Dear Editor

I read with horror the article about an elected representative abusing his authority by stating publicly, on national TV, that the residents of Ross-on-Wye would end up paying for his Parking Ticket after attending an event in Hereford.

I admit I was rather bemused by the article, wondering how anyone could be so naive (or possibly oblivious of the limit to his authority) as to do this until I went online and saw the episode for myself. His behaviour, despite the fact it has since been reported that he has paid the fine himself, was unpardonable.

However, there are two unanswered questions:

1) Did he at any point ask for his ticket to be paid out of his expenses, or ask if it was something he could in fact claim for? And

2) How much time did council staff spend on dealing with this personal and civil matter, itself outside their remit, both one-to-one with him and since when dealing with the press and other enquirers that have arisen? What is the cost of this time to Ross residents?

Whatever the answers to these questions are, (and I’d suggest that the answer to 2) above amounts to a cost greater than the cost of the parking ticket) the fact that he even considered it, that his actions since have damaged his reputation and that of the town, and that any costs incurred by council staff are ultra vires, he should personally reimburse the council for all costs incurred and resign both as Mayor and as a councillor.

I have tried to refrain from porcine references but it is unfortunately another example of elected officials avoiding personal expenditure and having the snouts in the trough.

Simon Rosser,

Ross-on-Wye

Dear Editor,

I feel the Mayor, Councillor Colin Gray, has brought Ross-on-Wye into disrepute with his ill judged statements on national TV.

Did it not seem a strange way to tender his resignation?

Was he not being somewhat precious in wearing our mayoral chain to return to his wife’s car,

Name and address supplied

Dear Editor,

I watched Parking Wars last night and immediately contacted Ross Council for reassurance that this arrogant man is paying his own fine.

In the reply to my email they advised me that he paid the fine the day after. But if you listen closely to that part of the programme, he said he was going to claim it on his expenses. I think this needs a bit of closer investigation.

I shall be watching with interest to see if there is any further development on this.

Sue Holland

Ross-on-Wye

Dear Editor

I would like to express my opinion, through your letters page, regarding the Mayor of Ross, Cllr Colin Gray, and his recent appearance on an ITV show.

I was shocked to hear him say that Ross residents would be paying for the fine he received for overstaying his allotted time. Are the rates we pay going to pay for expenses that the Councillors put in for?

If he has any morals he should stand down as our Mayor, as he is not a very good representative for Ross-on-Wye.

Mr Gray put your hand in your pocket and pay for it yourself.

Name and address supplied