your comments
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Catherine, London
I was born and brought up in Govilon and I, like many others, left Abergavenny for economic reasons but still have strong ties to the town and feel very lucky to come from such a beautiful part of the world. The problems voiced on this site have been the same for many years. Many Welsh towns have a social divide, Abergavenny’s isn’t helped by the increasing drug problem which was bubbling under the surface for decades. Abergavenny’s social issues should be addressed not ignored, even a pretty market town can have problems. Whilst I agree that Abergavenny’s character should be retained, I read with much amusement the ongoing saga of the new cattle market development and the skate park: why is there so much agonising over something that can only be beneficial for its future? The decision to sell off the historic cattle market site was taken quickly enough. I doubt I can ever return to Abergavenny or Wales to live, house prices are becoming as expensive as parts of London and salaries still seem to be stuck in the 80’s. The town should work together, take its blinkers off and look to preserving its future. It would be sad to see the next generation of its youth either leaving for economic reasons or being excluded for social reasons.
batsy abergavenny
i am also a sk8r in abergavenny and would like to say how much of a good job the council have done to make it soo boring if we cant have sk8 park it will very dissapointing so then think of the alternative of the cinema then again the cinema will be so cheap it would probably be packed everyday PLZ!!! council sought the sk8 park out before we get sterotyped anymore andgro old and die i dont wanna have a sk8 park till im the age of tony hawk!!!!
Maryanne Jones from Abergavenny
Abergavenny, like many places today, is a bit of a curate's egg - good in parts.
The countryside surrounding the town is gorgeous, there are lots of outdoor activities. You can pony trek, hang glide, paraglide, canoe on the canal or travel by longboat. Of course you have to be able to afford to do so. There is a leisure centre with a gym and swimming pool, again it helps if you have the money for entrance fees/subs.
There is a lovely park, but the bandstand is more often the target of urination than regular band practices. There are regular events held there, like the Steam rally and the town Festival in the summer followed by the Food Festival in September. Shame about the entrance fee. The place is wonderful for tourists and those with money but finding work there is difficult certainly if you have studied hard to gain further qualifications. There is the little Borough theatre where many wonderful shows are produced. But for the youngsters, and others, with little or no cash the only choice of activity left is walking, not much fun in the frequent rain.
A youth centre, youth café, somewhere for youngsters to hang out socialise, have fun at, a place to dance this is what is needed.
A skatepark will be nice for some, but not all youngsters want to use one and there are already disputes from residents.
To live in or around Abergavenny you need to be someone who is able to afford club or class fees/subs, and have the use of a car and not need to be reliant on public transport (no buses after 5 pm to the outlying villages). The council has become a dictatorship who only bring to Abergavenny things that will give them money and not necessarily be in the best interests of the residents whose opinion they largely ignore anyway. The people of Abergavenny like anywhere else are mostly friendly, helpful,and hardworking. It is the minority of dictators who spoil it for everyone else. Of course they don't read these pages and if they chanced upon them would ignore anything that didn't shower praise upon them. Anarchist? Maybe I am becoming one, up the revolution!
Laura Abergaveny
I have been living in abergavenny for 14 years and it has not changed one bit!!!!Abergavenny is rough as many of my friends have been attacked by these gangs. This problem may never go away but i wish the council would do something such as a cinema, at least this will get some of the young people away from street corners!What Abergavenny does not need is more charity shops and churches! The coucil needs to wake up or get some members that arent over 80 years old
Jon Kingsbury
I wrote a letter to the Abergavenny Chronicle back in 1989/90 about getting a cinema in Abergavenny. I guess you poor bunch in Abergavenny are still waiting for one? I suggest moving to somewhere less boring instead.
Dean, Arizona, USA
I used to live in Abergavenny, until 18 months ago. I see a lot of people complaining about the "yobs" that "loiter" around the bus station. Personally I feel that if there were a better place for them to spend time, in their cars if they so wish, they would utilize it. After all they are not there commiting crimes, its just the best place currently to meet and socialize. Regarding the skate park, its a good idea, the skaters need somewhere. I think that the proposed site needs to be thought about. Bailey Park would be a better place to have it and not somewhere where it is going to get negative feelings, as this will give people more to complain about. People really need to learn to progress with time and the towns needs and not reminisce about how it used to be. What I am trying to say is, Abergavenny needs to address the situations that residents are complaining about and instead of trying to find ways of stopping it, find a way that everyone can compromise on.
john lewis AUSTRALIA
I used to live in Ebbw Vale,but i used to visit Abergavenny on market days and also on Saturdays when The Thursdays were playing.The town used to be a very nice place and myself and my family used to enjoy visiting it.
Anon ex-Abergavenny
Abergavenny makes me laugh, the council have been debating the skate park for nearly 10 years. Then Every couple of years the council refuse something to be built Cattle market to make sure the Chronicle gets something to put on it front page(s) every week :)!! The shop that dares itself to be called "Tescos" is the only real supermarket inside town and the Bus station is like a scene from the "The Fast and the Furious" on a saturday night..... Abergavenny HAPPY DAYS :)!!!
Jack and Bev Stiles, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
We visited Abergavenny in 1993 and stayed overnight in what I remember was called the Swan Hotel. Prior to dinner, we visited the bar (pub) and had a delightful evening talking to the barman and patrons of the pub. Then into the dining room for a lovely meal. We found everyone so friendly and helpful, the village was quaint and historical and the scenery around Abergavenny was magnificent, everything was extremely positive. You people don't realize what you have and we can't understand why you keep putting yourself down all the time. Pull up your bloody socks and get moving instead of moaning all the time.
Clive in Camborne, Cornwall
It has been pointed out that " Clive no longer lives in Abergavenny". Quite right, I don't, but does that mean my opinion is invalid? It may be that my views are "dated" because as I pointed out I am a "former resident from over 50 years ago" but invalid?, I don't think so. It just seemed that a teacher would be MORE in touch with the youngsters than I could ever hope to be. The only suggestion I would make would not involve foisting MY "dated" views onto the youngsters, but would be more along the lines of "let's hear what they have in mind"...
Alice Bloor, Nr Muthill, Scotland, or nowhere..
I moved to Abergavenny, when I was 11, I had come from Scotland, living in the middle of nowhere. Abergavenny as I remember was pretty, hills surrounding it, I lived on Deri mountain in fact. Abergavenny was a breath of fresh air, I was near people. The kids moan there is nothing to do, try literally, living in the middle of nowhere. There are nice places in Abergavenny, like Castle Meadows. I remember the arguments about a skate park and cinema. I think these should be built. You could say that the kids could watch violent films and copy them, but there is also the beauty of the cinema, that can educate the mind, help people relate to their problems, make them feel less alone, see the beauty of the world...
Bill Morris from Abergavenny
In response to Clive's comment about Abergavenny and the teachers observations. I notice that Clive no longer lives in Abergavenny and that he himself has not actually made any suggestions himself about how to help the young people of Abergavenny today. All he is certain is that they should not build on Castle Meadows or make any changes at all to the town.
Clive in Camborne, Cornwall
As a former resident of Aber from over 50 years ago, (and I regularly return) I make the following observation:- It's nice to see that the "school teacher" (?anonymous I notice) is enjoying the finer things around Abergavenny ("fantastic restaurants"); however there is another side to the discussion on this site that seeing as he/she is a "school teacher" I'm very surprised she/he's chosen to ignore - the youngsters! From what I've been reading on here, there seems to be a very great need for something to keep the youth of the town which he described as "boy racers and yobs", ( not nice - especially from someone who works with children ), occupied. I ask him/her, how about putting your mind toward solving the situation instead of inflaming it. Boutiques and quaint little sewing, knitting and souvenir shops are NOT the answer to the obvious problems that seem to be being raised here by youngsters who are doing their level best to inform everyone what the problems are and even putting forward suggestions for solutions for consideration by the adults. Why not listen, work with them, and NOT just brand them as "yobs"! Leave the boutiques to Cowbridge (or move there if that's what you want in a town) and let Abergavenny be itself. Its very own charm is enough to make it unique amongst towns.
school teacher from Abergavenny
We moved to Abergavenny three years ago. Its a beautiful area with loads of fantastic restaurants. I'm pleased to see more coffee shops in the town however why is the council so hell bent on allowing so many charity shops and in particular various takeaways, particularly at the bottom end of town, don't they realise that these attract the boy racers and yobs in the evenings. Abergavenny is a prime market town to be developed along the lines of Cowbridge, with boutiques etc that people will flock to. Please don't let Abergavenny become a chav town!
Siobhan
A cinema would help get young adults and teenagers off the streets. I know people, aged only 15 or so, whose main form of entertainment on a Saturday night is to get drunk in the park or trying to sneak into bars. But what alternative is there? Where ever they go, they are moved on, until their only option is to sit in a manky bus shelter or park. At least a cinema would give some form of entertainment, as well as keeping them off the streets, or giving them work.
Alex from Abergavenny
I already have my opinions on this website, which I had totally forgot about doing. But as I am here again I would just like to point out that looking at what I had previously wrote and what every one else had contributed absolutely nothing has been done and judging from the age I was when previously entering a whole year has gone by and everything is still exactly the same.
There is still nothing to do - no progress has been made to build anything whether it be a skate park, ASDA, or a cinema. I also find the pubs really boring encouraging more drinking. I seem to get drunk far more in Abergavenny than if I go to Newport, or other neighbouring towns/cities. I feel strongly that Abergavenny needs a drug free dance floor (like in the Auberge would be a good start.)
Cathy Hollowell, Houston, Texas
Born in Crickhowell, I went to Elementary School (St Michaels) before leaving for High School in Cardiff. Abergavenny was where everything happened in the sixties. We had great dances, rock bands like The Kinks, The Who, Dave D, etc. We even had our own rock song in the charts by Bryn Yemm. Now when I come home I stay away from Aber in the evening - too many drunks. Build a youth centre, build a bowling alley and a skating rink, give them somewhere to go where they don't have to drink to be cool. There must be room somewhere... and kids, stop waiting for someone to amuse you, get together and help do something. America is no different, just bigger -small towns have the same problems here but kids do get involved in community service... building things and feeding the homeless... and a lot of sports. I remember fields flooding in Aber and Crick!, so don't build down there.
Clive in Cornwall
In reply to Louise (ex Nottingham resident), I agree with a lot of what she says; except, at the end where she mentions building on Castle Meadows. The fact that she is relatively new to the town explains the fact that she has obviously never seen the river in full flood. If you had Louise you would know why the area around there is a Flood Plain and very much a no go area for building. (That ignores the fact that it is very much a feature of the town and as such SHOULD be left "as is") When I was a youngster there in the 50/60's one of my most vivid memories is the water from the river covering all the fields up to the bottom of the Castle and the inhabitants of the houses (don't know if they're still there) of the houses "behind" the Castle actually canoeing out of their bedroom windows. It was great to watch as a child but obviously not much fun for the inhabitants. Incidently if you think the house prices there are high, trying buying in Cornwall where the average wage is the lowest in the country! As you obviously seem love Aber, please don't advocate changing the very things that make it what it is now and hopefully will be for a long time to come.
Jenny Gleeson, Crosby, Liverpool
My dad Edgar Barrett was born in Merthyr Road, Abergavenny. I came to look around 15 years ago and fell in love with this lovely place. If I could, I would love to live here.
Louise from Abergavenny
I moved to Aber two years ago from Nottingham, a city which despite its huge range of facilities for younger people has one of the worst records for crime in Britain. The city centre is a no go area both day and night now. Despite Abergavenny town planners' seemingly ludicrous agenda to hold the town in a 1950s timewarp, I personally welcome the fact that there are no MacDonalds for twenty miles. And long may it last! I currently live on one of the 'notorious' housing estates in Aber, and I've witnessed first hand the problems associated with the Planners' policy of allowing so many dysfunctional families into one community (apparently for financial incentive); parents so totally indifferent to their own children that youngsters still in nappies are left to roam the street. These neglected children are tomorrow's problem, and I can't personally see how a new cinema is going to help them. I agree with Ian from Auckland that new sports facilities and a real incentive to get these kids off the streets and into something more positive is the only real way forward. And if that means a skate park then I'm all for it! People who are using the 'potential drug problem' as an excuse not to build a skate park are either incredibly naive or else simply don't want to see their already over-inflated house prices go down. I'm prepared to believe it's the latter. In which case, why on earth can't they build it as unobtrusively as possible on Castle Meadows?
Chrissie Sanders-Flint, Brighton
I think Abergavenny is a great place n we go there every year to visit our friends Tom n Dora. Last year we had the best time ever cos my best friend Char came with me.
Bev Knight from Abergavenny
Growing up in Abergavenny was great, good schools, lots of local parks, etc. There are some major drawbacks entertainment wise due to people not wanting such developments as they are seen as detracting from the quaintness of the town. Although, having gone to university and come back, I have a renewed love for Abergavenny. It is really beautiful and there are loads of great places to go: castle, Linda Vista gardens, castle meadows, the town’s pubs, Bailey Park and of course the surrounding mountains.
Andrew, Risca
I was born and lived in Abergavenny for 40 years. Unfortunately the powers that be view the town through rose tinted specs. Yes it is a wonderful quaint market town - lovely if you are middle class. However there is a lot of social exclusion and deprivation in the town mainly due to the powers that be. There is no decent supermarket in the town, only an overpriced middle class outlet on the outskirts, not run by one of the big 4. There are no fast food outlets - indeed if I wanted to by a Big Mac this would involve a 20 mile round trip. The same applies for cinema and nightclubs. I have worked in retail for a number of years so can make the following judgment: the population numbers and potential foot fall for such facilities are there but the powers that be say that the building of these facilities would kill the town. More like the building of these facilities would reduce their bank balances!! Nevertheless, don't stop visiting Abergavenny - just remember to bring your rose tinted specs.
Ian, Auckland, New Zealand
I agree there is very limited facilities in Abergavenny. Sport is key in providing a range of activities for young people. In Auckland teenagers arrive at 7.00am to practice hockey, netball, basketball and swimming. This is their choice as school starts at 8.30. Lunchtime on the field sees students enjoying rugby league, touch rugby, soccer, cricket, handball, american football, basketball and tennis. Netball is a huge sport out here enjoying the same coverage as soccer in the UK and girls and boys regularly play mixed netball.If students are encouraged to participate in sport at a young age and coaches, clubs and schools work together I am sure you will see a fitter, healthier and slightly less 'bored' youth in Abergavenny. Minority sports such as bowls and snooker highlight Abergavenny's plight. How many students from King Henry have tried Bowls?
Avenue Road and Bailey Park are struggling for numbers. Unlike the valleys, where do teenagers go to play snooker? Sorry, you can't play until you're 18 and old enough to join a political club.
For those in a position to facilitate change try for just a minute to put yourself in the position of today's youth. Give them choice and encouragement.
Peter Stockham from Abergavenny born and bred
In reply to Clive, by BNS mafia, I was not talking about the workers but the middle and upper managment who took over the council and decided that they knew what was best, and the people who had lived there all their lives were irrelevant.
Louise from Abergavenny
i dont think there is much in aber for young ppl to do!! its kinda boring - he same ppl, the same things happenin, but this is like every town!!! the only good thing aber has goin for it is the market, cattle market,and it's beautiful mountains views!! plus other historic monuments which actually make Abergavenny!!!
there is not much in the town centre but its enough for us!!!
it annoys me that people are always complaining bout skateboarders and ppl in their cars at night - but what else is there for them to do - would you all prefer they go out in town and get drunk then cause all sorts of nasty trouble!!!? no - didnt think so!!! STOP buggin all the young ppl, remember you were young once yourself!! it may not be the same as it is today but im sure you got up to some kind of mischief!!! Think about it!!
Clive in Cornwall
Peter Stockham's comments about the BNS mafia had me wondering ... what am I missing? Have I been away from Aber so long (40 years) that I've gone soft in the head? If you are the person I think you are, then your Dad (and mine) were part of the "BNS Mafia" (whatever that means); and if I remember correctly there were many people very happy to get work at that place following the war and lack of jobs elsewhere. Aber has moved on from what it was when we were kids 50 years ago and that's as it should be. It now has to find what's right for it in the 21st century - and I'm certain that the spirit of the folk who now live there will shine out and make that happen. Good Luck to them.
Vicky
I think Abergavenny and the surrounding area is a lovely place to grow up and I think that in the last couple of years, Aber has seemed a lot better, more interesting little shops. I love the little cafés, definitely seeming more cosmopolitan.
Luke Griffiths, Abergavenny
I have lived in Abergavenny all my life and I skate. There is nowhere to skate - we always have to go to Newport on the train and it costs a lot of money. Me and my friends go to the Post Office a lot to skate and we always get chucked off!!!
Nathan from Nantyglo
I was forced to move away from Abergavenny three years ago with my parents. I would have loved to stay. I skateboard, and by saying that many people would not bother reading the rest I have to say. For some reason skateboarders in Abergavenny are pushed away when submitting the idea of a skatepark. I spend most of my time in Abergavenny because all my friends live there and I school there at King Henry VII school. I skate with the skateboarders behind the cheese factory. I wouldn't really say we have a make-shift skate park there, but it does for now and it's out the way of the scaremongers!
Fury from Aber
im a skater and i skate in aber alot and there is nothing 2 do. people stereotype us as scum. almost all they do is moan at us for sk8in the streets and sally who said about drug addict sk8ers critisises us for what we love. she forgets that once in her life she was a kid. hardly any of the sk8er poppulation in abergavenny use drugs and people who do only resort 2 that because there is nothing else 2 do as we always get in just as much trouble for sk8in. its pathetic. also just as many people who play football rugby of other sports hav the same use of drugs. people just target sk8ers!
ciaran francis
Abergavenny is awesome. The thing I like most about the town is the castle
Sarah
I live in Abergavenny and I think it's a fantasic town with nearly everything for everyone. I think that for the kids there should be a skate park and a cinema to keep them out of trouble
Jane aged 50
I think people who complain about life in Abergavenny need to look at the big wide world, particularly places where famine, poverty, repression and crime feature large in the everyday struggle for survival. As far as young people are concerned there are many, many groups offering fun activities from sport to drama, music, public speaking etc. Anyone who dares to be bored is simply a boring person. If you want a youth activity that is run by young people for young people and includes everything from disco dancing, rugby, hockey, football to acting, ATV driving skills, crafts, performing etc then try the YFC based at Wernddu Golf Club on a Tuesday evening.
Jake Taylor, London
I was born and brought up in Abergavenny and moved away because of the agressive and narrow-minded behavior of a portion of the residents. I was lucky when I was a child as I was interested in theatre and Abergavenny has an amazing youth theatre. If you are not interested in that kind of thing, then there is little to do that is affordable. I love Abergavenny though and wish it was able to be the peaceful, vibrant, beautiful town that it wants to be.
Jac
Aber is a really nice town, it has a beautiful castle and scenery, a nice little town with nice little shops, good housing and transport links and at long last a Welsh-medium school! There are also some very good restaurantsin the neighbouring Crickhowell, Llangattock etc.
Billy Rivers from Abergavenny
Abergavenny rough? What are people smoking! I grew up in Merthyr...now that's a rough town. Abergavenny is lurvely...and full of polite, law abiding people, try going out in Merthyr after 5:30pm...then you'll find out what rough is!
Clare, Leicester
i moved away 2 yrs ago. Abergavenny is such a beautiful town and i really miss the scenery. it's a special place, but everytime i visit i see it dying more and more. Shops empty, another unwanted business moves in. it's heartbreaking. i'm still proud to be from aber
Elaine from Abergavenny
I grew up here, and couldn't wait to get away, now over 20 years on I have moved back here and I'm loving it. I do agree that there does appear to be a yob culture at nightime in the town centre which is a real shame.
lynn Abergavenny
I have lived my whole life in Abergavenny. It is a lovely town and a lot of social and sporting activities going on but not everyone is interested in these. There's nowhere for the youth to go. I know, i have them outside my house making trouble most nights.
Sarah Jones from Govilon
I am a relative newcomer to Abergavenny (I have been visting the area for 8 years but only lived here for a year). I must say I love the town especially on a nice sunny day when you can go to the castle or browse in the markets. What I have noticed is that at night it changes completely. Gangs of "kids" (i am only 26 but I have seen somebody i know to be definitely 14 get served alcohol) roaming about in search of a fight and somewhere to be sick after too many £1.00 vodka shots. People are blaming this in part on nothing to do in the area. Perhaps a cinema would help the problem somewhat. I don't see it myself, maybe people need to be responsible for their actions for a change, instead of blaming it on other people's failings. I don't ever remember thinking "right I'm bored, let's go and cause some trouble". I am sure many other people didn't/don't as well!! I think I will just stick to going to Aber in the days and if I do go at night, leaving before 10.30 so I don't have to wait 3 hours sitting on the carpark wall waiting for a taxi!!
Nicky, Malaysia
Abergavenny is the sleepy town where I grew up. I moved overseas to work over 17 years ago but do go home to visit family and friends regularly. Abergavenny has not changed at all, there is still nothing for the young people to do and now even the cinema has closed down. I hear that there is a big problem with drugs and violence, little wonder when nothing is provided for people to do. The old people do not dare to go to town at night as large gangs hang around the street. Wake up Aber council give those kids a break!
Adil Gatrad from California, USA
Abergavenny is great!!! I moved to the SA just a couple of years ago, and really miss some aspects of life back in Aber - the Cricket Club, the Hockey Club, picturesque views, the friends I left behind, the ease with which you can get around the place. They say "you only get out of life what you put in". In Aber you have to take an active part in community activities to get the best out for yourself. Get involved. Protect Abergavenny from getting too modernised.
PS - Cannot wait to get back!!
Glyn Hill from Chrischurch New Zealand
Born Abergavenny 1951 and 9 months later off to NZ. Been here all my life, but for two years was in the army stationed in Singapore. Visited Abergavenny in 1979 and and went to church on my 28th birthday with my late grandmother. Followed up with a pint after service in the Sugar Loaf. Beautiful town and lovely people. Proud to call myself a Welsh man from Abergavenny. 26 years down the track and the memories remain clear. Of everywhere I've been, there is nothing like the grassroots of your hometown, and Abergavenny in my eyes and heart does it for me. Actually it out does vast tracts of this beautiful country. You just don't know what you've got until you ain't got it no more or can't touch, feel or breath it. With a little guilt though I do confess to supporting the All Blacks.
Theressa from Cardiff
I used to live in the surrounding area of Abergavenny, and as a teenager I found that there was nothing for the younger generation to do. the local youth service was only in the area one night a week with limitations on the age range.
Sally from Abergavenny
I believe that the proposed skate park will be a disaster. Why put it in an area that is quiet, and close to a busy road. We should not have to put up with the drug addict children that use their skateboards around the town in a family area. Why should we police it? we have enough to do as it is. Put it near to one of the councillors homes and see if they complain.
Sally, Abergavenny
I agree with Damien, the new gym off Union Road is wonderful. As a mum of 2 teenagers I disagree that there is nothing for the youngsters to do in Abergavenny. My two boys are fully active within the local sport enterprises and are never board or walk the streets.
Myra Shattock (aged 21) from Abergavenny
I moved to Abergavenny when I was 8yrs and I think that it's a beautiful area. But with nowhere for younger people to go, the town seems stuck in the dark ages. There was talk of having a skate park in the town, but the people who live near to where it was to be built complained. The young people are the future, but are being forced to leave to go and find somewhere they aren't being persecuted.
Emma from Newport
I think that Aber should have places where young people can hang out instead of hanging around on the streets. I also think that they should put a cinema in the town too.
Peter Stockham, Abergavenny born and bred
Abergavenny is suffering from events of the 60's and 70's when the town was run by outsiders, the BNS mafia. It has always had the Begonias in the garden and BAKED beans in the kitchen syndrome. For Adam Young, Tesco's was built on the site of a graveyard which was not very popular at the time.
Sandie, Abergavenny
I think the council have no idea how best to serve the people of Abergavenny. They are anti-shopper, anti-tourist, anti-shopkeeper, anti-youth and every other 'anti' which doesn't line their pockets with 'parking silver'. The streets are dirty (street cleaners) don't believe the brush should leave the wagon, the supermarkets are restricted and disabled scooters and bicyles wizz about on pavements as if walkers should not be there. If the council want to charge people such excessive amounts to park at least use the money to improve our town. I am not quite sure why we have a town coucil as Monmouthshire County Council seem to make all the bad decisions themselves, is it just a case of 'job for the boys'at our expence!!!!
Gareth Edwards from Exeter
I grew up in Abergavenny, and moved away 6 years ago. I still visit a lot to see the family, though. I can see pros and cons to Abergavenny's slower pace. It's true that while I was growing up I sometimes felt a bit limited in my opportunities but, looking back, I'm now glad of my sheltered childhood. It's also made me value my adulthood a lot more; the freedom and responsibility of living in a city is much more enjoyable given my limited experience of childhood.
Also think about this: by the time you get to 25, you will spend a lot of your time compaining. You can either be like me, and complain that your childhood was rubbish, but at least life is good now; or you can be like someone that grew up in a city complaining that their childhood was so amazing, their adult life will never compare.
Carrie from Abergavenny
I agree there is nothing for the Young People to do, except hang around the town. This leads to boredom, and of course trouble. Drugs are also on the streets here! Our kids can easily become targets for the low life dealers and their runners. Beware!!
indifferent
When it comes to young people ,monm.county council can not be bothered to do anything for the young instead is trying to preserve the image that monmouthshire is a great area to live in and the older generation grows old and narrow minded.,history repeats itself.
Catharine in Abergavenny
Abergavenny needs a picture house, cinema, moving pictures ... call it what you will. Abergavenny is the gate way to Wales. And has no cinema for visitors or locals to enjoy. Come on - get with the times please.
Gary Nugent, Abergavenny
Aber is a good place to be if you are 60+.
Brian Clare (Ex Brynmawr/Ebbwvale)
I was shocked to read the comments on how young people now see Abergavenny. I spent considerable ammount of time there during the 'Sixties'. The town hall with "Eddie Tatersall" was the place to be and be seen. Perhaps the council should ballot the young people on what they want BEFORE making any decisions on developement.
PS I now live near Silverstone Northants.
Alexandra Griffiths
I am currently 18 years old, and I have lived in Abergavenny all my life. I am fed up with having to travel to other towns in search of entertainment. There is absolutely nothing in Abergavenny for youths of both mine and all other ages to do. This is causing trouble in Abergavenny, this makes me feel uneasy whilst in Abergavenny, it is also giving other tourists a bad impression of the town.Abergavenny has now been labelled as 'rough' and I find myself embarrassed to say I am from here, as I am automatically labelled. I feel the town needs something to distract youths from causing more trouble in the town.
Christopher Shephard, Gilwern
Compared to larger dwellings of the same nature (such as Gloucester or Hereford) - Abergavenny's relativley slow pace of life is one of it's many highlights. Although this is ideal for citzens of advancing age, the younger generation aren't well catered for "leisure-wise". Furthermore, if the town council could finally decide on developing the town further - Abergavenny could become an even more prominent town in Wales. Overall, Abergavenny's good points far outweigh it's negatives.
Jodie Parsons from Abergavenny
There's not much for kids to do. It would be nice to see a cinema for kids to go to, to stop them causing trouble on the streets. However the libary in Abergavenny is great, and is were I like spending most of my spare time.
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