Madam, Parking fears at Ross Sports Centre, your article on the above will re-open the controversy that occurred in 2009 when the same canoe hire company operated from the White Lion in Wilton during the whole summer season without planning permission. Local residents who endured a summer of traffic congestion, inconsiderate parking, anti-social behaviour and unauthorised camping on both sides of the river were mollified by assurances from Herefordshire Council planning Dept. that there would be no repetition in 2010 as the company would be assisted to re-locate to a more suitable location such as the Sports Centre.
It would seem from your article that the latter policy has been carried out without full consultation with Ross Town Council or without full consideration of the impact on the Sports Centre and its existing users. A not unusual occurrence according to the comments in the Mayor's Column in the same edition of the Gazette. lf the problems of 2009 are not to be repeated urgent action is needed now before the summer season begins at Easter.
With the expected continuation of the 'staycation' holiday into 2010 there is clearly a large demand for canoe hire and associated camping along the Wye.
The opening of three new hire companies in recent years demonstrates this.
Ross would seem to be ideally placed to benefit from this welcome boost to tourism but it is important that such commercial operations are introduced into suitable locations with minimal disruption to existing residents and environments. (Adjacent to the Rowing Club?)
I trust our local councillors on all the councils will be able to ensure that this development opportunity for Ross is neither missed nor mishandled.
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