Dear Editor

I write in my last few days as the Mayor of Ross to say a huge thank you to all those that have supported me and my consort Marie Ward in the 100 or so civic events we have attended on behalf of the Town and the residents of Ross.

It has been 16 years since I entered local politics by winning Penyard Ward in 2003 to gain my seat on Herefordshire Council and a place on the Town Council in 2007.

The unusual national political scene has led to a deserved back-lash against the major parties nationally and regrettably this trend has been replicated in the local elections and I, together with many local politicians who have years of active service to the local community, now find ourselves on the side-lines.

I truly trust that many of the items such as the Campaign to Protect the Minor Injuries Unit at Ross Hospital, or the building of 150,000 sq ft of business space creating 1000 highly paid jobs at Ross Enterprise Park or even the attempt to save The Chase Hotel with its beautiful grounds for the people of Ross, will not now be overturned simply by those with just a desire to be the ‘new broom’.

One thing that the new politicians, and those now on the side-lines, can I am sure agree is that Ross deserves better and with continued and concentrated care and attention – it can be further regenerated and once more become the ‘jewel in the crown’ in the Wye Valley.

Harry Bramer

Penyard