THE CHRONICLE can exclusively reveal that Abergavenny’s old Cattle Market site could be transformed into a vast arena for gladiatorial style contests and chariot racing, if supermarket giant Morrison’s decide to pull out of their proposed development for the area.

The option of having Roman style gladiatorial contests and Ben-Hur like chariot racing in the centre of Abergavenny has long been discussed by key and influential members of the town who are keen to celebrate the arrival of the National Eisteddfod with some sword and sandal action.

Mr Julius Jones has long fought to establish a culture of old school chariot racing and gladiatorial contests in the heart of Abergavenny and told the Chronicle, “Just like Rome, Abergavenny is surrounded by seven hills, but unlike ancient Rome we have no public places where families can gather, eat bread, and watch battle hardened warriors go toe to toe, or risk life and limb in some hell for leather chariot races.

“A little bit of old fashioned, for want of a better word, bloodsport, is exactly what we need to unite the town and get people to feel a real part of their community again.”

Mr Jones, who is a member of the Abergavenny Arena Advisory board, added, “Rest assured in the Abergavenny ‘Coliseum’ no-one will be forced to fight against their will, and all combatants will be reimbursed significantly for their efforts.

“Health and safety is our number one priority and even though the gladiators may look at times like they want to brutally disembowel one another, it’s all good natured fun and they shake hands afterwards and go for a drink.”

The scheme, which if given the green light, will be jointly financed by local authority funding and a anonymous Russian investor, is hoped to put Abergavenny on the map and make it the number one destination in Wales for no holds barred public fighting.

An Abergavenny Town Councillor who wishes to remain unnamed, told the Chronicle, “I think armed combat in Abergavenny is a great idea.”

The enthusiastic councillor would also like to eventually see the establishment of a gladiatorial academy in the town, to instill discipline in Monmouthshire’s young, whilst simultaneously training them how to fight effectively with various weapons.

The councillor added, “Like most towns we suffer from our fair share of trouble and violence on Friday and Saturday nights, and it’s usually the young and bored who are involved. Yet instead of condemning a generation to the scrap-heap and a depressing life of under-paid and unrewarding jobs, why not put a sword in their hand and pay them to fight for the entertainment of the community.

“A gladiatorial school would be key to giving our youngsters both gainful employment, valuable skills, and self-esteem. It really is a no-brainer.”

It is hoped if given the go ahead, the Abergavenny Arena will be know as the Owen Glyndwr Gladiatorial Centre, in honour of the Welsh Prince who once raided the Gateway to Wales.

Mr Julius Jones, who is a keen student of Ancient Rome explained, “It’s no secret that the Romans once had a fort called Gobannium in Abergavenny, but that aside I cannot stress enough exactly how suitable the old cattle market site is for such a project.

“The Romans believed in consecrating the site of their gladiatorial arenas with the blood of sacrificial bulls to make it fit for purpose.

“Well, the blood of many an animal has already been spilt on the site of where once stood the abattoir of the Abergavenny Slaughtering Association. It was almost written in the stars that this piece of prime real estate becomes a gladiatorial arena for the whole of Monmouthshire to enjoy, as opposed to just another supermarket site.”

What’s your thoughts? Would you like to see the old Cattle Market site turned into a state of the art gladiatorial arena that could really boost the town’s economy and draw in tourists? Or would it be better to have another supermarket to shop in?