RENOVATING the historic Market House, investing in additional Christmas lights and increasing the amount of community event activities held last year were some of the highlights achieved by Ross-on-Wye Town Council.

And now all town centre residents are being asked to participate in the council’s budget consultation for the next financial year 2026/27.

The precept represents the town council’s share of the council tax collected by Herefordshire Council and plays a crucial role in funding essential local services.

In a report presented at the town council’s annual meeting by Councillor Julian Utting he stated that through careful planning and management of the budget, the town council delivered on a range of improvements and among these were enhancing facilities at Dean Hill Park and Ropewalk and employing a street cleansing operative.

He went on to emphasise the budget’s importance and urged all residents to complete a survey which has been launched to gather the views and priorities of the community. He said that councillors rely on the public’s feedback to guide the council in its decisions and actions for the coming year.

He added: “Your input is invaluable, and we encourage everyone to take the opportunity to share their opinions in the survey and help shape the future of Ross.”

The survey is available to complete via a link on the town council’s website rosstc-herefordshire.gov.uk while a paper version is available via the council’s office.

Ross Town Council consists of 18 volunteer councillors supported by a dedicated team of nine paid staff. The council holds monthly meetings, as well as various committee meetings throughout the year.

The council’s income is derived from several sources, including the precept, grant funding and the running of the town’s market.

Matters relating to schools, roads, highways, waste collection, recycling, and other statutory responsibilities, fall under the remit of Herefordshire Council.