MADAM, I was surprised to read Andrew Meek's letter, in last week's Ross Gazette, about the provision of some coach parking in the Red Meadow car park. As I believe that it was I who suggested as long ago as June 2009 that this should be done, if he wishes to blame someone for what he describes as 'this idiotic decision', then I suppose that he may as well settle on me.
A full history of this issue would run to hundreds of words and I fear would be a tedious recitation for your readers, so I will try to be brief.
Coach companies, drivers and Tourist Information Centre staff have complained for years about the deficiencies of the Homs Road car park. In a consultation exercise, the Tourist Information Centre, the Association of Ross Traders, individual traders, Ross Town Council and individual County and Town Councillors all agreed with a six month trial of the idea to lay out some coach parking spaces in Red Meadow, with not a single objection.
As far as I know this has been working well. I do not know what Mr Meek means when he says the coach spaces are 'daily denying shoppers, workers and locals easy access to the town centre,' – the evidence of my eyes as Councillor for the area is that the car park is never full. But if Mr Meek wishes to make representations against continuing this arrangement, then he is free to do so by writing to Herefordshire Council.
Or he could write to me, telephone me on 01989 563299, or email me at [email protected]">[email protected] and I will be glad to pass on his thoughts to the right officer.
Chris Bartrum, Ross