MONMOUTHSHIRE County Council's leader has said he wants to "clear up confusion" about the council's role and position over lifting the restrictive covenant on the Hill in Abergavenny.

Councillor Peter Fox said, "Coleg Gwent is closing The Hill. That is a decision of theirs and was a decision taken prior to discussions beginning with MCC on the purchase of the Usk college site as a replacement headquarters.

"Whilst MCC has no involvement with either the closure of the Hill or the sale of the site, we would hope that the outcome of the negotiations between Coleg Gwent and interested parties will result in the ongoing use of the Hill as an educational establishment.

"Lifting the covenant will add value to the site and at this time, when its value as residential development is low may well enable potential purchasers through enhanced collateral value to keep it as an educational establishment.

"It is not the case that MCC will receive 75 percent of the proceeds of the sale. MCC will receive an agreed amount which is £618,000, far less than the 75 percent that has been quoted. As with most capital receipts, this one will go into the pot and help towards the county's many capital commitments."