THE daughter of the woman who gave the Gazebo Tower to the people of Ross-on-Wye more than 40 years ago believes the fabulous folly should remain in public ownership.

Barbara Vowles claims the tower, left to Ross Town Council by her mother Helen Coombes in 1959, has considerable potential as a centre for tourism.

In a letter to Herefordshire Council, Mrs Vowles states: "Its location and appearance invite a great deal of interest from visitors, as it did when it was in the possession of my family.

"I am therefore convinced that it has considerable potential as a centre to do with tourism - either as an extension of the excellent Heritage Centre in the Market Place or as a resource centre for organisations, trusts or charities with an interest in the Wye Valley.

"Primary consideration should be given to bids from local organisations, charitable trusts etc. who would use the tower for the benefit of the community rather than for private profit, even if such bids were lower than others received."

Mrs Vowles has also called for 'adequate safeguards' to be put in place to protect the tower against any development that would affect its external appearance, including the roof and parapet.

A public meeting to discuss the future of the Gazebo Tower is to be held at the Larruperz Centre in Ross-on-Wye next Tuesday, November 6, at 7pm.

The tower has been put up for sale by Herefordshire Council through Humberts estate agents who are inviting informal tenders.

The council says it has no use for the building, which has been a part of the picture postcard skyline for more than 150 years.

The town council has also rejected a proposal to buy it.