Ross-on-Wye could be a step closer to securing hundreds of new jobs thanks to the announcement that representatives from the Ukraine government and a Ukrainian aerospace company are visiting the Model Farm employment site at Hildersley this month. The visit, which takes place on January 31st, is with a view to locating an advanced manufacturing plant in the town.

Seattle-based Get it Group brings together landowners and international businesses looking for locations to expand their operations. For several months negotiations have been on-going between Herefordshire Council and the Get It Group who are looking to buy the land at Model Farm and will then bring the Ukrainian investment into the county. Discussions have progressed with the Get it Group to the extent that their client, Ukrainian firm Market-Mats, is actively considering Ross as a UK base. The visit represents the next stage in their negotiations with Herefordshire Council as landowner of the Model Farm site.

On January 30th, Mr Ihor Kroll, President of Market-Mats and Mr Pinskiy, Deputy Minister for Economic Development will meet with Communities Secretary Eric Pickles before travelling to Ross to meet with Herefordshire Council leaders the next day.

For more stories in full please see this week's Ross Gazette.