Local Councillors and members of Ross Library Development Group are urging residents to take the time to complete the budget consultation prepared by Herefordshire Council.

Once again this year Herefordshire Council has to set a budget in the light of further government funding reductions. Savings of up to £42m have to be made during this year and the next four financial years.

The Council has prepared a series of questions asking residents what they think could be cut, such as road maintenance or libraries. There is an alternative to cuts and that is to increase the Council Tax paid by residents.

Councillor Richard Mayo said it is vital that as many people as possible take the time to complete the consultation.

He said: “ The Council really takes note of answers given at the consultation and if only a few residents take the time that may not be truly reflective of the whole county.”

He told the Ross Gazette: “I encourage everyone to get online and complete the consultation, there is space for your own comments and the Council really does take note.”

Clare West of RLDG told the Ross Gazette: “We are deeply concerned to see the closure of Ross library included in the list of possible cut backs by Herefordshire Council and we really urge everyone in the area to get involved in the consultation – and to sign the petition we will be releasing soon.

Read the full report in this week’s Ross Gazette.