The warning signs have been there for months but at Monday evening's Town Council meeting the people of Ross were given the clearest indication yet of how cuts in government funding will impact on their lives.

Residents will either have to face an increase in the amount of council tax they pay to Ross Town Council or lose many services, as well as iconic properties, such as the Market House which would be sold. The HR9 area will also be affected by the cuts planned by Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS). Ross will lose one of its fire appliances and several members of the crew, or Whitchurch fire station will close, again with the loss of retained fire fighters.

And in both cases it was made clear that Ross will have to accept these cuts because they are due to cuts in government funding.

Councillor Harry Bramer laid it on the line on Monday when he told Ross Town Councillors that if they did not give a clear commitment to take on various assets, including the Market House, then they would be sold. He said:?"You have until December 19th to decide, as we will not have the money to run them after that date."

He suggested an increase in the precept paid by Ross residents of 14p per household per week would cover the costs of taking over the assets but Cllr Roberts questioned whether it would be right to tax the people of Ross to pay for services used by people from all over the HR9 area.

For the full story please see this week's Ross Gazette.