Once bustling with life, Monmouth’s historic Church Street is now under siege by scaffolding that’s been up for years, and local traders fear a ghost town. Once a lively hub of independent shops, cafés, and evening life, the street now struggles under a cloud of neglect as scaffolding and disruption drive visitors away.
Ben Price, who runs the beloved Creates Monmouth with his husband Kenny, speaks for many when he laments the “rack and ruin” threatening their beloved corner of town. Despite gaining national fame by winning Channel 4’s Four in a Bed, their bistro and guesthouse faces dwindling foot traffic thanks to ongoing construction woes. It feels like nobody wants to help restore the charm of Church Street.
Their woes began shortly after taking over the business in January 2020, only to be hit by COVID-19 shortly after. Recovery was brisk initially, but infrastructure work soon brought chaos, blocking roads and keeping visitors at bay. Things worsened with the long-term closure of Barton Alleyway, cutting off foot traffic and visibility for Ben and Kenny’s business.
Despite regular meetings with councils and representatives, traders feel little has been done to address their concerns. Promises of help often feel empty, leaving business owners like Ben frustrated with passing the buck.
For some, the continuous scaffolding – a constant eyesore and disruption to guests and businesses alike – symbolises the broader inaction. Hotel guests looking for rooms with views are instead greeted by the sight of poles and plastic wrap. “Some guests check in and then leave,” Ben notes, adding to the uphill battle faced by the street’s traders.
Local businesses, some with over a decade on Church Street, are pondering their futures, with leases up for renewal and no clear path to recovery in sight. Once the jewel of Monmouth, Church Street’s unique character now hangs in precarious balance.
Local councils acknowledge the impact of ongoing work and stress the legal obligations of property owners, but traders worry that without immediate intervention, Church Street risks losing the charm that once made it a magnet for locals and tourists alike. Let’s rally together to support the heart of Monmouth – it’s time to bring Church Street back to life!