Dear Editor

Thank you to the Ross Gazette for your useful article on page seven last week, covering the Ross NDP Regulation 16 consultation which is underway (August 12th to October 7th). However, I’d like to make an important addition to the published article.

Although this consultation is the last public consultation stage expected in the production of the NDP, it is emphatically not the last chance for the community to have its say.

The last chance for electors to have our say will be in the form of the accept or reject referendum which is mentioned at the end of the article, and which we are now advised is likely to take place in the New Year.

The current consultation is, however, the last chance to submit representations or comments (supportive or not) but there is no voting element to this stage. A direct link to all the materials is on the Ross Town Council website at <http://bit.ly/RTC_NDP >

I quote last week’s advice from Herefordshire Council to the Town Clerk: “Soon after the [current consultation] end date Herefordshire Council will look at the consultation responses received and determine whether the plan can proceed to the independent examination stage.

“Once an examiner is appointed it is impossible to say for certain how long they will take to complete the inspectors report. This will depend on such things as the examiners workload, and also the complexity of the NDP itself along with representations received. It is also possible that the examiner may feel a hearing is required to address any queries they may have.

“Once the inspectors report has been received the Ross Town Council will need to make the modifications to the NDP as recommended, and HC will need to [do further process work].

“After all of this has been completed then Herefordshire Council will look to set a referendum date with the electoral services team.”

I would urge readers to engage with the consultation so that a wide and properly representative range of opinions is expressed. If you missed the details provided in the article on ways to respond please drop in to The Library or the Town Council Offices.

Melvin Reynolds

Chair of the NDP Steering Committee