Outgoing Ross-on-Wye Mayor, Cllr Bev Pope, reflects on a successful year marked by the reopening of the historic Market House and other community events.
THE Market House is a beautiful building at the centre of town and is the heart and soul of Ross to many people.
But when we couldn’t see it, or walk around it during its renovation, somehow Ross life seemed diminished.
So, its reopening was joyful and for me made the town seem whole again. I would especially like to thank all those involved directly and indirectly in the renovation, from the councillors and officers to the stonemasons and those who painted the boards which brightened up the hoardings.
It was an incredible amount of work but so well done - I applaud all of you in protecting this building for our future. There have been many council-led events throughout the year with the Christmas Fair being hugely popular and successful.
The Equinox festival was wonderful too, despite the weather. However, the events closest to my heart were those events aimed at children.
There was an array of events during the school’s half term and I know the summer pop-up beach was enjoyed by children and their parents, from all walks of life.
The Easter Bunny week of events combining children’s activities, a market and the fun of the Bake Off competition, were all well received and hugely appreciated by young and old.
These events give us residents a real buzz but are also really appreciated by tourists passing through.
Many visitors who I talked to recently had fallen in love with Ross and are planning on returning and I like to think the council-led events played a part in this.
Still on the topic of children, the town council has been able to redo part of Dean Hill play area and place a larger piece of play equipment on the Ropewalk for older children.
Both these projects involved external grant funding, and we hope to carry on improving Ross’s play provision as we believe it is so important for all our children.
However, the lack of provision for youth work and youth clubs is still a major problem and any community input and help would be incredibly welcome.
Our children and young people are our future, and I believe we need to look after them in the best way we possibly can.
Over the past year there have been of course many differing views and ideas of how to help our town thrive and its good to have a wide variety of approaches.
However, this has led to inaccurate and unhelpful exchanges on social media.
Fortunately, these differing views have mostly been shared in a constructive way within council meetings.
I would hope that over the next year all councillors will work amicably together for the welfare of Ross as co-operation always brings more benefits in the long run.
Finally, Ross has always seemed a wonderful place to me, but I have been even more impressed by the community spirit and kindness of people.
In conclusion, I would especially like to thank those who have supported my chosen charity for the year - Homestart Herefordshire.
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The annual Kymin Dash running event successfully raised £895 for The Ross on Wye local Cancer Support Group, highlighting community spirit and support for local causes.
This year's Kymin Dash running event raised a staggering £895 for The Ross on Wye local Cancer Support Group. The event happens every year and attracts over 200+ runners from all over the region, raising funds for local charities and groups. The Kymin Dash running event is 7 miles long. The race starts in Monmouth, climbs to the top of the Kymin, and then descends via a scenic route through the Wye Valley which overlooks Monmouth with far-reaching views of the Welsh mountains.
Sian Burns, one of the event organizers and club secretary from the Spirit of Monmouth running club, the race host, shared her excitement about this year's race, emphasizing the community spirit and the positive impact on local charities. "We are thrilled to see the growing number of participants each year and the enthusiasm from the community," she stated.
The Kymin Dash has raised over £20,000 for local causes in the past decade, making it a pivotal event for Monmouth. The race not only showcases the athletic prowess of the runners but also highlights the scenic beauty of Monmouth. The success of the event is a testament to the dedication of the race organizers and the generosity of the participants, who come together to support important causes.
Every year, the event donates profits from the race to different local charities, making a significant difference in the community. This year's charity was The Ross on Wye local Cancer Support Group, which will benefit from the funds raised to enhance their services and provide support to those affected by cancer in the area.
Paul Middleton, one of the volunteers from the Cancer Support Group, expressed his gratitude, saying that the funds will help them continue their vital work and outreach to the local people in the area. Paul has a history with the running club and has participated in many events for the club but was particularly moved by the support shown this year.
Paul said, "Raising awareness and funds through events like the Kymin Dash can make a significant difference in their lives." He also emphasized the importance of running and exercise in general for maintaining physical and mental health. "I have been on the cancer journey for eight years, having been diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2017, and understand the key role exercise can play for anyone with cancer".
Since 2016, the Ross-on-Wye Cancer Support Group has been a lifeline for those living with, and affected by, cancer. As a small, self-help voluntary group, they offer friendly, non-judgmental support to anyone in the community—whether you are directly impacted by cancer or supporting a loved one. Their aim is simple: to provide a space where people can connect, share experiences, and access information and support in a compassionate, empathetic way.
The group hold a monthly gathering at St Mary's Church Hall in Ross on Wye, everyone is welcome at this informal support group. Details of future gatherings and events can be seen on the website www.rossonwyecancergroup.org
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A mother and her two children were taken to hospital following a collision near John Kyrle School in Ross-on-Wye. Emergency services responded to the incident involving a car and pedestrians. Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported.
A mother and two of her children were taken to hospital this morning following a road traffic collision near John Kyrle School.
Emergency services were called to the scene of the collision at the junction of Ledbury Road and Three Crosses Road in Ross-on-Wye at around 8.30am after reports that a mother and two children, aged five and nine, were involved in a collision with a car while on their way to school at Brampton Abbots.
West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed that two children and a woman were taken to hospital, but said that no one was seriously injured.
"We were called to reports of an road traffic collision involving pedestrians and a car at the junction of Ledbury Road and Three Crosses Road in Ross-on-Wye, Hereford at 8.34am this morning. An ambulance and a paramedic officer responded to the scene. Three pedestrians, a woman, boy and girl, were assessed by ambulance staff. All three were conveyed to Hereford County Hospital for further checks. No one sustained serious injuries,” said an ambulance service spokesman.
A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: "We received a call around 8:50am this morning with a report of a road traffic collision in Ledbury Road, Ross-on-Wye. Officers arrived to find that a car and a pedestrian had collided. No arrests made."
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NEW bunting has been popping up in and around Ross-on-Wye’s town centre for the launch of the Summer Buzz campaign.
The Ross-on-Wye Town Council campaign aims to encourage tourists and residents alike to stay and shop locally throughout the summer months.
The initiative aims to provide a splash of colour that encourages a community feel. It is running from now until to Sunday, August 31 with a variety of local shops, restaurants and cafés offering deals throughout the period.
The first deal will be the chance to win a Barbecue Box from Broad Street’s Hanks Meat and Game. To enter, head over to the Facebook page and share the giveaway post.
The weekly market on Thursday, May 1 marked the start of this year’s campaign, with local businesses invited to hold a stall free of charge.
Shops and businesses in the town centre are sporting the campaign’s by putting up bunting, flags and other window decals to bring the buzz into their shopfronts and windows.
Throughout the summer examples of street art will be popping up throughout the town centre, particularly around the Market House apron. These examples of street art have been created and painted by Sarah Morton from Art Studio Ross.
The Summer Buzz campaign initiative was originally launched last year, but with the flooding and other issues affecting the town centre, it was decided to use it as a test bed for this year.
At the recent launch traders will on hand selling their produce and items and handing out tasters enabling visitors to have a chat with stall holders. Live music was provided by Kevin Rhodes Show.
Visit the Town Council website or visit its Facebook page to find out more information about the offers and events.
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FIREFIGHTERS rushed to put out a car engine blaze after a Jaguar went up in flames in the busy car park of a popular town centre hotel.
Emergency services were alerted just before 2pm on Saturday (May 3) to a blazing vehicle at the Royal in Ross-on-Wye’s Royal Parade, with a fire crew attending from the town’s fire station.
The blaze appeared to have been brought under control before the car was fully set alight.
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you may have noticed the new bunting popping up in Ross town centre as Ross-on-Wye Town Council prepared to launch its Summer Buzz campaign
The campaign is brought to you by the town council to encourage tourists and residents alike to stay and shop locally throughout the summer
The campaign aims to be splash of colour that encourages a community feel
restaurants and cafés offering deals throughout the period
The first will be the chance to win a barbecue box from Hanks Meat and Game (found on Broad Street)
head over to the Ross Town Council Facebook page and share the giveaway post
with local shopfronts offered a space to provide information and tasters
Shops and businesses in the town centre are sporting the campaign’s bunting
flags and window decals to bring the buzz into their shopfronts and windows
You’ll also notice street art popping up throughout the town centre
particularly on the Market House apron painted by Sarah Morton from Art Studio Ross
Visit the town council website www.rosstc-herefordshire.gov.uk or visit our Facebook page www.facebook.com/rosstowncouncil1 to find out more information about the offers and events
Ross Town Council works tirelessly through the year to deliver its aims of:
Any businesses which would like to be involved, shoukd contact Jane Gardiner, the town council’s community development officer by emailing [email protected]
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Ross-on-Wye pays tribute to Phillip Cutter, former mayor and dedicated councillor, known for his community spirit and service.
ROSS-on-Wye is mourning the loss of one of its most devoted public servants following the death of former Mayor and long-serving Councillor Phillip Cutter.
Mr Cutter, who passed away on Monday, served the town for decades as both a Town and County Councillor and held the office of Mayor of Ross-on-Wye three times.
He was widely respected for his commitment to the community and his passion for improving local life.
Ross Town Council led the tributes, saying in a statement: “Ross-on-Wye Town Council are saddened to hear the news of Phillip Cutter’s passing. Phil was a Town Councillor for many years with Ross Town Council and Mayor from 1988–89, 2002–03 and 2006–07, as well as a County Councillor. We send our condolences to Phil’s family and friends.”
Cllr Ed O’Driscoll said:“ I’m very sad to learn Phil Cutter died on Monday. He was a town and county councillor for many years and Mayor on several occasions. I got to know him really well through the Betzdorf Twinning Association over the past 10 years or so … he was a true servant of Ross and will be deeply missed.”
South Herefordshire MP Jesse Norman also paid tribute, describing Mr Cutter as: “A lovely, funny, positive and caring man … and a committed and effective councillor.”
Local business owner Helen Hunter said Mr Cutter was always supportive of the community: “Oh what extremely sad news and a shock. Phil was such a lovely man and always had Ross at the forefront of everything he did.
He supported local businesses, especially my own and will be greatly missed by all. Sending our deepest condolences to his wonderful family.”
Mr Cutter’s legacy is one of service, spirit and a deep-rooted love for Ross-on-Wye.
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A ROSS-ON-WYE man has been jailed for 16 years after he was found guilty of raping a woman in the town.
Mustafa Ogur, of Brookend Street in Ross, was found guilty following a trial held at Worcester Crown Court.
At this week’s sentence hearing, Ogur was told by the judge that following his custodial term, he will remain on extended licence for a further eight years and be subject to a lifetime sexual harm prevention order.
The jury were told that an investigation was launched after a woman was raped near to Three Crosses Road and Springfield Road during the early hours of Sunday, July 21, last year.
The jury were shown CCTV footage which demonstrated how the 24-year-old preyed on potential victims before the attack and heard how witnesses describe how he used Google translate on his phone to tell them ‘I want to make love to you’.
Ogur was arrested and charged with rape and sexual assault four days later when officers entered his home and discovered him in the shower, having shaved his hair in an attempt to change his appearance and evade being recognised as the suspect.
Herefordshire CID Detective Inspector, Ben Pearson, said: “It takes such bravery to first report and then talk about such a horrific experience, and I commend the victim, who has shown incredible strength and courage throughout the investigation and trial.
“I understand that nothing will ever take away the pain and suffering from such an experience.
“I am pleased with the sentencing handed out to Ogur. I’m unsure if a person capable of such an evil crime would reflect on the harm he has caused an innocent person, but I do know Ogur is a dangerous individual who will thankfully no longer be amongst our community for some time.”
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Ross-on-Wye Town Council has unveiled a schedule of free family-friendly events for the Easter holidays.
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alongside a space for families on Corpus Christi Lane
who says she started the centre to fill a gap in the community
for support workers and support groups who couldn't afford their own space
The team are trying to raise £6,000 to expand the centre and redevelop a space at the back of their building
The Government is looking to cut £5 billion pounds from the benefits bill
most of that by reducing Personal Independence Payments - the Department for Work and Pensions is running a consultation until the end of June
and say the system "will always be there for people with severe health conditions"
A RADICAL plan to annex Ross-on-Wye as part of a bid to avoid the need to build a new town near Gloucester, has been put forward by a prospective county councillor.
Former Forest of Dean District Councillor Thom Forester is proposing the annexation of Ross, which needs to find sites for another 3,000 homes over the next 20 years.
The Independent candidate for Drybrook and Lydbrook says in his election propaganda leaflet that “only a radical plan” can stop the “madness” of building a new garden town between the A40 and A48 which would “chaos and forever change the landscape and make-up of our Forest”.
“Herefordshire Council has dumped their housing allocation five minutes drive from Mitcheldean, putting huge pressure on already strained services,” Mr Forester’s leaflet reads.
“If Ross joined the Forest, then the Government and developers could no longer force us to grant permission for a new town out towards Gloucester.”
Mr Forester says Ross is on the right side of the River Wye and is effectively the Forest’s fifth town already.
“Given people’s dissatisfaction with Herefordshire Council, I would be surprised if there wasn’t quite a lot of support in Ross for the idea too,” he added.
Herefordshire Councillor Louis Stark (LD) said while the market town has strong links with the Forest, proposals to join the same council area are ‘probably non-starter’.
“As to the annexation being serious, I really don’t think the residents of Ross would like to leave Herefordshire,” he said.
“I’ve always said we should join Wales, we’d get a better deal,” he joked.
Kerne Bridge Councillor Simeon Cole, (C) said he had never heard such a suggestion before.
Another Ross councillor Chris Bartrum (LD) said he has knocked on doors in the town since 2005 and “nobody has ever brought up the suggestion of joining the Forest”.
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A NEW independent shop has just opened in Ross-on-Wye selling bespoke mid 20th century furniture and other curiosities.
Allison and Jeff Charles, owners of Four Interiors in Gloucester Road, explained that when they bought the building it was empty and initially, we had planned to rent it out.
Jeff added: “However, we own a number of good quality mid-20th century pieces of furniture which had been in storage for a long time and thought that by opening and running the shop ourselves, we could sell these items.
“It means that our furniture stock will not last long, so we are looking to obtain similar individual pieces of upcycled furniture to sell.”
The couple originally moved to Ross in 2018 after Jeff had sold his investment business and Allison had retired from being a fundraiser for the Guide Dogs Association.
Since renovating the shop and the two apartments above we’ve been struck by the friendliness of both local people and fellow traders in Ross,” added Jeff.
“This has helped us to vindicate our decision to invest in the town in which we live as apposed to other local market towns.
“I think we are part of a new era where a variety of other independent traders have recently opened shops in Ross, or in one case expanded into a second premises, to create a new buzz in town.”
A number of local artists have approached the couple to sell a variety of their work which includes originals and limited-edition prints.
In addition to the furniture, a range of soft furnishings including blankets and throws, candles, cards and stationery will be stocked.
The town’s mayor Cllr Bev Pope conducted the formal opening ceremony at which Jeff concluded: “Ross has enough nail bars and barbers, and this is when we we felt it was too nice not to sell something nice from it.”
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A NEW care home is currently being considered as part of the ongoing development of the St Mary’s Garden Village estate in Ross-on-Wye, writes Ella Hamilton.
The residential care home is proposed to be located on a 0.68-hectare site to the east of the A40 and south of Starling Road, and aims to provide 70 bedrooms each with en-suite wet room bathrooms, designed for safety and accessibility.
Within the home, it is proposed there will be additional facilities such as hairdressers, a café and a cinema room as well as other communal areas.
This project is being led by Prime (UK) Developments Limited, a Worcester-based health and care property developer which have selected the town for this new development due to the shortfall of 106 beds in the Ross area and the need for a further 155 by 2041.
Heather Alexander, community engagement manager at Prime, said: “As our population ages and needs become more complex, we are seeing increased demand for care home spaces across the country.
“We are proud to develop vibrant care facilities that enhance the experience of residents and allow them to stay close to their family and community.”
Prime also aims to deliver an estimated 70 full-time equivalent permanent jobs to staff the care home, varying from high-level management positions to care workers and ancillary staff.
Within the larger St Mary’s Garden Village development, the construction of the proposed building would result in the loss of 0.62 hectares of informal open space. However, there would still remain an approximate 4.6 hectares of open space in the area, exceeding the legally required limit.
Prime have suggested to mitigate this loss further through financial contributions to improve the quality of pre-existing green spaces within Ross, by funding landscaping, planting, the creation of pathways and similar projects.
Surrounding the proposed care home, Prime also aims to include gardens, allotments, areas suitable for outdoor dining and a sensory garden with secure boundaries, such as the five-metre-wide landscape buffer on the eastern edge of the site, planned to be constructed from native trees and shrubs.
The proposal states: “The design approach for the care home has been to develop a building and landscape that creates a safe and pleasant environment for residents and staff,” and that ‘visual effects would be neutral, negligible or minor’, referring to the protection to local views that tree coverage will provide.
The company also aims to incorporate clean energy into their building, implementing air source heat pump technology and solar panels on top of the roof.
Despite this, volunteers from the Dark Skies Herefordshire project have voiced their concerns regarding the threat of additional construction near the wildlife wetland area on the St Mary’s estate, drawing attention to the importance of dark skies for both wildlife and humans.
Local residents were invited to a community engagement event at the Larruperz Centre in January to view the plans for the new care home.
Comments can be made on the application at Hereford Council’s planning portal using the number P250600/F.
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A WYE Valley vape shop has been shut down by Herefordshire trading standards after a joint raid with police discovered suspected counterfeit cigarettes.
West Mercia Police said yesterday (April 8): “This morning Ross-on-Wye Safer Neighbourhood Team, assisted Trading Standards with a visit to Ross Vape Shop, Brookend Street, Ross-on-Wye.
“Counterfeit cigarettes were located, whereby Trading Standards put a closing order on the shop.”
An application is due to be made today to Hereford Magistrates Court for a more permanent closure order.
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A BIG community event to recruit potential employees is being held this week.
The recruitment and community event in Ross-on-Wye is being held on Wednesday, March 26 between 10am and noon at the Larruperz Community Centre.
This community event, which is open to everyone, is aimed at bringing local employers, partners, local charities, and the community to come together in one location.
The event is being organised, in part, by the Department of Work and Pensions.
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DESPITE a number of independent traders recently opening up in Ross-on-Wye, a high-street bank is to close its doors in July - leaving the town with only one banking organisation, writes Ella Hamilton.
Santander has proposed to close 95 branches across the country, putting 750 jobs nationally at risk of redundancy with one branch in the town’s High Street.
Santander states that since 2019 there has been ‘a rapid movement of customers choosing to do their banking digitally’, the bank aims to close the branches in a way that will ‘minimise the impact it may have on our customers’.
The London-based banking company, which bought up former British banking giants Abbey National and Alliance and Leicester among others, has said that the areas set to lose their community branch will be assisted instead by ‘community bankers’ who will visit local facilities such as libraries, expected to be visiting weekly.
A Santander spokesman said that the Ross branch will close on July 30 and added: “Closing a branch is always a very difficult decision and we spend a great deal of time assessing where and when we do this and how to minimise the impact it may have on our customers.
“However, we believe that the introduction of our new community bankers and the exciting plans we have for our remaining network of 349 branches and work cafés, alongside the rapid and innovative improvements to our mobile banking app, will provide the right balance of digital banking and human interaction when required.”
To support the changes, Santander will be proactively contacting all potentially vulnerable customers by phone and will assist those customers of closing branches to find other ways to bank that best suit their needs.
With Santander pulling out, it leaves Ross with only one remaining banking facility left - Nationwide.
Ross once had a full complement of banking organisations but these giants began closing their doors in 2018 when the Nat West pulled out in June of that year, followed by Barclays in August 2021, the TSB in June 2022, the HSBC in June 2023 and Lloyds bank closed in December last year.
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