"WE need the Cattle Market regeneration, we are seeing Abergavenny go down and down," these were the words spoken by deputy leader of Monmouthshire County Council in the County Hall chamber.

Councillor Bob Greenland, cabinet member for regeneration told the full council meeting that, after listening to the comments from the community, it was time to "get on with it."

He said, "On our website there were more than a 1,000 people taking a view of the plans and only three responses were logged. I feel that three is a small number. One asked for further comments, another said he was in favour of the scheme even though he was regretful at he loss of the cinema and one said we should get on with it as quickly as possible. As I promised I went to the Bryn y Cwm Forum meeting and explained the plans to them with the officers, architect and a representative from Henry Boot Ltd. "It's fair to say that members of the group consisted of various groups of Friends of the Earth. They are against any further sites and particularly against the principles of Asda and Walmart. They made up a number of people at the meeting. There were some from the chamber of commerce and they are always against the plans because they see it as a threat to their livelihoods but I think it will generate the town and bering in more trade. We are not here to look after everyone, within the Forum there are those who would like no development to take place on the site and wish to see Abergavenny retain its cattle market - that is not an option.

"They presented an alternative plan to us along with a request that we should tear up the brief and start again. I am not opposed to that if we can find a better plan which is more affordable but I have to say from what I heard and saw I doubt that it would be affordable. I will now move forward.

"There was a suggestion that we should incorporate a community centre along with a cinema and I have already been looking into the possibility that we might be able to get grants towards a community centre. We will not be able to get a grant for a cinema.

"It's envisaged that the developer will come forward with the final plan next month - then it's in the hands of the planning authority to get it through to the planning process."

Douglas Edwards said, "We are £800,000 in deficit, it seems to me that we are heading for serious financial disaster." Phyl Hobson expressed concerns about time frames, "We are pleased to hear that you are listened to local people I am concerned at MCC will have to move heaven and earth to get the new idea of a community centre in four weeks."

Councillor John Prosser said, "As mayor of Abergavenny firstly can I say that I am pleased that you say that comments are going to be seriously considered. I acknowledge the need for speed in this matter. The longer it goes on the higher the cost will be. Abergavenny needs regeneration and speed is the essence."

The leader, councillor Peter Fox said it would be "difficult" for councillor Douglas Edwards to have a clear mind when taking the decision as a member of the planning committee, "when your mind is closed, I feel that there may be an issue there."

Councillor Greenland added, "It's slightly over budget at £800,000 at the moment, it is not an insignificant sum obviously and we have to try and bring it back to budget if we can. We cannot be in a position where we have to come back to council and say the new design by the Forum will cost £2m - if they ask for £2m I know what the answer will be.

"I am being told time and time again that this scheme has been going on long enough. We are seeing the town going down and down. We need this as soon as possible." To which there was a rapturous applause.

A spokesman from the Forum said, "The hall was packed with over a 100 members of the public attending. By vote the proposed design was rejected at the meeting and the council agreed to consider the changes to the scheme that we had proposed to the meeting in order that they would meet more of the community's needs."