THE agony of a local family continues as the much-anticipated trial of the man charged with the murder of James Alan Ball, 30, started yesterday, Tuesday October 11th.

James Ball died of stab wounds at December House, Copse Cross Street, Ross on the evening of Saturday March 26th. The accused, Christopher Vivian, aged 23, is charged with the murder of Mr Ball. At the time Vivian was a resident of December House. He was charged with murder and appeared at Worcester Crown Court on July 5th, where he pleaded not guilty.

James Ball's family, father Richard, mother Pauline, brother Andrew and his nine year old daughter, released a statement saying that he would be much missed. Dozens of tributes were also left on facebook. The former John Kyrle High School pupil, known as Baller to his friends, was a popular man who was a talented cook. He had worked at several pubs and restaurants in the town.

In the weeks following the stabbing, angry residents called for December House to be closed or relocated. They claimed to have suffered years of anti -social behaviour and vandalism and a petition was also presented to Ross Town Council.

However, a public meeting did much to dispel some of the anxieties. Many of the young people living there were able to present their side to the residents and bridges were built.

Speaking to the Ross Town Council on Monday evening, Inspector Gebby confirmed that since the stabbing there has been only been one other reported incident in the vicinity of December House.

The initial hearings of the trial are due to start at Nottingham Crown Court (this is because Nottingham is the nearest available court) and will later move to Worcester Crown Court.

Inspector Gebby said that police will be travelling with the Ball family to the trial to support them through the court process.