are worried about a plan to close an Abergavenny town centre road to traffic for several hours a day.

Monmouthshire county council have decided to investigate the possibility of closing Cross Street from the Angel Hotel to the Market Hall between 10am and 4pm.

They sent out questionnaires last Friday to traders and residents in the area, and asked the town's Chamber of Trade and Commerce for their comments.

But the majority of traders are worried about how the scheme would work, because so many shops and offices do not have a rear access for deliveries.

President Ian Shackleton (pictured) said the closure, which would initially be for an 18-month trial period, would impact on businesses because of deliveries.

Trying to inject a positive mood into the discussion he asked traders at their meeting: "Which is more important to you all - your customers who want a traffic-free street or your suppliers?

"There are going to be problems because of the age of the town but we have to strike a balance between attracting people to the town and running our businesses."

Kay Blackwell said: "I am trying not to be too negative because it would be lovely to have the street closed like it was for the Food Festival. But what about the eight businesses and houses in Nevill Street which have parking space in The Courtyard?"

Ian Pountney said they would not be able to serve customers without supplies, and John Bannon said it was not practical to limit deliveries to the town until all businesses had a rear access.

Trader Andy Hinksman said he could not see how it would work because of the problem of deliveries.

The council's planning projects officer, Chris Jones, said they wanted traders to respond by completing the questionnaires by December 9.

"We have completed the traffic survey and will be reporting the results at the January meeting of the Bryn y Cwm area committee."