IS ROSS-ON-WYE town centre dying commercially?

This was a question posed to town councillors on Monday by local resident Mark Finning following the impending closure of two stores in Broad Street.

Ross Town Council was told that Peacocks is closing on January 25, with the loss of 10 jobs and the army surplus store opposite was also shutting up shop.

Mr Finny said: “This is not due to the flooding issues being the cause of the continued dying footfall in Ross town centre.

“In the future what will Ross look and feel like? A vibrant bustling market town full of history or an irrecoverable shell of its former self? This is a now or never moment for Ross.”

Last month Lloyds Bank pulled out of the town’s High Street.

Cllr Julian Utting said that the council will shortly be revamping its neighbourhood development plan and this is where this highlighted situation will be assessed.

Cllr Utting said: “Although we can provide information, not a lot of pressure can be applied to attract more high street retailers.”

Cllr Milly Boylan: “I don’t think the cost of car parking is a real issue when there is nothing in the town that shoppers want to come into Ross and buy.

“I believe we need a form of out of town development to attract people to the area who would visit the town itself afterwards and bring more footfall to where it is needed.”

Cllr Louis Stark pointed out: “Any decision like this would be made outside of the town. We are not the masters of our destiny.”