Councillors have called on the Welsh Government to halt business rate rises they say would ‘destroy iconic businesses’ in Monmouthshire.

Bob Greenland, deputy leader of MCC, said at a council meeting last week that proposed rises — 500 percent in some cases — would force established business to shut their doors and lay-off staff.

Councillor Greenland, along with Councillors John Prosser and Maureen Powell, called on Welsh Government to postpone the steep hikes so a new deal could be discussed.

“Hospitality forms the backbone of Monmouthshire business. These rises pose a serious danger of us losing some of our most iconic businesses. Some have been going for generations,” said Cllr Greenland.

The increases could see some local businesses pay for huge rises at a time firms say is already challenging.

Two Abergavenny businesses told the Chronicle in early November the spike in rates would hit their takings and force them to consider layoffs.

Andrew Powell, owner of the Grofield Inn, Abergavenny, said his yearly business rates spiked by 300 percent — £220 extra per week — and could force him to cut numbers.

The publican said the proposed rise — which will kick in next April — could scupper his plans to refurbish the Baker Street pub.

Similar rises have been reported by the Angel Hotel and King’s Arms pub.

Conservative politicians David Davies MP and Nick Ramsay AM have previously called for the government to reconsider the changes they say would damage local businesses.