A FORMER mayor questioned whether any well-known chain shops have shown an interest in opening shops in Ross-on-Wye.

Joyce Thomas spoke at a Ross Town Council meeting and said that each time a shop becomes vacant people ask why can't the town have a M&S food hall or any other well-known outlet.

She said she likes the way Ross is growing but said: "My question to the councillors is do you think we need a larger retail or other well known business in the town? Are we aware of any approaches that have been made to your council or Herefordshire Council that has shown a genuine interest in moving here?"

Cllr Caroline Utting said: "We love the town too and think it's brilliant. I think the situation in retail these days is the big names are withdrawing from the high street and not planning to open new outlets generally speaking."

She said the bigger named brands are moving out of the smaller towns and selling more online.

But she added: "Ross has its benefits. There are a lot of independents that offer a unique services and products and people really value and love coming to Ross for that reason."