Members of Ross Town Council were delighted to welcome former Councillor Richard Mayo to their meeting on Monday, September 9th, and announce the great news that there will be a new playground at the Ropewalk in Ross.

Richard set up the Ropewalk Project several years ago and he said: “I am delighted to see it has reached fruition with a new shiny, toddler playground.” He added that during the consultation they identified a lack of resources for older children, so the plan is to expand the playground year on year and add more equipment such as climbing frames, balance beams, boulders and items to stimulate natural play.

Councillor Daniel Lister said that the tender which had been chosen wasn’t the cheapest or the most expensive. He said: “It was by far the best park for wow factor, colour, exclusivity and play objects for less able children. It will be suitable for all children aged two to seven years.”

The playground will be financed by the Town Council (this was the result of budgeting £10,000 for three years), money raised through Section 106 agreements through Herefordshire Council (£16,338) and money raised by the team led by Richard Mayo (£2,6426), but there was a small shortfall of £423.63 fort the final figure. The Lydia Cole foundation, a local charity, agreed to make this donation so that work can start straight away.

The playground will open for children to use as soon as it is constructed but there will be a formal opening in the spring.See the full story in this week’s edition of the Ross Gazette, or subscribe to our online edition here