MADAM, We citizens of Ross and the HR9 area need to decide what sort of community we wish to live in, in the future. The major withdrawal of Central Government funds from County Councils is profound and on-going, with far more service reductions on the way. As I'm sure you are aware, Parish Councils are free to increase local precepts by as much as they see fit, whereas County Council rate rises are limited to a 2% ceiling. Should we citizens start a dialogue with Parish and County Councillors to define and agree the service levels that satisfy our requirements as a community or, do we just wait to react to cuts after they happen. Are we just reactive individuals or, could we become a proactive community which agrees and enacts its aspirations before events overtake it. With both local and national elections due next May, we need to know what our candidates think about the future strategy for our area and where they stand on local services and taxation.

Patrick Hughes, Wilton Editor's note:?The Ross Gazette would also like to know the issues which will influence our readers when they consider who to vote for next year, email your suggestions to [email protected]">[email protected]