TYPE Hereford into Google and one of the first photos you’ll see is the ‘old bridge’ over the River Wye, with the Cathedral in the background.

There’s no doubt that the city’s waterfront is one of its most beautiful and appealing features, yet, unlike nearby Symonds Yat, it is not regularly used by residents or visitors.

That’s all set to change however, as those behind the Left Bank are set to bring leisure boats to the Wye in Hereford, offering their use for weddings and free school trips as well as public use.

Gary Waring, proprietor of the Left Bank, said: “Ever since we took over, people have been saying they wanted boats on the river and could we do anything about it?

“We have got an existing mooring which has never been properly used and we were approached by the last Mayor of Hereford, Charles Nicholls, who said he really wanted to get boats out and asked whether we would want to take over it – so that started the process.”

The current Mayor of Hereford, Councillor Jim Kenyon, has been one of the leading figures involved in talks between the Left Bank, Hereford City Council, the Environment Agency and the fire service to try and bring leisure boats to the Wye in Hereford.

Cllr Kenyon has previously said the move would be a ‘huge step forward’, particularly given the city’s bid to be named City of Culture in 2021.

The river will not need to be dredged for the venture, although cleaning will need to take place in some areas to form a clear path.

It is hoped that shallow boats, similar to the ones currently used at Symonds Yat, will be used, with a date of the 2018 River Carnival given as the absolute latest for the launch.

Mr Waring said: “We are looking for local businesses to sponsor us at the moment.

“One of the big features is, as the boat come up and down, it will be telling the story of Hereford and about local businesses.

“It is all very exciting really and the response we have had has been amazing.

“We’ve had lots of well-meaning messages.”

It is also hoped that the new trips will have a knock-on effect on tourism in the city.

“We will work closely with Liz Hill who runs the Rural Concierge and brings bus loads into Hereford – this is just another reason to come,” added Mr Waring.

“In a very confined area we have got a lot of history and a lot going on.”