COULD cash coming High Town's way spread to Hereford's 'poor old' Butter Market asks Nick Jones who writes on architectural issues for local listings magazine Broad Sheep.

The immediate answer is no. It's not included in the design brief.

That's something of a surprise to Mr Jones when 'big, brash multi-national retailers' outshine this 'listed gem' much in need of a 21st century makeover.

Where 'traders pay commercial rents yet benefit from no corporate advertising or promotions like their supermarket rivals'. Where 'facilities are poor and maintenance appears to be minimal'. Where there are 'no automatic doors opening on to a major retail space'.

And possibly the only such space in the city without them.

It should all be so different says Mr Jones. With its 'sheer scale' and 'wonderful Victorian architectural details' the Butter Market could be transformed into a 'truly memorable shopping experience'.

But not, it seems, at the expense of Hereford City Partnership. Promotions and development manager Alison Alsbury says the Butter Market is 'not currently' in the plans to regenerate the city.

"There will possibly be other phases of development, which may look at further areas of regeneration."

Mr Jones, however, isn't alone. Ms Alsbury acknowledged 'many comments' were made about the Butter Market's future during the consultation process.

Cash support for the kind of major refurbishment Mr Jones has in mind could, for instance, be found through heritage lottery funds.

He can also point to a precedent.

"After considerable pressure, Herefordshire Council eventually heeded calls for an open Farmers Market which has proved to be a great success. So shouldn't it now recognise that the Butter Market must be included in the design brief for the City of Living Crafts."