IT'S an idea that won't go away, overhaul Hereford's image by rebuilding the Old Market Hall.

Local history man Derek Foxton says the project he first proposed in 1995 deserves another airing as an alternative to, or perhaps even part of, the City of Living Craft scheme.

He still believes a replica of the timber-framed market hall, once described among the largest and most magnificent of its kind in Europe, is just the sort of bold gesture Hereford needs - a major tourist attraction offering something definitive for future generations and adaptable to everyday use.

Rebuilding would also right what's widely regarded as an historic wrong. The original market hall was demolished, amid much controversy, in 1861 having fallen into disrepair.

It had stood in High Town for some 400 years.

Derek knows his idea divides opinion, but he thought he put it to the Hereford City Partnership anyway.

He is yet to get a reply.

In 1995, rebuilding the market hall was seen as a lottery funded millennium project marking Herefordshire's independence and entry into a new century.

Kingsland-based timber building specialist Border Oak was ready to work with original Victorian survey plans to make it happen.

But the concept didn't catch on.

Five years later it featured again as a solution to siting Hereford's new library - another non-starter.

Third time lucky? Border Oak would be delighted to have another go. Directors John Greene and Mark Hicks talk of the opportunity as an honour.

They are even offering design time at cost to see a major commission stay in the county.

Derek is realistic - perhaps the project's time has passed.

Although with all the money being pumped into city centre regeneration, he thinks it is worth one more pitch.

This is so he does not have to look at the model and wonder what might have been.