Plans for the multi-million pound redevelopment of the cattle market in Abergavenny have been put on hold after Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) terminated an agreement with developer Henry Boot.

MCC said that it would not be continuing with negotiations over the extension of Henry Boot's contract. The council claimed that the Sheffield-based developer had sought to change the contract already agreed with the council. The decision follows the withdrawal of ASDA, which had been set to open a new supermarket on the cattle market site as part of the mixed-use scheme. A retail park, a cinema and a retail park are also included in the proposals.

Steve Greenslade, corporate director for MCC, said: "Following ASDA's withdrawal, Henry Boot wanted changes which would have enabled them to continue with the contract. These were unacceptable to the council. As a result, the project board has decided not to proceed in this way." MCC deputy leader Bob Greenland added: "I will inform cabinet that we need to continue with the plan to redevelop the Abergavenny town centre as a necessity to retain the vitality and vibrancy of the town.

"I remain conscious of the likelihood of an out of town application for a food store and the detrimental effect that will have on the town. We want to attract shoppers into Abergavenny and not away from it." The project also included the relocation of the cattle market to a new site near Raglan.