As reported on page one of this week’s issue, an appeal was launched on Monday, December 11th for help to clear the snow and ice from the paths and roads at Ross Community Hospital.

The Ross Gazette was first contacted by Raymond Morris, who was attending Ross Community Hospital on Monday. He was flabbergasted to see the state of the paths and car park when he arrived. Mr Morris told the Ross Gazette, "I had to help push two cars out".

He said, "I am surprised the Doctors have not complained, it is really dangerous, the roads and paths are terrible and they are freezing again so will get even worse."

He added, "I am annoyed that we have to pay to park, but are not getting any service, but worse is the danger factor, I am flabbergasted it has not been cleared."

An appeal for volunteers to help clear the paths around the hospital was launched on the Ross Gazette website and social media pages and many people answered the call and turned up to help.

The Gazette contacted the Wye Valley Trust for a statement. They said: “In extreme weather conditions Wye Valley NHS Trust appoints external contractors to clear and grit its four community site car parks to ensure the safety of patients, visitors and staff. This is to ensure all car parks and pathways managed by the Trust are made safe as quickly as possible.

“On Monday 11th, all community sites were cleared and gritted by external contractors.

“From today, Tuesday 12th, Trust staff will be clearing and gritting all four sites keeping them safe for pedestrians and motorists.”

Christian Homersley, Head of Estates, Wye Valley NHS Trust, said: “I would like to thank members of the public for their patience and understanding during these extreme weather conditions. The sites were all cleared on Monday and scheduled to be maintained again on Tuesday."