Two separate and distinctive projects were proposed to make use of the Old Chapel in Cantilupe Road, Ross-on-Wye, at the Town Council meeting on Monday, November 9th.

The Old Chapel is one of the assets which has been transferred to Ross Town Council from Herefordshire Council.

The first proposal was made by Addaction, which is one of the UK’s largest drug and alcohol treatment charities. It has taken over and expanded the services which used to be run by the 2gethertrust and Herefordshire Council.

A spokesperson, Claire Morris, explained that they would work individually with local young adults from Ross, as well as those from South Herefordshire, to support their reduction of drugs or alcohol use.

They are also developing links with EnviroAbility as they try to help people who may be long term unemployed to become part of the local community through voluntary or part-time work.

Councillor Caroline Bennett asked if medication would be prescribed on site. Claire said that doctors and nurses would be working from the building, but no medication would be kept on site. In reply to a question from Councillor Julian Gren Claire explained that they did not have figures for the number of people who would use the service and she would have to check with current providers if they are happy to share this information.

The second proposal was made by Mary Deaville of Ross. She is interested in leasing the Old Chapel to use as an arts centre. She explained that Chapel Creatives would be a place where creative people can join together to help other people enjoy their life though the use of art and craft.

She said it is widely recognised that arts can help mental health and well being and she envisages bring arts and businesses together. She has already got four people interested in leasing office space and this would help pay the rent for the Old Chapel.

Further income would come from workshops and using the Old Chapel as a gallery and function room. Mary explained that it would complement the Made in Ross project based at the Market House. She said it would be available to all ages from the very young to those with illness or dementia.