MP Jesse Norman was invited to attend an Open Forum of the Association of Ross Traders which took place at the Royal Hotel on Friday, January 8th. The meeting was not a public meeting but it was open to all people who trade in the Ross area.

The MP explained that there was little he had the power to change but he was happy to listen to the members’ concerns. He said that when dealing with local issues it is not a matter of party, he supports local activity. He urged the members to try to enlist energetic members to the committee and to keep the Association going.

Items for discussion included parking, signage, especially regarding direction to the various industrial estates in Ross, broadband and other issues which are causing concern to traders.

At the end of the meeting Chairman Colin Leggate reminded traders that they have a big decision to make at the AGM, in February, whether to keep ART or let it fold. And they need to decide on the format, either as an events planner or more of a lobbying group.