ONE of the first measures to rejuvenate Ross-on-Wye after the town was devastated by flooding has now been introduced.

Works underway in Broad Street have limited the amount of parking spaces available and as part of an initiative to revitalise the town, free parking is on offer at Red Meadow Car Park in Kyrle Street.

The pavement was loosened in Broad Street and the tarmac damaged after flash flooding from a thunderstorm on May 12. The stormwater also damaged businesses in Brookend Street.

Motorists who park there between the hours of 8am and 6pm Monday to Sunday still have to register their stay by getting a ticket at the machine or by paying 20 pence on the Ringo App. There is no charge on Sundays.

Roads and regulatory services cabinet member Barry Durkin (C, Old Gore) said the free parking is just one part of a series of measures Herefordshire Council is undertaking to revitalise the town.

“It’s to do with the flooding and it’s about revitalising the town,” he said.

“The businesses are suffering so we are trying to revitalise the town.The latest I understand that on July 19, all the work in Broad Street and Brookend Street to repair the pavement and the road will be completed.

“They should be finished by then, we are assured. Then there’s a bit of work to be done by other parties, including the resurfacing of the town centre at the end of August. Then hopefully Ross will be back to normal.

A Welsh Water spokesperson said last month they were undertaking repair work to get things back to normal as quickly as possible. 

Other measures planned for the coming weeks is a displaying bunting and floral blooms being positioned around the town

The final stages of the Ross Recovery Strategy is being implemented by Ross Town Council and other bodies to help the town recover. This incorporates a marketing campaign that demonstrates that the town is open for business.