MADAM, Ross is starting to look lovely with all its hanging baskets and I for one hope that the visitors who visit Ross in the summer greatly appreciate all the hard work and obvious expense that has gone into this year's displays. But we should be doing our bit all year.
I am assured by Mrs Lucas that the area called 'Pigs Alley' will also be looking good as the work can be done now the better weather is here. That will be very expensive but sounds very worthwhile. I am looking forward to seeing the results.
However all of this will be useless if nothing is done to clear up some parts of the town where it is obvious people don't care and expect others to do it for them. I am talking about the side alley ways that go into the backs of shops and pubs – in particular Broad Street and Market Place. Having made enquiries I believe most of these were once back alleys into slaughterhouses etc.
The worst place is the car park at the rear of Pigs Alley. What a disgrace. I know this is privately owned by an absentee landlord and has nothing to do with the Council but surely the people who have their markers there for parking pay their rent to someone and I for one would not wish to pay to park my car amidst all that rubbish.
I use the Can Do Crew for some of the work I need and they would be an excellent choice for a good clear up and continuous employment to keep it tidy.
I have seen in other towns where empty shop windows are painted with local scenes or other paintings. Could this not be done in Ross to add to the charm and character of a nice clean town?
ART is doing a great job with their premises. They are obviously showing pride in their own buildings of the town. Perhaps they could have a go at getting other areas nice and tidy.
Ross-in-Bloom has done tremendous work over the years despite being so small a working group. And with ART's help perhaps we can have a Golden Town for the judges this year to bring back the tourists, as well as filling the empty shops. I will certainly be continuing to go for my walks with my recycled carriers and picker sticks to do my bit, but one can only do so much where private property is concerned.
Karen Beck, Ross