About Us
Ross-on-Wye Town Council works to enhance local life by maintaining key public spaces, supporting community events, promoting tourism, and helping to shape the town’s future through planning and development.
What We Do
Ross-on-Wye Town Council provides and maintains a number of local services which you can read about on this page.
The Council’s land and buildings are located on the map.
Tourism and Community Engagement are important to the Town Council. It is proactive in promoting and encouraging tourism to the town and provides and allocates grants to local people for the benefit of the town.
The Town Council runs the town’s regular Thursday and Saturday markets which take place under the Market House and on the Market Apron.
The Council played a huge role in producing the Neighbourhood Development Plan, which was adopted on 7th June 2021.
Allotments
Tudorville allotments are owned by Ross-on-Wye Town Council and run by the Tudorville Allotments Association.
Nestled off Walford Road in Ross-on-Wye, it is a welcoming space for gardeners of all ages and experience.
For more information or to apply, please contact Secretary John Bosley.
Email: john.bosley@btinternet.com
Arboretum & Memorial Trees
During 2019 and 2020, the Council planted over one hundred sponsored trees in a linear arboretum. Trees from around the world can be found as well as favourite native trees.
Memorial trees can be planted on the Caroline Symonds Garden site and are reserved for historical/civic or
ceremonial significance. Full details here.
Armed Forces Covenant
Ross-on-Wye Town Council signed the Armed Forces Covenant in June 2020 to show our commitment to honour the Armed Forces Covenant and support the Armed Forces Community.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a voluntary statement of mutual support between a civilian community and its local Armed Forces Community. This Covenant encompasses the moral obligation between the Nation, the Government and the Armed Forces, at the local level.
The Town Council hosts a twice-monthly drop-in support hub at the offices on Cantilupe Road, which is run by Herefordshire Veteran Support Centre. The sessions take place every first and third Tuesday of the month 9.30am-3.30pm.
Bandstand
The town’s Bandstand is located in this area of open space along Wye Street.
A series of free concerts are held on Sunday afternoons during summer months.
Other events are organised by different groups during the year. The space can be used for various kinds of concerts and displays, as a starting and finishing point for organised walks, for outdoor theatre or charity exhibitions and stalls.
If your group would like to hold an event there, full details of how to apply can be downloaded here.
Buildings
The Town Council owns a number of buildings including the Market House (which houses Made in Ross, an art and craft gallery), The Larruperz Centre (a community centre) and The Old Chapel. These are all currently leased.
The Corn Exchange was home to the former Council’s offices. The Town Council offices are now located at the Town Hall on Cantilupe Road, the hall is available for hire, please click on the link to see the Letting Conditions and Booking Form.
Cemetery
Ross-on-Wye Town Council purchased land during the 1930s at Tudorville for the purposes of creating a new cemetery which was opened in 1945. It is situated on Walford Road about two miles from the town centre. For more detailed information and fees please click on the links below.
Purchasing a grave space and Deed of Right of Burial
Civic Award
The Kyrle Civic Award has been set up by Ross-on-Wye Town Council to recognise people within the community who have made an invaluable contribution to the town.
The Award runs every year with the winner being announced at the Annual Parish Meeting.
For more details visit the link:
Grants
Ross-on-Wye Town Council has the power (General Power of Competence) to grant monies to qualifying individuals and organisations in order to support and strengthen community participation, activities and events and to help develop a sustainable welcoming community. It has a duty to ensure that grants awarded under this scheme aim to make a difference to the quality of life of people living in Ross-on-Wye. The Town Council recognises and values the importance of partnership working with public and private sector organisations as well as community groups and voluntary organisations.
To apply for a grant, download our policy and form, complete the form and send it in with all the information requested.
Homs Road Car Park
The Town Council owns the Homs Road Car Park which is a free car park close to the river. On the same site, the council has its amenities depot and a further area is leased to the Ross & Monmouth Sea Cadets.
Memorial Benches
The Rope Walk, Caroline Symonds Gardens, Thomas Blake Memorial Gardens, Long Acre, Tudorville Cemetery, Crossfields an Deanhill Park enjoy some beautiful aspects and Ross-on-Wye Town Council recognises the benefit and amenity provided by memorial benches.
The Council is able to help families commemorate their loved ones in this way and create a pleasant environment for all visitors.
Parks & Gardens
Ross-on-Wye Town Council own and manage a number of parks, gardens, open spaces and play areas for the benefit of the community. Caroline Symonds Gardens in Wye Street (also see Bandstand) and the Rope Walk Meadow can be used for community events. Crossfields is leased to the Tennis Centre. Deanhill Park is an oasis near the centre of town with some beautiful specimen trees. Blakes Gardens, interesting steep gardens with many steps, are maintained by volunteers and lead down from the town to the river.
Planning Matters
Ross-on-Wye Town Council plays an important role in planning matters. Although the final decision rests with Herefordshire Council, the Town Council’s Planning & Development Sub Committee considers and makes comments on all planning applications relevant to the town.
Play Areas
The Council owns two playgrounds and a skate park. The Rope Walk Playground was newly laid out in 2019 and offers activities for a wide range of children of various ages. At Deanhill Park the playground has two areas for older and younger children. The Skate Park off Wilton Road offers enthusiasts somewhere to practise their skating skills.
The areas are checked on a weekly basis by our staff to identify any problems that may arise. There is also an annual inspection made by a fully qualified, independent inspector to ensure all the play equipment complies with Health & Safety Regulations. The playgrounds are fenced creating a safe and secure environment for children to play in.
The Tennis Centre at Crossfields is managed and run by a Community Interest Company. There are four all weather courts for year-round play and the pavilion now offers toilet, shower/changing and tea/coffee making facilities which can be accessed by members.
Planters
Ross Town Council runs a planter sponsorship Scheme which provides a unique and cost effective way to promote businesses in the town.
For more information, please contact community@rosstc-herefordshire.gov.uk
For an annual charge, Ross Town Council’s amenities team keeps the sponsored planter watered and weeded all year round or there is the option to maintain the planter yourself.
Public Conveniences
The Town Council has two toilet blocks, one at Red Meadow Car Park off Kyrle Street and the other in Wye Street. Other public toilets are available at The Crofts.
Smallbrook Railings
Opposite Morrisons (1 Station Street HR9 7AG) there is a set of railings which the Town Council manages. Local organisations, community groups and charities can apply to erect advertising banners free of charge for a limited time period.
Ross in Bloom
Ross-on-Wye Town Council formed the Ross In Bloom Committee in 2025 to bring together local residents who want to take an active role in keeping our town vibrant, welcoming, clean and tidy.
The committee encourages community involvement, support volunteer projects and helps create attractive green spaces that everyone can enjoy. Together, we aim to inspire pride in Ross-on-Wye and celebrate the town’s natural beauty.
If you would like to be involved please email community@rosstc-herefordshire.gov.uk
St Mary’s Churchyard – Closed Churchyard
Ross-on-Wye Town Council is responsible for the maintenance of the closed churchyard, i.e. the area immediately surrounding St Mary’s Church. See map of the area HERE.
In 2020, the council part funded new floodlights which light up the tall spire, a landmark which can be seen for miles around.
In 2025 the Town Council were successful in receiving grant funding from Historic England for repairs to the Plague Cross. The funding also enabled the completion of an Archaeological Report. You can read the full report HERE.
Who We Are
Ross-on-Wye Town Council was established in 1974 following the introduction of the Local Government Act 1972.
It underwent further changes in 2015 after a boundary review resulted in its amalgamation with Ross Rural Parish Council. It is comprised of eighteen councillors representing the town’s three wards:
North, East and West. Town Councillors are supported by officers based at the Town Hall, Cantilupe Road, Ross-on-Wye, HR9 7AN. The Councillors hold a surgery every Saturday at Ross-on-Wye library to talk about any ideas or concerns you have.
Town Councillors
The town is divided into three wards with six councillors representing each one.
You can find out whether you are in East, North or West Ward and other relevant ward information, here.
Please click on the councillor’s name to send them an email.
Councillors are required by law to register any interests, which can be viewed below.
West Ward
East Ward
North Ward
Mayor
The Mayor is elected at the Annual Meeting of the Town Council in May and expected to devote much of his or her time to civic, ceremonial and representational functions. He or she also acts as chairman of the meetings of the full council.
The Mayor for 2025-26 is Councillor Linden Delves It is customary for the Mayor to choose a charity or project to support during his/her term of office. Councillor Delves is supporting Age UK Wyvern, Ross-on-Wye during his term of office.
If you or your organisation would like to invite the Mayor to a function, please download and complete a form and return it to the town council offices.
County Councillors
One councillor represents each ward on Herefordshire Council.
Officers
Carla Boyles PSLCC
Town Clerk
clerk@rosstc-herefordshire.gov.uk
Carla is the Proper Officer and strategic manager of the Council. She is responsible for ensuring that all the functions and Council instructions are carried out in accordance with the statutory framework to ensure the Council is legally compliant in all matters. She is responsible for the effective delivery and control of the Council’s assets, services and data. Carla is the Responsible Financial Officer and is responsible for all financial records of the Council and the careful administration of its finances. She produces Agendas and Minutes for relevant meetings and is the overall manager of all staff.
Charlotte Reynolds PSLCC
Deputy Clerk
deputy@rosstc-herefordshire.gov.uk
Charlotte deputises for the Town Clerk in their absence. She provides clerical, administrative and financial service to the Council to help achieve the objectives. She is responsible for managing the Council’s finance database and the cash and bank reconciliations, producing Agendas and Minutes for relevant meetings, and the running of the Town Cemetery. Charlotte line manages the Community Development Officer, Tourism and Events Officer and the Administration Officer.
Esme Hall
Operations Manager
amenities@rosstc-herefordshire.gov.uk
Esme is the operational lead for a wide range of council services and assets, including its property portfolio, open spaces and amenities. She ensures compliance and develops good practice across all areas of operations. Esme line manages the Amenities Team.
Jane Gardiner
Community Development Officer
community@rosstc-herefordshire.gov.uk
Jane oversees our weekly markets (Thursdays and Saturdays), liaises with local traders and community groups and assists the Tourism and Events Officer with the organisation of the larger scale events. Jane manages the organisation of our Civic Events such as Remembrance and Beacon Lightings. She is also the Mayor’s Officer – which includes managing and maintaining the Mayor’s diary. Jane also manages our Community Grant scheme along with producing the Town Council newsletter and assisting with reception duties and general enquiries.
Ophelia Rajpaul
Tourism and Events Officer
tourism@rosstc-herefordshire.gov.uk
Ophelia organises our larger scale events including the Christmas Fayre, speciality markets (not including the standard weekly markets on a Thursday and Saturday), outdoor cinema and Proms in the Park. She supports and promotes the town to increase visitors to the area through tourism focused campaigns. Ophelia runs our social media with support from other members of staff and produces and distributes marketing materials.
Tammy Bennett
Administration Officer
admin@rosstc-herefordshire.gov.uk
Tammy is the first point of contact at the Town Council offices dealing with reception duties including the main email address. Tammy deals with a variety of administrative duties including uploading Agendas and Minutes and relevant documentation for meetings to our website, as well as finance administration.
Dan Cummings
Amenities Supervisor
amenities@rosstc-herefordshire.gov.uk
Dan is our Amenities Supervisor and is responsible for the delivery of amenities services along with our Amenities Operative, Steve. This includes maintenance and inspection of our grounds, playparks, open spaces and other owned assets as well as bin emptying of Town Council owned bins, horticultural activities and street scene duties. Dan oversees the Amenities team.
Steve Howells
Amenities Sites Operative
amenities@rosstc-herefordshire.gov.uk
Steve assists with the delivery of amenities services. This includes maintenance and inspection of our grounds, playparks, open spaces and other owned assets as well as bin emptying of Town Council owned bins, horticultural activities and street scene duties.
Town Crier
The Ross‑on‑Wye Town Crier is the ceremonial voice of the community—formally appointed to herald major events, welcome dignitaries, and bring a touch of historic pageantry to the town’s public life.
Historically the Town Crier was a full time position in many towns, announcing proclamations and other news for their community.
Today it is largely a ceremonial function, opening major events, introducing dignitaries and generally lending an element of pageantry to special occasions. Ross-on-Wye Town Council has appointed Raymond Churchill as Town Crier.
If you would like to book Ray for a special event please contact him direct on 07817064891 raychurchill9@gmail.com
