The Ross-on-Wye Portas Bid team said "farewell" to their bid on Thursday 29th March as the proposal was sent off to the judges.

Ali Roe and Sara Coleman, who jointly co-ordinated the bid, told the Ross Gazette:?"We're really pleased with the support that's been given. Mary Portas' vision is of a high street that provides an experience not available in out of town malls and online, where people come together to shop, use facilities, socialise and feel part of a community. Ross is already delivering this but it can improve. Our town is addressing some of the challenges it faces through continued implementation of the Town Plan. Winning the Portas bid would provide extra stimulus, add some new ideas for change and bring in much needed cash to help make them happen."

Support has been received from the public, retailers, community groups, charities, landlords and businesses, many of whom wrote letters that were included within the bid application. The team also applied for a Town Council grant and a commitment of match funding for some of the projects has been secured.

The team's bid proposals include: Filling empty shop units and expanding the town's markets by providing new equipment and supporting local people who want to trial business ideas, run a market stall or try a 'pop up' kiosk. The team will also encourage more creative 'meanwhile use' of empty units. Grants for shop front improvements and for voluntary community action groups to give the town centre a 'facelift'. A town centre leisure kiosk to promote and sell Ross-on-Wye's leisure and tourism activities and the trial of a novel means of transport from the riverside into town in high season. An 'innovation forum' where people, businesses, traders and politicians come together to exchange ideas, discuss problems and develop solutions that are right for Ross-on-Wye and its many different interest groups

Andrew Atkinson, who will lead the Town Team, said:?"Whilst detailing the problems and challenges facing our town, our bid has also focussed on the advantages that Ross-on-Wye has, such as its beautiful location, excellent transport links, high quality independent shops and proven track record of responding to challenges. We demonstrated how awarding funding here will generate added value and impact by increasing the number of people using Ross as a destination of choice and by generating the economic growth that will keep our town centre viable."

Winners will be announced in May and whilst competition for the twelve places on offer will be fierce, Ross-on-Wye has united to do its best to justify its place in that twelve.

The team's bid video, produced by David Bruce of Pots & Pieces Teashop, can be seen by visiting http://youtube/xt7xgG0FwMw">http://youtube/xt7xgG0FwMw