Have Your Say on the Future of Three Ross-on-Wye Play Parks
5 August 2026
Ross-on-Wye Town Council is asking residents for their views on a proposal to take ownership of three play parks currently managed by Herefordshire Council.
Herefordshire Council has invited Ross-on-Wye Town Council to consider taking ownership of several play parks in the town. Following investigation and discussion, the Town Council has expressed an interest in taking on Beech Close Play Park, Roman Way Play Park and Grammar School Close Play Park.
If the transfer goes ahead, Herefordshire Council has capital funding available to make improvements to the play areas. This could provide an opportunity to retain and improve these facilities and help secure their future for the local community.
However, taking ownership would also mean that Ross-on-Wye Town Council would become responsible for the ongoing costs of inspecting, maintaining and repairing the play parks.
For Beech Close Play Park (What3Words: ///benched.misted.gratitude), there is currently £65,000 of capital funding available, with estimated ongoing maintenance costs of £6,000 per year.
For Roman Way Play Park (What3Words: ///staked.scored.walked), £35,000 of capital funding is available, with estimated ongoing maintenance costs of £2,700 per year.
For Grammar School Close Play Park (What3Words: ///partly.puncture.generally), £20,000 of capital funding is available, with estimated ongoing maintenance costs of £1,200 per year.
Further detailed work would be required to confirm the exact costs and improvements needed. The capital funding currently available is expected to cover simple repairs and improvements rather than a full refurbishment of the play areas.
Taking on these additional play parks would create an ongoing financial commitment for the Town Council and could affect the Council Tax precept in future years. Additional Town Council staff may also be required to manage and maintain the parks, although the potential cost of this is not yet known.
The amount of capital funding available may also change depending on which play parks, if any, are ultimately transferred to the Town Council.
The Town Council has prepared a consultation to explain the proposed Community Asset Transfer, the options available and the potential implications, and is now asking residents to share their views before any decision is made.
Residents can take part in the consultation in the following ways:
Online: Complete the consultation form using the link: https://tinyurl.com/3hdr7ycn
In person: Visit the Town Council stall at the Market on Thursdays between 10am and 11.30am.
In writing: Collect a consultation form from the Council offices at the Town Hall and return your completed form.
The consultation closes at 7pm on Wednesday 2nd September 2026.
The feedback received will be considered by Ross-on-Wye Town Council before any decision is made on whether to proceed with the transfer of the play parks.