Madam, I am writing to you as a trader in Ross and Chairman of the newly formed Association of Ross Traders.

For several months now the ongoing controversy about the TIC's new location in Ross has been much talked about. As I understand it, things are now coming to a head with a decision to move the TIC into the Heritage Centre imminent.

I think that a move to the Heritage Centre would be disastrous for both parties. It would drastically reduce the amount of usable space for the Heritage Centre, so there would be no more summer workshops, no more art displays, etc. The Tourist Information Centre would lose footfall because of the awkward access, there is also absolutely no storage space for the masses of leaflets and generally the whole thing would be a bureaucratic and practical nightmare.

However I have an idea which could solve a number of problems. I suggest that the TIC move into the foyer area of the Corn Exchange, this is a larger area than they are likely to get in the Heritage Centre, which has a small office facility, meeting rooms, kitchen facility, toilet facility, ample storage and street level access. The entrance already has new gates and with a bit of imagination the entrance passage could be made very appealing, maybe with a few chairs and tables outside. In return maybe the TIC officers could hand out leaflets on projects like EnviroAbality and the Can Do Crew. This would assist the council as well as raise the profile and use of a public building.

I have floated my idea with a number of the parties involved, including the Mayor, and the response has been very positive. The Council Chamber and Mayor Parlour could, at certain times, be viewed by the public and tourists. Most of Ross don't know what the inside of the building looks like let alone know what goes on inside it. This could be viewed as a bridge building exercise between the town and town council.

Surely the town where commercial tourism started deserves a flagship TIC which is in a prominent and easily accessible place!!

Richard Mayo, Truffles Deli, Ross