THE Now and Then picture, May 7, is of The Square, Usk.

The memorial clock has stood there for many years. A number of years ago there was a small garage in the square that housed about two or three Red and White buses.

It moved to another site in Usk and then away for good.

There have been a number of businesses over the years in the square. I can remember Mr Gibbons, a grocer, had a shop there and there was also an antique shop, a butchers, a couple of pubs, a bank and an art gallery.

The square is very nice when the trees are in blossom and the buildings are usually decorated with flowers. Turn left out of the square and you are on the main road through Usk town, where the old Three Salmons Hotel is, plus many other shops.

The road leads to the bridge over the River Usk to Newport or Pontypool. If you turn right out of the Square you go to Monmouth.

Behind the buildings in the distance in the picture is Usk castle, which is still a visitor attraction.

Some years ago I remember that at times Usk was subject to flooding, but this has not happened for many years now.

The Cross Keys has a sign inside indicating how high the water rose during the floods. I remember that it used to be said that the same pub was haunted.

Herbert Williams, New Inn