Madam, having been away from Ross for a couple of weeks, I was delighted, but not surprised, on my return to see from last week's front page Gazette story concerning the Rope Walk playground how much enthusiasm and appetite for improvement of that facility Richard Mayo has generated.

As you reported, Richard had approached me about updating and improving the playground facilities and I had immediately agreed to and arranged an initial meeting with the County Council and Amey to explore possibilities for improving the playground area.

As your readers will know, we are in the middle of the tightest squeeze on public expenditure in the last 30 years and therefore money is tight. However the more enthusiastic and committed people we can get involved in town projects, the better our chances of succeeding.

We know what can be achieved by voluntary groups in the town - in no particular order, the continuing great work of the Lions, the establishment of a first rate cinema at the Phoenix, the Ross Town Plan project and the establishment of the Association of Ross Traders come to mind. There are many other examples, too many to mention.

I, like many other County Councillors, have dozens of issues 'on the go' at any one moment, ranging from missing street signs, potholes and trying to do something about the nuisance of pigeons.

I can't promise a quick and easy win on the Rope Walk playground but what I do promise, as with all the issues that I take up, is that I will 'do my best'. I will therefore be working with Richard and everyone else who wants to get involved in this issue.

Councillor Chris Bartrum 01989 563299