ROSS-on-Wye Town Council has agreed in principle to take on three play parks currently owned by Herefordshire Council.

The Community Asset Transfer was agreed at Monday’s meeting of the council with members giving the clerk delegated powers to instruct a solicitor to enable the completion of the transfer process.

The town council has recently consulted on the plans for the play parks at Beech Close, Roman Way and Grammar School Close.

While some of the play park boundaries need to be clarified members agreed that subject to any legal issues, the transfer should go ahead.

The town council has proved that it can manage these facilities with both The Rope Walk and Dene Hill now under Ross Town ownership and these parks have been vastly improved and maintained since taking them over.

Some of the comments in the consultation stated that families with young children often rely on these play parks for something free to do.

Another said that they thought taking on these three play parks would be a positive for the town and pointed out that in all likeliness they would they would be better maintained under Ross Town Council control.

Another said that all three parks need regular maintenance as these had often been forgotten and become overgrown.

Another responded by saying that the play parks at Roman Way and Beech Close were especially outdated and suggest that a bigger park for older children could be accommodated at Beech Close while smaller kids could benefit from age appropitae equipment at Roman Way.

A local resident stated that they think local ownership and governance of these sites is paramount to them meeting the needs of our communities and having proper maintenance to ensure continued longevity.

They also pointed out that with the town in ownership of all three parks there is scope for each to be aimed at different ages, abilities and sensory needs.