SUGGESTIONS that Newport farmers using Abergavenny's cattle market on Wednesdays have been given free car parking have been denied by Monmouthshire County Council.

According to the council, designated spaces in the town's Fairfield car park have been paid for by auctioneers since the Newport trade moved to Abergavenny when their own site closed in early March to make way for a new Asda store.

In the past week ill feeling has grown after suggestions that the farmers were given free car parking, began to take hold.

While scotching rumours that the car parking was free, Monmouthshire County Council's deputy leader Councillor Bob Greenland (pictured) admitted that the auctioneers had been given the spaces at a 'fixed rate'.

"We thought it was important to deal with the increased traffic that might result from the market and negotiations with the auctioneers lead to them purchasing spaces which have been set aside as double spaces to accommodate vehicles towing trailers.

"In the case of the Fairfield car park, we have offered the spaces at a fixed rate based on their anticipated use.

"By setting aside this space we are avoiding the problem of farmers with vehicles and trailers from parking in inappropriate areas and causing congestion in the town."

Despite this many people remain unhappy with the arrangement.

Graham Preece, a volunteer for Shop Mobility based in the Castle Street car park has been trying for six months to get an extra space from the county council for the volunteers so that they do run the risk of receiving a car parking fine while working at the Castle Street Shopmobility centre.

"We already have one space which used by the manager of Shopmobility and all we are asking for is Monmouthshire County Council to provide us with one parking permit which will allow the volunteers to park in the car park for free," said Mr Preece.

"It will put in the office and only used occasionally when David Overland is away. Why should we pay to park when we are doing MCC a favour by covering for David.

"It beggars belief that they can't give us a permit when they can allocate spaces for market traders.

"The farmers are not bringing trade into the town, they are not spending money. It is so annoying.

"We know that the Shopmobility scheme helps bring money into Abergavenny's high street. I know personally of one couple who come here almost every week from Gloucester. They hire two scooters and spend over £100 - that is money spent in the town centre.

"We have been fighting for six months to get a space, Newport market has been here for three weeks and they have free parking.

"Monmouthshire County Council is happy for volunteers to provide a service but they won't provide a space for us in the car park... something seems wrong to me"