The first two projects to apply to the new Town Team for grants have been awarded payments.

The Ross-on-Wye Tourism Association (RTA) asked for funds to print town maps and their new town trails.

The RTA is in the process of creating four town trail maps that will enable local people, visitors and tourists to learn about Ross, its history and local benefactors, such as Thomas Blake and Nathaniel Morgan.

The RTA has set up nine tourist information sites in the town centre. It has supplied each with an accommodation file that will be updated on a regular basis and has published a town map.

A town team grant would enable the RTA to print hundreds of copies to go in the tourist information sites. a donation will be asked for each trail map so that stocks could be replenished when necessary and more trail maps could be developed.

William Wilding is behind the Ross website Playross which promotes events taking place in and around the area.

His proposal is to create an interactive game, somewhat like a round of golf. A player downloads an app to their smart phone which allows them to follow and play a ‘course’ around the town. There would be various levels, allowing all to participate.

The aim is to create a unique attraction, drawing visitors to the town and keeping them in the town longer. Once established, the format could be extended to include information from local shops and business.

William will be developing the idea over the next year before it is ready to be introduced. Anyone with experience or skills in the area of app or game media development is welcome to get involved. He can be contacted via the playross.com website.

Representatives of both organisation were grateful to receive the news that they had been awarded funding and are looking forward to continuing their work to promote Ross.