Archive
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Pledge to livestock market
THE new livestock market for Monmouthshire should be up and running as soon as, or shortly after, Abergavenny's cattle market closes. This was the reassurance given at last week's cabinet meeting of Monmouthshire County Council when it was agreed the
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Standing firm
THE county council appears to be going round in circles over school bus provision, after deciding to axe free local transport for some youngsters living in Bulwark and parts of Thornwell. And parents are reacting to the 'double U-turn' by planning a peaceful
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Threat to summer playtime
CHEPSTOW'S popular summer playscheme is under threat of closure or might be forced to introduce higher admission charges after losing more than £13,500 last year. Despite the fact that nearly 4,000 children took part in the activities at Chepstow Leisure
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Marathon effort is required
A MONMOUTH woman, who until last month had never even run four miles on a treadmill, is currently training to run alongside Olympic hero Matthew Pinsent in the London Marathon. For Helen Fergusson-Kelly, 42, has been accepted on to The Times team to run
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'Senseless' arsonists set fire to historic outhouse
POLICE are on the hunt for arsonists after a "callous and senseless" attack on the outhouse of an historic building on Welsh Street. The Fire Service were called out to attend the fire at the Mount house opposite the Dell Primary school at 4am on January
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Farmer give generous amount to help with Memorial upkeep
Usk Young Farmers have donated £271 towards the upkeep and planting of the Memorial Hall garden in Maryport Street. Young Farmers' treasurer Susan Jones said: "Every year we raise money through carol singing, which we always give to good causes. We've
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Colour of money
YOUNGSTERS at Llantilio Pertholey Primary School have collected more than 800 old copies of Yellow Pages - beating last year's total of 501. The school is one of dozens in Monmouthshire currently competing in the Yellow Woods Challenge - an educational
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Defence holds firm in tense clash
Welsh League Division Three: Goytre 0, Chepstow Town 1 MANAGERLESS Chepstow Town returned to winning ways under caretaker Wayne Samuels, with Dominic Connor slotting home a winner ten minutes from time. But Samuels, whose side were on the back foot for
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Lib Dems slate 'hypocrites'
THE local Liberal Democrats have blasted Conservative controlled Monmouthshire County Council, accusing them of "hypocrisy" over their decision to raise burial charges. The Lib Dems hit out after claiming they have discovered that the Conservative party
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New funding formula could hit comprehensive
MONMOUTH Comprehensive School will lose nearly £7,000 if councillors agree a new countywide funding formula; with a leading opposition member warning this could lead to teacher redundancies, writes Lesley Flynn. Cllr Mike Smith, chairman of lifelong learning
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Tapestry of history
A THOUSAND years of history will soon be on show in Abergavenny, after the recent completion of a tapestry that has taken five years to finish. The 24 by six feet artwork is the brain child of Sheila Bevan, chairman of the Abergavenny Tapestry Group.
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Skenny in the semis
Skenfrith Utd 2 Pegasus Colts 0 SKENFRITH United re-ceived a much-needed morale boost at the weekend with this two-nil win over Pegasus Colts in the Junior Cup. The win sees United progress to the semi-finals for the second successive season, but the
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Angry residents get the hump
A FURIOUS couple from Chepstow have vented their anger about their house being surrounded by speed humps. Carolyn and Philip Chapman from Mount Way have been fighting a long battle with Monmouthshire county council over the traffic-calming measures located
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Residents against siting of new skatepark complain to council
ABERGAVENNY residents who object to the siting of the new skatepark in their neighbourhood have complained to Monmouthshire County Council about being consulted. The residents from Penypound, who are against the skatepark being built in Lower Meadow,
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Pledge to find Shire Hall revamp funds
THE Shire Hall in Monmouth is one of the best examples of its type in Britain and deserves its £5 million facelift, the county council has been told. Cllr Chris Woodhouse, the cabinet member for the environment was speaking at last week's cabinet meeting
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Class war?
TEACHER redundancies could be on the way in Monmouthshire if the county council brings in their new funding formula for schools, warned a leading opposition member. Cllr Mike Smith, chairman of lifelong learning select committee issued the health warning
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Abusive coffee-shop customer is fined
A MONMOUTH man who drunkenly swore loudly and repeatedly at students in a Monnow Street coffee shop last month has been ordered by magistrates to pay a £100 fine and legal costs of £35. Abergavenny magistrates heard last week how 31-year-old Will Henry
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Knauf Insulation Gwent Central League
The pitches thawed on Saturday and all bar one scheduled match were played. After Saturdays results Division One leaders Tranch Utd stay at the top following their 3-0 home win over Usk Town. All of Tranch Utd's goals came in the first half through Andrew
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Happy Potter!
LOCAL archaeologists have taken advantage of the roadworks in Agincourt Square, which have caused massive problems for the town, to uncover magical results underground. It has long been thought that the Normans had destroyed any evidence of previous occupation
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Chef Jason has the recipe for success in local 'cook-off'
A MONMOUTH chef who once cooked for Prince Charles and Diana was named the outright winner of the region's premier cook-off last week, writes Keith Fairbank. Local chef Jason Jackson, who launched Pilgrim's Bistro on Church Street last April, won the
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Tit-for-tat scoring until the end
BORDERERS played host to Premier Division opponents New Tredegar on Friday night, emerging from the enthralling 11-try encounter victorious by four points. The Chepstow and Caldicot boys were 7-0 up inside two minutes. Inside centre Dan Chiu took up possession
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Arrest supports cause of CCTV
CHEPSTOW police have heaped praise on CCTV operators who aided them in an arrest, which has increased calls for the system to be upgraded. CCTV operators alerted Chepstow police officers to an offence in Moor Street on January 27, leading to the arrest
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Hundreds to lose factory jobs at Trico
NEARLY 300 workers at a Gwent manufacturing firm will definitely lose their jobs by the end of the year. Pontypool firm Trico Ltd, which employs 350 people, will start its reduction in manufacturing immediately and will cease all production by the end
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Victory at last as traders receive roadsign funding
TRADERS in Blaenavon welcomed news this week that after years of campaigning they are set to receive £15,000 to install roadside signs directing visitors to the town. The Free Press joined traders by highlighting the need for better signs with our 'name
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Thomas set for greatness
A LOCAL teenage sprinter has been making his mark on the Welsh athletics scene, recently picking up a double medal haul at the National Indoor Championships. Thomas Bradbury, still just 16, won gold in the 200m and silver in the 60m at the Welsh Indoors
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Cash your chip in
PONTYPOOL shoppers could get more than they bargained for on Valentine's Day if paying with a chip and PIN card. From Tuesday, February 14, any customer with a chip and pin card should expect to use their personal identification number when paying for
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Car park sex attack
POLICE are warning women to be cautious as they hunt a sex attacker who seriously assaulted a woman in Pontypool. A woman in her 30s was attacked in a Griffithstown car park at around 11pm on Wednesday, February 1. Local people, who know the victim, have
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Club's friends
THE NEXT meeting of the Friends of Pontypool RFC will be held tomorrow night, Thursday February 9 at the Up and Under Club from 7.30pm. The meeting will be chaired by the Club's funding committee, with Eddie Butler, Colin Tuckwell and Rev Alf Williams
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Horse attack
AN ANIMAL lover from Trevethin has been left shocked and sickened as her horses were attacked by 'sick yobs'. It is not the first time that her animals have been attacked while grazing in their field. Jo Bialan's miniature pony Little Man had his made-to-measure
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Knauf Insulation Gwent Central League
The pitches thawed on Saturday morning and all bar one scheduled match was played. After Saturdays results Division One leaders Tranch Utd stay at the top following their 3-0 home win over Usk Town. All of Tranch Utd's goals came in the first half through
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Florist blossoming
BUSINESS is blooming for local entrepreneur, Dorne James. She has brightened up a corner of Pontypool Market by opening her own florists. Offering a beautiful array of exotic fresh flowers, Dorne is budding with excitement about her new venture. "I have
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Luck not on the side of Goytre
GOYTRE were inconsolable after going down 1-0 at home to Welsh League Division Three strugglers Chepstow, having done everything but score before a late winner sucker-punched them. Goytre had 16 corners in the game, hit the woodwork twice and had another
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New hope for dial
WORKERS at a closure-threatened Cwmbran call centre have been given hope after a rival company made a formal offer that could save 190 jobs. At the time of going to press bosses at call centre dial were due to accept an offer from a rival firm. dial faced
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Roadworkers subject to 'abuse' from locals
A WORKMAN on the site of the ongoing roadworks on Rockfield Road in Monmouth was hit by a vehicle last week, as council employees undertaking the project complained of "abuse" from local residents. Monmouthshire County Council closed off the B4233 last
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Jockey's injuries less than thought
STABLE staff will have another reason for looking forward to visiting Chepstow Racecourse with their horses from next month. For, in addition to the subsidised meals that they already receive, they will be given free tea and coffee. It's the latest initiative
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Relief as old tree set to be saved
THE future of a Monmouth landmark is going to live on, after months of wrangling. A third report into the condition of the Catalpa tree in St James' Square was commissioned by the Monmouth Action Group and Monmouth Archaeology Group, which has concluded
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Monmouth back in the promotion race
MONMOUTH Town's third successive league win on Saturday saw them leapfrog Saturday's opponents Tranch into second place in the Gwent County Second Division. The Kingfishers endured a poor spell of form over the Christmas and New Year period. But back-to-back
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Joel victorious in three rounds
CHEPSTOW'S Joel Wil-liams came away victorious from Cefn Forest on Friday night, after unanimously defeating Daniel Paul from Cwmcarn ABC on points in three rounds. The all-action contest saw young Joel come out on top with more accurate jabs and crosses
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Aber climb table
Abergavenny Thurs 3 New Inn 1 THURSDAYS leapfrogged Gwent County Third Division rivals New Inn with a 3-1 victory on Saturday, securing a rare league double. The makeshift side put in an excellent performance, with stand-in 'keeper Dave Mason and midfielder
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Call for arrears clarity
DEMANDS for an investigation into controversial plans for Monmouthshire County Council to write-off nearly £2 million in arrears are continuing. Cllr Graham Down, cabinet member for finance and budgetary control, has already stated to The Free Press that
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Coach blasts 'poor' team
Abercarn United 0 Mardy AFC 1 MARDY climbed to the summit of the First Division on Saturday with a 1-0 win over Abercarn, while rivals Bleanavon Blues could only manage a draw at mid-table Panteg. But coach Ben Bennon blasted the display as "very poor
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Town manager steps down
CHEPSTOW Town manager Chris Lilygreen has been asked to step down from his role at the club's helm, with assistant boss Wayne Samuels taking over as caretaker boss last week. Lilygreen left his manager post by mutual consent last week after a run of poor
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Sporting fun for all
MORE than 200 boys and girls from primary schools in the Abergavenny area took part in a netball and football tournament at King Henry School last week. The event was organised by Randy Lewis of KHS PE department. He said: "This is the first time I've
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Time is tight for Mon
RELEGATION threatened Monmouth RFC had their six-pointer with Crumlin cancelled on Friday night, with the clash now being scheduled for Friday, March 17. This weekend Monmouth are at home to fellow strugglers Oakdale, kick-off at 2.30pm on Saturday, with
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'Never again' says Wye rower
OCEAN rower Andrew Barnett took his first step on dry land in two months and said: "I'm going to sit down to the biggest fry-up breakfast I've ever eaten. In fact I'll probably have two!" The Monmouth Rowing Club adventurer endured 64 days of shark attacks
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Angry residents get the hump
A FURIOUS couple from Chepstow have vented their anger about their house being surrounded by speed humps. Carolyn and Philip Chapman from Mount Way have been fighting a long battle with Monmouthshire county council over the traffic-calming measures located
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School playing field to stay, says councillor
PLANS to reduce Pembroke Primary School, Chepstow into a 210-place facility will not involve selling off the playing field, promised a leading councillor. Cllr Peter Fox, the cabinet member for lifelong learning made his pledge at last week's meeting
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Youth is held after knife attack
A KNIFE-WIELDING teenager confronted Monmouth police officers in an incident outside the police station, pictured, in Glendower Street, on Wednesday, February 1, at 11.20pm. After challenging the officers, one of whom received a minor injury during the
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Caldicot leave 'sloppy' mistakes behind them
Welsh League Division Two: Caldicot Town 1, Caerau Ely 0 TOWN secured a rare clean sheet on Saturday at home to Caerau Ely, with a late David Lloyd goal enough to bag the three points for Jason Pritchard's men, writes Keith Fairbank. Prichard later praised
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Relocation could take 'five years'
Parents of children at the area's only Welsh-medium school have been told it could be another five years before they can move out of its Victorian buildings. If proposals to reorganise schools in Caldicot go ahead, Ysgol y Ffin could move from Sudbrook
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Goytre's missed chances
Goytre 0 Chepstow Town 1 GOYTRE had 16 corners, hit the woodwork twice and had another effort cleared off the line before going down to a late winner to Division Three strugglers Chepstow. Club chairman Paul Greenhalgh said: "It was very disappointing
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Thrilling display by Under-15s
Bulwark Juniors travelled to Undy in the East Gwent Under-15 league and participated in a thrilling 11-goal encounter. Bulwark took control of the game from the kick-off and had most of the possesion in the first half, which saw them take a 2-0 lead into
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Redundancies for teachers warning
THERE could be teacher redundancies in Monmouthshire if the county council brings in their new funding formula for schools, warned a leading opposition member. Cllr Mike Smith, chairman of lifelong learning select committee issued the warning at last
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High hopes for club's new stand
MARDY have enjoyed a fantastic seven days, with progress on possible ground improvements which could see Welsh League football in Abergavenny, followed up with a 1-0 win at Abercarn, to put the club top of Gwent County Division One. Club representatives
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High hopes for club's new stand
MARDY have enjoyed a fantastic seven days, with progress on possible ground improvements which could see Welsh League football in Abergavenny, followed up with a 1-0 win at Abercarn, to put the club top of Gwent County Division One. Club representatives
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"I regret making 'racist' remark"
A COUNCILLOR hit back at claims of racism after remarks he made in a meeting caused a storm of protest. Abergavenny Lib Dem councillor Douglas Edwards was reprimanded by his party for using the phrase "niggers in the woodpile" during a debate. Councillor
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Drugs charge
AN USK man who was arrested for possession of cannabis and an amphetamine/cocaine mix has pleaded guilty to both charges at Abergavenny Magistrates Court. The court heard last week how Joseph Powell, of 33 New Market Street, threw a small object from
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Pooler aim to shock
DAVID Gray takes his Pontypool side down to Bridgend on Saturday, after the international weekend off, looking for Pooler to deliver another shock. Pooler have won just six out of their 20 games this term, while opponents Bridgend lie fourth in the Welsh
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Deadline for police merger
CONTROVERSIAL plans to merge Wales' four police forces have been confirmed by the Home Secretary and backed by Torfaen MP Paul Murphy. At a meeting in London on Monday Home Secretary Charles Clarke told Wales' police chiefs they must come to a decision
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Narrow cup loss
GARN Athletic's superb run in the Ivor Jones Cup finally came to end recently, when the second-string outfit were narrowly beaten 8-0 in the semi-finals by Panteg. Panteg, meanwhile, march on the final after scoring a try and a penalty in the 8-0 win.
