Madam, I have never felt compelled to write a letter to a newspaper until today.

I cannot believe that Mike Barnard feels that those who have lived all their lives in Ross should have a greater say in the town than those who have moved to the area.

Surely those people who have moved here because they have come to love the area only have its best interests at heart.

Not forgetting those 'outsiders' also pay Council Tax, vote in the local elections, support our local hospital and various other charities and businesses.

We are all entitled to opinions about how to improve our town, whether you agree with someone or not, this is called Freedom of Speech.

I read a lot in the Forest papers regarding the Tesco debate at Cinderford which suggests that if you are not a true Forester your opinion does not count, so shut up.

It seems as though this small mindedness has spread a few miles down the road.

Let everyone who has an idea put pen to paper, there may be some really good ideas to help improve our lovely town. And let's be friendly and welcoming to new residents as Ross has a reputation for being, according to people who have moved into town from out of the area.

Ms Jones, Ross

PS I was born and bred in Ross, does my opinion count?