MADAM, It is a pity that Christine Vrij-Ollis didn't talk to any of the Town Councillors before writing to the Gazette about the alleged "decline of Ross". She failed to realise that earlier this year saw the election of a new Town Council with seven 'new faces' and the Liberal Democrats gaining control. They were elected to try and deal with the problems outlined in her letter, but Rome was not built in a day. It takes some time to make reforms. The main barrier to change is that currently Herefordshire County Council controls the prime areas of complaint including parking and transport, housing and the setting of business rates, which at present levels cripple many retailers and lead to empty shops.) Not surprisingly perhaps, in view of Hereford's much larger population, Herefordshire County Council, and its officials, treat Ross as a poor relation and tend to ignore local needs and representations. To try and rectify this situation, the first steps are being taken in attempting to gain Quality Status for the Ross Town Council. This may sound a bit esoteric, but it is vitally important. The basic purpose of aiming for Quality Status is to enable Ross Town Council to be devolved with greater powers to control its own destiny at local level rather than being 'ruled' by Herefordshire Council. Meanwhile the new Town Council has been taking what steps it can. We have put considerable pressure on the police to do more about fighting hooliganism and crime in Ross. We are improving communication between the Town Council and residents. For example this month sees the introduction of a 'time slot' before Council meetings set aside for residents to air their complaints, grievances and, hopefully, new ideas. On a more practical note we are reintroducing a local street cleaner to try and ensure Ross is cleaner and tidier. We are also looking to the improvement of local sports facilities, the possible introduction of a cinema, as well as strongly supporting the development of a Parish Plan for the long term future of Ross and surrounding districts. In 2011 the voters will have the opportunity of deciding whether the reformist zeal of the new Council has brought benefits. I hope Christine Vrig- Ollis will be able to revisit Ross then and make her own judgement.