Despite the only time available for residents to meet to discuss the plans to change one of the last remaining links to the railway heritage of Ross being a damp and dark Saturday evening, a large group still turned up to express their concerns.

The Ross Almshouse Branch Charity has applied for permission to remove the crown of Cawdor Arch, a former railway bridge, and to cut back and make good the stone abutments either side of the span.

Ali Parks, who lives in the house nearest to Cawdor Arch called the meeting to see if anyone else was worried about the demolition of this historical landmark, and the implications for road safety if the crown is removed. Councillor Richard Mayo was also invited to attend.

Ali told everyone who turned out, which included many residents of Old Market Close:?"I am heartened by the support, this is a fantastic, historical monument and it is worth fighting for."

Ward Councillor, Chris Bartrum, the Mayor of Ross, had given Ali some advice regarding the planning application process but he was unable to speak for or against the plan as he is on the board of trustees of the Ross Charity which has made the application.

Cllr Mayo said he understood why the applicants would want to gain access to the field beyond as it is land locked and opening up the access would increase the value of the land. He said that if houses were built in the future the bridge could become a focal point and an attractive addition.He believes that the application should not be considered on its own, but as a part of a bigger application for development. He said:?"Even if the arch is lowered it will still not be suitable for HGVs, if the arch is demolished and then the highways agency say the access is still unacceptable a new access would be created but it would not be possible to replace this historical monument.

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