The project to take on the Old Chapel, Cantilupe Road, Ross-on-Wye, and turn it into a hub for creative people and businesses is off to a flying start.

Mary Deaville, who is leading the project, called Chapel Creatives, is hopeful that she will soon be able to reach an agreement with the Town Council, as she has received so much support since first announcing that the project was once more a possibility. She told the Ross Gazette that since the story was in the newspaper she has been inundated with messages of support.

She would now like these people to put their support in writing so that she can approach different organisation for help with funding.

She would like anyone who thinks Chapel Creatives would be a useful, and attractive addition to the town, to email her. She would also appreciate it if any businesses or organisations who may be interested in renting the hall for parties, meetings or other events could pledge their commitment. Mary cannot receive any money yet but the pledges would be evidence that she has got genuine support in the town.

She is in the process of setting up a Community Interest Group, a not for profit organisation to enable Chapel Creatives to take on the lease for the business.

She intends to work closely with the Mental Health and Wellbeing Pilot Scheme in Ross and collaborate with 2gether NHS Foundation Trust. She believes that Chapel Creatives will be able to bring creative people and businesses together to provide information, activities and events for people of all ages and abilities, with the aim of aiding good mental health and wellbeing.

To add your support for Chapel Creatives, or for more information email [email protected]