Each chairman of the various committees at Ross Town Council gave a report at the Annual Town Meeting on Monday, March 27th.

Councillor Richard Mayo gave the report for the Amenties, he said that they had been responsible for the first full year of grass cutting, there had been work to the riverside and they had even discovered a rare orchid.

He added that there had been many compliments about the way the riverside areas looked and they had recently won a £5,000 grant to improve the area further with willow banking.

Cllr Mayo thanked Tim Shelley and Ross Community Garden for everything they had done in providing flower baskets for the Market House, but he said that this year, a commercial company would be providing plants for the beds, baskets et cetera, so they would be coordinated.

Julian Gren, chair of finance, said they had lowered the threshold for applying for grants to attract smaller requests and all available had been given out. He said that there is a new approach to the reserves and with increased costs relating to assets they are on budget.

Councillor Harry Bramer of the policy and management committee explained he is responsible for administration and communication. He said they are continuing to look for a tenant for the Old Chapel, in the process of taking on Homs Road car park and are working closely with Sea Cadets to have space there.

Cllr Bramer added that they are also looking at social media for the future, to keep local residents up to date with the work the Town Council do.

Councillor Hannah Lerego, chair of the events committee, which is responsible for Bands in the Park and the Christmas Fayre said both activities been very successful. She added that Bands in the Park returns on May 28th with Ross Town Band.

Cllr Lerego said the events committee are planning a Proms in The Park event for August, with three different bands and a finale including Land of Hope and Glory.

The events committee are also currently organising this year’s Christmas Fayre, which will be held on November 19th.

Councillor Daniel Lister said he had learned a lot since he became Chairman of the planning committee. He said that although the planning committee can only work in an advisory capacity, Herefordshire Council do sometimes listen to the comments made.

He said the main item this year had been the application for over 200 new homes at Hildersley. He said that there still will be a public consultation regarding the traffic management in the future so there is still chance for the committee get their point across.