CONCERNED members of the Sarno Twinning Association in Abergavenny say that the lack of contact with the Italian village may mean they need to find other link towns.

During the acclaimed Festival of Twinning weekend last year many people involved in the programme were left feeling despondent that there was no representation from Sarno in southern Italy as there was with Oestringen and Beaupreau.

Twining with Sarno was originally established in September 1997 with an aim to promote and foster friendship and understanding between the people of Abergavenny and Sarno district.

The intention was also to encourage visits by individuals and groups to and from the linked towns, especially by children and young people and encourage the development of personal relationships and mutual understanding of the cultural, recreational, educational and commercial activities of the linked towns.

As a result of the tragic floods and mudslides in the area in May 1998 more than 100 people in Sarno lost their lives.

Many were injured and more than 2,000 were reported homeless. Only two weeks before the disaster a party of 48 visited Sarno from Abergavenny.

Subsequently a Sarno fund was established by the association with a target of £10,000 which was eventually raised. A 4X4 vehicle was presented to the town to assist in their recovery.

Michael Prys-Williams, who is involved with the twinning association said, "Over the past few years the association has made extensive efforts to contact the council in Sarno but despite many e-mails and correspondence, they received no reply from them.

"I understand that in respect of the recent visit, four teachers in Sarno may have been threatened with dismissal if they came to Abergavenny.

"I understand that the balance of the disaster fund of around 2.500 Euros may now be presented to the paediatric department of Sarno hospital towards the purchase of a special machine to treat children.

"I am sure people in Abergavenny will be sad that, despite our efforts, we have been unable to maintain close links with Sarno as we have Oestringen and Beaupreau."

"Some members have in fact be asking whether a link with a different European town would be beneficial," said Mr Prys Williams

Members of Abergavenny Town Council at their last meeting discussed the possibility of creating links between the town and a similar town in Lativa, since the country's honorary consul in Wales,  Mr Andris Taurins lives near the town.

Mr Prys-Williams added, "Perhaps if we do not receive any response with Sarno in the near future, we should consider establishing a new contact with a town in Italy or another East European such as Latvia?"

Councillor Douglas Edwards who acts as treasurer for the Sarno association confirmed that money from the Sarno fund had been sent to the pediatric department of the Sarno hospital. He said he had this week spoken to representatives of Sarno and confirmed that it was likely the twinning would be called to a halt. He said he had no idea why the town appeared to have severed its links with Abergavenny.