Thoughts on the monument in the Square

George Beaman writes: "A contributor some time ago wanted to see the traffic signs removed

from round The Monument. I would go further and suggest that The

Monument itself should be moved. A vertical feature of this kind looks best in

an elevated position and seen from a little way off against a

background of sky. None of this applies where it is, surrounded by taller

buildings on all three sides.

"It only needs an area 5 feet square so there are many places where it

could go. A good place for it would be the top right-hand corner of

The Cemetery. There it would be among other memorials and would be a

landmark for people arriving on the canal. The Cemetery came later than The

Monument. If it had been the other way round no doubt it would have

been put there in the first place.

"Also with The Monument moved there would be three open vistas across

The Square where there is none now. Then the view of The Church could

also be improved by removing the clutter from between The Market Hall

and The Chemist's Shop. The millstone would be better placed where

milling was actually carried out and the cycle rack may have seemed a good

idea but is never used. The planters should go as well."

Have you any thoughts on this subject? Do let the webteam know – it could be a lively debate!

This article is from our news archive. As a result pictures or videos originally associated with it may have been removed and some of the content may no longer be accurate or relevant.