SOME £2.5 million could be spent on improving Hereford's High Town - but not all in one go.

Herefordshire Council has moved to counter speculation around the confirmation of a "one go" project to say a programme of works is being developed by its contract partner Balfour Beatty Living Places.

If approved, that programme would see some £2.5 million of works phased in over the next few years.

It is the first phase of this work that could start as soon as next year, following consultation.

"We have been aware of the increasing maintenance issues in High Town and this has led to a greater need for routine maintenance.  This means that we need to consider what could be done to improve the quality of the High Town environment and reduce current and future maintenance costs," said councillor Tony Johnson, council leader.

The proposals for High Town will be part of the council’s Public Realm Annual Plan for the next financial year.