The trustees of the Ross Alms Houses Charity, which owns the land which could be developed if Cawdor Arch was removed, have called for a balance between the need for homes against the importance of the railway arch.

Last week the Ross Gazette's front page highlighted the concerns raised by local residents and Councillor Richard Mayo, regarding the proposed partial removal of the redundant railway arch at Cawdor. This would enable the charity to facilitate a housing development behind Old Market Close on land that has been zoned for Residential Development by Herefordshire Council.

There are currently five houses on the land, which is owned by Ross Alms Houses Charity. The charity, which can trace its roots back to the 16th Century is administered by Trustees, all of whom are locally based, they include representatives from Herefordshire and Ross Town Council. It exists in order to provide housing for the people of Ross and currently owns and manages 20 dwellings in Ross town. Over a number of years the Trust has been looking at how it could use the land at Cawdor to improve and increase housing provision in the town.At present, the preferred option is to sell to a developer, who, in conjunction with Herefordshire Council and a suitable social housing provider, will build much-needed 'open market' and social/low cost housing on site.

The Trustees surveyor, Jonathan Preece, told the Ross Gazette: 'The proceeds of the sale would enable Ross Alms Houses Charity to tackle the particular housing needs of the people of Ross in a pro-active and flexible way, working in conjunction with other housing providers to maximise the impact of the charities' funds."

For the full story please see this week's Ross Gazette.