"The number of empty shops in Ross which are rapidly becoming homes to new, exciting businesses is cause for celebration," Councillor Andrew Atkinson told the Town Council on Monday, March 12th.

"£80000 wouldn't do a great deal for a depressed town, but for an up and coming town like Ross it would make a huge difference," said Richard Mayo of Truffles in response to the question posed by the Ross Gazette: Do you support Ross' bid to become a Portas Pilot?

There was an overwhelming 100% YES in the Gazette facebook poll in favour of the Portas Pilot taking place in Ross and it also prompted several comments from our readers:

Penny Harris said: "Find out why Monmouth and Ledbury are so much more successful and appealing as a shopping day/destination point would be a good start!"

Tina Marie Treagus said: "Ross has some good independent small shops which is great. But a majority of us locals don't use them. We are not a wealthy town and people will buy from the supermarkets and God knows that's expensive enough."

Helen Williams said:?"Looking at the differences between Ross and Monmouth/Ledbury is a great idea. I love Ross and am proud to say I live here. But this weekend, we had friends from Reigate (another pretty town with lots of thriving shops) staying with us.

"They walked around Ross on Saturday and commented on the number of empty shops, walked around Monmouth on Sunday and commented how many good shops there are there.

"I think Ross needs to have some of the nationals to come in to draw the crowds in that will then hopefully shop in the independents."

Sam Punn said:?"Getting reduced rates so that the empty shops turn into actual outlets (and no, I don't mean charity/discount shops) would be a good start!