madam, Your last headline about the TIC in Ross is somewhat misleading as it is the location, not the very existence of this service in the town which is changing. This matter has been under review for some time now, indeed a meeting of local tourism operators held in November 2008 accepted that a continued presence in Swan House was unjustified in view of the cost to the county's ratepayers.

The main concern at that time was that the TIC could be relocated out of town and the conclusion arrived at then was that the Market House was the obvious alternative as it is owned by the Council.

I do not consider that this move will have any impact on the number of visitors to the town as it is the considerable amount of money spent by tourism operators on advertising and promotion which ensures that Ross on Wye continues to be a popular destination.

These efforts are supported by the Herefordshire Council's Tourism Department with the publication and distribution of the 'Herefordshire and the Wye Valley Guide' and the 'visitherefordshire.co.uk' website.

The presence of a TIC enhances the visitor's experience once they have arrived and I think that we should be grateful that Herefordshire Council have recognised the importance of tourism in Ross and are looking to continue to provide a TIC, all be it on a reduced scale, in the town.

Nigel Gibbs, Ross