MEMBERS?of Ross Town Council gave their unanimous approval to the project to take over a package of the towns Assets from Herefordshire Council.

Although the decision will mean an increase in the precept Ross Town Council has to charge residents of Ross, Councillors all voted in favour of the proposal.

The Mayor of Ross, Councillor Chris Bartrum, said:?"We now have the chance to run a lot more things in the town in the way that residents want and that presents us with an exciting prospect for the future.

The Town Council made their decision after a well attended public meeting on Friday, February 7th which also recorded an overwhelming show of support for the plans.

Cllr Bartrum told the Ross Gazette:?"I am very pleased with the results of the public consultation, with 97.1% of responders (301 out of 310) wanting us to take on these assets. The Town Council has now made a momentous decision, which involves some risks but also great opportunities for the town.

"We have had more than 100 people say that they would help with the management of these assets and I will be contacting each one of them to thank them and find out how they can help us with this once in a lifetime opportunity."

For the full story please see this week's Ross Gazette.