THE WELSH Government has finally granted Monmouthshire County Council the power to Compulsorily Purchase the shooting rights on authority owned land at Bryngwyn.

Following a week-long public inquiry in January Clive Nield, the planning Inspector said that he concluded that this was a compelling case in the public interest.

The decision means that the council can now start building a replacement livestock market for Abergavenny and Monmouth, a scheme that was first floated in 1997.

The 12 page report concludes with the WG's chief planner agreeing with the inspector by saying: "I am satisfied that the Council has shown there is a compelling case in the public interest for the acquisition of the shooting rights on land, with minor modifications, at High House Farm in Bryngwyn."

Monmouth AM Nick Ramsay said: "I've constantly argued for a fit for purpose livestock market that serves the needs of farmers in Monmouthshire.

"It's vital that a our farmers are not left without a market, and I believe the Welsh Government's decision removes another obstacle in the way of progress."

Steve Greenslade, Monmouthshire County Council's Director of Transition, said: "We're obviously pleased that the Compulsory Purchase Order for shooting rights over our own land has been approved. We'll now be looking to start work on site as soon as possible."

Full report in this week's edition of the Abergavenny Chronicle.