Following the by-election for a new East Ward Councillor which took place yesterday, Thursday, June 14th, the new Councillor for Ross-on-Wye has been announced as Paul Symonds (Lib Dem).

Paul Symonds reportedly received 466 votes, which was 57% of the total vote.Ahead of election day, Paul told the Ross Gazette: "I have lived in Ross for 18 years and seen the town become neglected. I know budgets are tight but it feels like spending is all focused on Hereford."

"Ross is a gateway to the Wye Valley and Herefordshire so making it attractive should be a high priority for the Town and County Councils. Town Council Tax went up 26% this year too so we’re paying more but getting less."

"Over 30 years I’ve been responsible for things like roads, parking, litter and dog fouling at other councils with budgets of up to £35m. This will be useful experience on the Town Council to try and get a fairer deal from the County Council."

"I am standing for the Liberal Democrats because they are the only party I see in Ross other than at election time, organising litter picks and community events."

"My family and I moved here for the environment, bustling town and community. Ross is still much nicer than other towns, but it could be so much better."