Dear Editor,

Frequently described in the past as the most beautiful town in England, Ross-on-Wye has been damaged by a succession of Town and County Councillors who, unlike those in the Cotswolds, have been unwilling to stand firm against unsympathetic development. We live in a town with an almost ideal setting and a sufficient number of specialist shops and historic buildings to attract visitors. But what is being offered for the future? Yet another supermarket designed to compete with and possibly destroy existing concerns.

The current application for a building on the outskirts of the town has already upset many residents, as evidenced by previous letters. When I was a Town Councillor some years ago, it was accepted that there was to be no retail use for businesses in that area. Has this rule gone alongside the requirement that shop fronts should be painted dark green or maroon? That there should be no A boards on pavements? Have all the concepts that were aimed at making the town more attractive and safe for pedestrians been thrown in the bin?

Previous letter writers have commented on the pressure that more vehicle movements will put on Alton Road and Alton Street. Ambulances already have problems and if they increase what a good reason to close down the hospital.

I attended the event held by the supermarket at the Chase Hotel and filled in their comment sheet. Some people objected to having their names and addresses exposed and consequently did not comment. My judgement was that there was no enthusiastic support and much resignation from people who had tried to stop previous unsuitable developments. Perhaps a consultation should be organised by the Town Council rather than being left to people with financial motivation.

Why not site this supermarket near Labels where it would not damage the town centre?

Ross is under threat of serious decline as a shopping and tourist destination through unfortunate development, untidy pavements and too many vacant shops. This projected supermarket is yet another instance of how the residents of the town are at the mercy of big, rich businesses with no care for the built environment or the long term survival of the town centre.

Constance Edwards

Alton Street