Members of Ross Town Council unanimously voiced their concerns at a proposed Traveller’s site in Ross-on-Wye, at their meeting on Monday, September 13th. They agreed to ensure that Herefordshire Council knows they are not in favour.

After the meeting one local resident contacted the Ross Gazette to remind residents that the Town Council only counts as one voice during a consultation and more people need to participate to make their opinion about the proposals known.

An area of land, adjacent to Broadmeadow Yard in Ross-on-Wye, has been identified by Herefordshire Council as a potential stopping place for Travellers.

Herefordshire Council have launched a public consultation on the potential new sites and site extensions, as part of the preparation of the Herefordshire Local Plan Traveller Site Policy. This consultation will run until Monday, September 19th.

At their Full Council meeting, Ross Town Councillors discussed the Travellers Site Development Plan, and unanimously voiced their disapproval.

Cllr Chris Bartum said that the County Council had asked the Town Council to identify suitable sites for the travellers several months previously. He said the Town Council had looked at the town and were unable to find any identifiable sites. He said they had already responded, and he couldn’t see what had changed.

Cllr Jenny Hyde said that the proposed Travellers’ Site was in close proximity to a very high quality caravan park, and the owners were concerned that the presence of Travellers would impact on their business. She added that as they provide visitors a place to stay, this may have an overall impact on tourism to the town.

“Ross has put up with a lot more than most,” she said. “The Town Council agreed to pay for the gates to the Red Meadow Car Park, and this is how we are treated,” she commented.

Cllr Richard Mayo told the meeting that he had looked at the proposed sites for other towns in Herefordshire, and these tended to be on the edge of town, while the proposed site for Ross was very close to the town centre.

“We have legally got to find them suitable sites,” he said, “but this site is unsuitable. I’d advise local residents, if they feel strongly either way to take part in the consultation.”

The consultation finishes on Monday, September 19th. To take part, please visit herefordshire.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control

and search for the Travellers Site document in the building and planning control section.