Work has begun to improve the parks and open spaces around Ross-on-Wye. The Town Council took possession of Long Acre, the Ropewalk, Caroline Symonds Gardens, Blake Memorial Gardens and Crossfields Park as part of the asset transfers from Herefordshire Council just over three months ago.

A spokesman for the Town Council said: “The parks have been somewhat neglected in the last few years because of cut backs by Herefordshire Council, with an erratic mowing schedule and very little maintenance. Our parks are one of the jewels in the crown of Ross-on-Wye but unfortunately recently they have become rather tarnished.”

The Council’s Open Spaces Committee has taken the initiative and the Members, staff and contractors are all working hard to bring them back to their former glory. A new grass cutting contractor has been appointed, a tree survey was commissioned, most of the rotten litter bins have been replaced or removed. Work has also been carried out on various benches, and they are tackling the drainage issue near the Bandstand.

A tree surgeon has applied for planning permission to carry out tree works along the river bank which will allow him to cut picture windows along the bank and remove dead and dangerous trees.  

There is still much to do but the Town Council is in discussion with landscape architects, the AONB and English Nature to draw up a long term Management Plan for the parks, which will include new trees and beds, areas set aside for nature and flood meadow planting, river bank stabilising, improved play areas and work to make the parks more accessible for events and festivals.

The Town Council is also seeking people who might like to purchase a commemorative bench or tree to be placed in one of the parks. If you are interested please contact the Town Council for further details.