Despite many of the Councillors at the Extraordinary Meeting of Ross-on-Wye Town Council on Wednesday, July 29th saying how much they support and value the input Made in Ross have made to the Market House, the future for the cooperative is far from certain.

After a discussion from some members of the public, and a brief deliberation from Ross Town Councillors, the Councillors excluded the public and press while they discussed the matter in private, and then voted unanimously to ask the Town Clerk to enter into negotiations with the Courtyard.

However, on Friday, July 31st, news broke that the Courtyard had received a letter, from Ross Town Council, asking them to vacate the Market House by November 10th.

Ian Archer, Chief Executive of the Courtyard, spoke with the Gazette, following the termination of the ‘Licence to Occupy’ arrangement. He said: “The Courtyard have put a lot of work in, as have the Ross artists collective, to create a vibrant cultural economy, and we will continue to do so for as long as possible.”

Mr Archer said he was absolutely happy to discuss a new contract arrangement with Ross Town Council, but at the time of going to press, no further discussions had been arranged.