SIR – In last week’s Ross Gazette, the article ‘Ross prepares for the 2025 Walking Festival’ encourages walking the Wye Valley Walk, but it fails to mention the sad saga of Lydbrook Rail Bridge/Stowfield Viaduct Bridge.

The Black Bridge is closed, and walkers cannot cross the Wye at this point. There is no easy alternative. Gloucestershire County Council first closed this bridge in 2016 with promises to repair it. But repairs have never taken place for it to be permanently open.

Neither has Gloucestershire County Council placed notices advising alternative routes. Walkers, especially going south to north, have to abandon The Way for a busy road. Currently the public has no right of way on this ‘public right of way’. A disgruntled Wye Walker.

ROGER Davies, the village’s eminent local historian has previously warned that Herefordshire Council has announced its intention to demolish the Linton Pound on safety grounds, should an owner of the land not come forward by April 23.

As there are no title deeds surrounding the pound – a former animal pound or ancient signalling station - has been in public use as a refuse tip for centuries, so establishing ownership is all but impossible.

Mr Davies reports that sadly, Herefordshire Council has confirmed that there is no statutory protection for the pound, despite it being listed by the local authority as an historic monument.

Expert archaeological opinion has given further weight to the argument that we are not dealing with an animal pound. This is because it is perched on the top of a steep hill, has no water supply and is ruggedly constructed with thick stone walls.

“It would be a travesty and an affront to our local heritage if the pound were demolished without any knowledge of its true origins and history,” he said.

As a next step, a letter will be drawn up requesting the local authority for a stay of execution to give the village time to secure the future of the pound or to at least arrange an archaeological survey.

This letter will be signed by as many Linton residents as possible. Linton Parish Council is fully supportive of this move and will be writing under separate cover to Herefordshire Council along similar lines.

TO mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, Linton Village Hall will be hosting a 1940s style Strawberry Cream Tea on Bank Holiday Monday, May 5 from 3pm. In the spirit of the occasion, the village is encouraging people to dress in the fashions of the time, and to bring along any items of historical interest and family memorabilia for a ‘finds’ table, such as photographs, letters or medals.

There will also be a ‘Digging for Britain’ plant and seeds table. Visitors are asked to bring along any gardening produce or spare seedlings to buy or swop.

On VE Day itself, Thursday, May 8 at 9.30pm, The Village of Linton Trust will be Lighting a Beacon at the end of Linton Ridge. The village will meet at the War Memorial Cross in the Churchyard from about 8pm and will begin to walk along the Ridge from about 8.30pm. This event is open to everyone.

AT the March meeting members were given a talk by Gary Williams a waste transformation officer about changing our recycling habits.

Mr Williams told members there are four important rules to follow: Reduce purchase by re-use and taking clothing to charity shops rather than binning them. Alternatively these items could be sold n various online platforms.

Recycle everything possible. Use re-useable bags for shopping, reducing plastic bag use.

When purchasing something ask the question ’Do I really need it?’

When using recycling containers, aluminium cans shouldn’t flattened, plastic bottles should have the tops screwed back on before recycling, no foil should be put in the container, no black plastic, no disposable coffee cups because they have a plastic-coated inner surface, no garden waste, no batteries.

General waste - Enviro Recover where waste is incinerated, producing electricity for over 30,000 homes.

Blister packs from medication can be taken to some Boots and Superdrug branches.

Plastic pots for plants may be recycled by some Gardening Centres.

It was suggested that people could use their own compost bins if we have them for food waste and garden waste.

A PREPARATION session is being held for those interested in entering this year’s main event.

Are you planning to enter the fruit and vegetables or flowers sections? On Tuesday, April 29, there will be presentation tips for fruit and vegetables and flowers at the village hall between 7pm and 8pm.

The judges of these ‘divisions’ are offering a free session to established gardeners and budding gardeners. There is still time to sow for the Gorsley Show, which is being held on Saturday, August 30.