Those of us who visit St Antonin regularly often wonder at the under-use of the impressive site on the river front, the Place des Moines. Over the years it has become a scruffy square, lacking the elegance of its "spa town" days, inhabited by a few petanque players. Yet with its stone colonnades, the steps down to the river bank, its unequalled views over the river basin it could be a place of relaxation and entertainment. The night of the fireworks gave a hint of the possibilities, with lots of people, a busy bar and musical entertainment.
The conseil municipal is engaged in re-engineering the place as a result of a landslip caused by flooding in the spring and called a consultation meeting, inviting all inhabitants by letter. Some 28 people attended and in the follow-up meeting to consider suggestions arising there were 8 people, including the maire and the architect.
They have really no idea of what the village inhabitants would like to do with the place: a car park? A boulevard style café? If it turns out to be a mess what an opportunity missed. Those of you in St Antonin who care are urged to contact your representatives ahead of the next council meeting to make your views known.
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