BUSINESSES in Monmouth have raised concerns over the state of trading in the town after visitor figures fell by more than 40 per cent in recent years.

Statistics from National Assembly have shown that the average weekly town centre footfall fell from 484 in 2011, to 275 last year.

The current figure represents a five per cent increase from 262 in 2005, but the consensus is that the current situation is a 'worrying' one for independent businesses.

With the vacancy rate of shops in Monmouth currently standing at two per cent, moves are planned to fill the empty units with informative displays for shoppers and tourists.

But independent traders along Church Street in 'Monmouth Old Town' have their own views on how to buck the downward trend. We hit the streets as part of our Your High Street: Use it or lose it campaign.

David Baker, owner of the No Eighteen sandwich shop, said changes in town infrastructure would benefit the top of the high street.

"Signage is something that has been discussed, as well as car parking," said Mr Baker.

"At Christmas the council makes the car parking free, but why not make parking free for three hours to allow shoppers to see all of the town?"

Mr Baker also said that tourists using coach services had told him that they had only a short amount of time to explore the town before having to return to their coach.

Mary Mahabir, of White Swan Team Room, said she was unhappy with the council's move to remove 'A boards' along the street.

"As we're tucked away we have to work damn hard to bring people in here and we depend on these boards," said Mrs Mahabir.

Other areas of concern raised included the rise of online shopping and a change in shopping habits.

David Tovey, who owns Monteas, in Monnow Street, believes the recent opening of chains such as Starbucks at services along the A40 have affected his custom.

However, with 135 new car parking spaces close to being completed and a new 60-bedroom Premier Inn due to be opened in January 2017, the Chamber of Commerce in Monmouth is keen to remain positive.

Chairman David Cummings said: "The Chamber of Commerce recognised a decade ago that the economy of our town was limited by deficiencies in our infrastructure.

"Since then we have lobbied Monmouthshire County Council for new car parks and a hotel on land owned by MCC."

"We will continue to fight out of town retail development and uses for county council land that might be detrimental to our economy," he added.