Madam, What a tonic for us seeing all those smiling faces of candidates standing for council election on the opening page of the Ross Gazette last week. But was there also dismay at seeing the usual array of local business people and elderly councillors that have been disappointing us for years. Perhaps a few more youthful candidates would be more in touch with the young people of Ross.

Now there's my cue for mentioning Jamstand. If we cast our thoughts back to this time last year the organisers of Jamstand were trying to get a programme together that for one day of the year would entertain young and old alike but as the weeks progressed the usual big dark cloud reared its ugly head known as red tape. From reports in the Gazette I understand that the organisers of Jamstand did not get this quite right therefore the event was cancelled. Were we then all thinking the same thought, surely the council could have done something to help save the day. Why didn't they? By the way, if Jamstand are lucky enough to get off the ground with the event this year here's a little early reminder for the council that the bladder does not stop working after 6pm. If you could just make a note not to lock the public toilets until the event is over this time we would all appreciate it.

And last but not least well done to town councillor John Edwards for fulfilling his promise to bring a cinema to Ross, but somehow I don't think that the young are going to be queueing at the door to fill the 60 seats at the Phoenix Theatre. Quoting Barbara Isle from the Gazette last week, 'we hope that Screen at the Phoenix will bring a whole new audience to the theatre. There are many small cinemas in Britain where film lovers can view a variety of films that would not necessarily get shown at big venues'. Would I be wrong in thinking that most of us would like to see the blockbusters that are shown at big venues in a cinema of our own that would be screened on release, weekly. Let the councillors know what you think.

Susan Price, Ross

Editor's note:? Unfortunately, as we reported fully in the Gazette last year, Jamstand was cancelled because the organisers did not complete their licence application, despite being offered help from the police and the council. Jamstand is not taking place this year but it is hoped that a new, venture called Ross Rocks, on June 25th, will go a small way towards replacing it.