Joyce Thomas MBE raised a concern at the Ross-on-Wye Town Council meeting on Monday, April 8th about the Wye Street flats, after a similar concern about them was published in the Ross Gazette.

She outlined Caroline Hopkins’ complaint, and said: “Thank you Caroline for raising this matter. She might be interested to know that on February 19th I visited Wye Street at 9am to take photographs of the property, and the following week attend the Ross Town Council meeting for the councillors to see.

“Then I asked for an enforcement order to be placed on these properties and was told that Ross Town Council would contact Herefordshire Council to do this. I am sure you did.

“Nothing has happened, and that was two years ago. They are an eyesore in an area of outstanding natural beauty and appalling to see for residents there as well as visitors to the town.”

Councillor Richard Mayo said: “There’s been a long and convoluted discussion regarding planning applications in that area. We have no power as Town Councillors or County Councillors to move things any quicker.

“Building work started and stopped due to planning reasons, but we have limited powers. As for Riverside Inn - who knows?

“I recall that there was some rubble removed, and a broken window was fixed. We are all aware and appreciate what an eyesore they are. Hopefully building work will start in the very near future.”See this week’s paper for more stories like this, available in shops and as a Digital Edition now.