• Pictured with Environmental Minister Huw Irranca-Davies, from left to right, Councillor Harry Bramer, The Mayor of Ross, Councillor John Edwards, the Minister, Councillor Anne Gray, Councillor Phil Cutter, Councillor Chris Bartrum, Councillor Jenny Hyde and Councillor Gordon Lucas.

The new Ross Alleviation Scheme was officially opened by the Environmental Minister, Huw Irranca-Davies, watched by representatives of the various organisations which had had an input into the scheme.

Contractors and Councillors watched as the Minister unveiled a plaque to open the new flood defence works, which includes the construction of a 350-metre long, 2.1 metre diameter tunnel. It will deliver a 1 in 200 year flood protection level for all developed areas of Ross-on-Wye which are off the Wye flood plain.

Mr Irranca-Davies said it was great to see partnership working in action to achieve an effective solution. He said that business people and householders in Ross would be able to sleep soundly in their beds thanks to the investment which had been made.

Councillor Anne Gray has vivid memories of the flood of 2000 when she and residents of Mill Pond Street had to be carried from their homes. She told The Gazette how pleased she was that the scheme was operational.