The depots where items are stored for use by Balfour Beatty contractors have been under threat for some time. It was confirmed last week that three depots will be closed, the Ross Gazette understands that the Ross-on-Wye depot is one of these.

A spokesman for Balfour Beatty told the Gazette:?“At a time where substantial savings across the board are needed, investment in services is also required. As such, a number of changes will be made to the structure of Balfour Beatty Living Places in Hereford.

“The changes include the closure of three depots which will allow a portion of the resulting savings to be re-invested in the remaining two depots and new technology to generate much-needed, on-going savings.

“These changes will have limited impact on the delivery of existing services to the public, which will continue to be delivered from the remaining two depots, and will result in a more efficient way of working across the county.”

One person who uses the depot spoke to the Ross Gazette on condition he was not named. He said that if there is a situation such as flooding a contractor will have to return to Hereford to collect any equipment needed. This could mean a delay of up to an hour.

Councillor Colin Gray, the Mayor of Ross, told the Gazette that the details have not been finalised but as the emergency co-ordinator for the Town Council he will be asking questions as to whether this decision will impact on Ross Residents.