Final confirmation that children’s centre services, which used to be housed at the Ryefield Centre, will now relocate to Ross-on-Wye Library and the Old Chapel has been given today, Monday March 12th.

Herefordshire Council has confirmed that work will begin later this month on improvements to accommodate the relocation which will involve a major investment of up to £272,000.

The investment aims to make the most of the library as a key local centre. The building is home to Jobcentre Plus and the library hosts many events and activities with free to use Wi-Fi and public access PCs.

Herefordshire Council plans to take on the lease and improve facilities at the Old Chapel, which is next door to the library. This will be used to house a multi-agency office and provide additional children’s centre activities. A decision was taken to use the Old Chapel following public consultation feedback that there may not be adequate space at the library to house children’s centre services.

The proposed lease for the Old Chapel is due to be discussed at tonight’s Council meeting for Ross Town Council, but members of the press and public will be excluded while this issue is considered.