Members of the public got the chance to air their questions about the future of Abergavenny and the Bryn-y-Cwm area at a meeting of the town's Civic Society this week. Members of the Civic Society were joined by representatives from Monmouthshire County Council, including Kellie Beirne, Will McLean, Councillor Phil Hobson and Nicki Needle, as well as Owen Davis from the Mosaic Partnership. The meeting discussed a wide range of topics, from the Whole Place Plan, to the Town Team, giving updates on how things will progress over the next few months. Representatives from MCC spoke about how they are hoping to work with the community to make changes in the town, led by community decisions. Councillor Hobson spoke of the upcoming changes to the population of Abergavenny, including the increase of the ageing population, and raised the notion of the transfer of services to grassroots, and the take-over from the community on several aspects. Kellie Beirne raised the question of 'What is Abergavenny?' and re-iterated the idea of community involvement by suggesting local people make up for financial losses with 'human capital'. Consultant Owen Davis then outlined the proposal to create a Business Improvement District (BID) in Abergavenny town centre - and explained how the consultation has been granted by the Welsh Government (£17,000), MCC (£5,000) and Brecon Beacons National Park (£5,000). He explained the stages of the BID, from the Foundation Phase, to the Development Phase, and eventually the Campaign Phase ahead of the vote on whether to go ahead which will take place in summer next year. He was also quick to note that research is being undertaken to look at the viability of the BID, which will only be granted if it is clear the town can make a return on their investments, the rates of which are yet to be set. Money granted to the BID can be used across a wide range of areas to be chosen by the town, with most of those who have so far responded to the survey, calling for additional marketing for Abergavenny. People in the meeting asked if the funds could be used to subsidise parking, and it was noted that this was a possibility, but that further research would be needed. Following the presentation, the audience was given time to raise questions. One audience member asked what would happen if small businesses were put under financial pressure by the cost of the BID and what would happen to those who voted against it. Mr Davies explained that stated that while there were measures in place to delay payment these came with a cost. For more information about Abergavenny Civic Society, visit their Facebook page by searching Abergavenny Civic Society, and to undertake to BID survey visit http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/abergavennytownsurvey">www.surveymonkey.com/s/abergavennytownsurvey or call Owen on 07968943084.