Have Your Say on the Future of Three Ross-on-Wye Play Parks

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.

Ross-on-Wye Town Council Budget Consultation 2027/28

Ross-on-Wye Town Council is inviting all residents to participate in the Budget Consultation for 2027/28 as part of the preparations to set the precept for the next financial year. The precept represents the town council’s share of the council tax collected by Herefordshire Council and plays a crucial role in funding essential local services.

A short survey has been launched to gather the views and priorities of the community. Councillors rely on your feedback to guide their decisions and actions for the coming year. Your input is invaluable, and we encourage everyone to take the opportunity to share their opinions and help shape the future of Ross-on-Wye.

For those requiring the survey in an alternative format, assistance is available by contacting the Town Council directly on 01989 562373.

About Your Council
Ross-on-Wye Town Council consists of 18 volunteer councillors elected every four years, supported by a dedicated team of nine paid staff. The council holds monthly council meetings, as well as various committee meetings throughout the year, focusing on areas such as Planning, Amenities, Finance, and Tourism and Events. Meetings are open to the public, and a full schedule can be found on the Council’s website.

What Was Achieved in 2025/26
Through careful planning and management of the budget, the town council has delivered a range of improvements, including:

• Restored historic assets
• Invested in increased Citizen Advice Bureau services
• Increased event activity
• Invested in the return of Ross in Bloom
• Continued investment in street cleaning
• Funded work to the Prospect trees to reinstate the view

Funding Sources
The council’s income is derived from several sources, including:

• The precept (£161.04 per year for a Band D property in 2026/27, amounting to £701,716 in total precept income for that year)
• Grant funding
• Market income
• Rental income from Ross Tennis Centre, The Corn Exchange, and Ross and Monmouth Sea and Marine Cadets

While exploring additional revenue streams to avoid increasing the tax burden on residents, the precept remains a vital funding component. The council also works in partnership with many dedicated local volunteers, such as Ross in Bloom, litter-picking groups, and footpath volunteers, who help enhance the quality of life in Ross-on-Wye.

Next Steps
The Budget Consultation survey is available online https://forms.gle/Cqov3a6abGWXe8ie6 or can be found via the website www.rosstc-herefordshire.gov.uk/ and also in paper form at the Town Council offices at the Town Hall, Cantilupe Road, HR9 7AN. Your feedback will directly influence the council’s priorities and actions for 2027/28. You have until 1^st September 2026 to complete the survey.

Please note: Matters relating to schools, roads, highways, waste collection, recycling, and other statutory responsibilities fall under the remit of Herefordshire Council. Contact Herefordshire Customer Services at 01432 260000 or visit https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/council/get-involved/7 for further information. You can also find an interactive graphic on our website which shows which responsibilities lie with Ross Town Council and which lies with Herefordshire Council here: www.rosstc-herefordshire.gov.uk/faqs/

Help shape the future of Ross-on-Wye—your opinion matters!