HEREFORDSHIRE'S builders have formulated a five-point action plan that they believe will boost the county's economy, writes RICHARD WILSON.

Top of the list is a desire for a new road to link the A49 to Rotherwas as a 'first step' towards gaining a bypass for Hereford.

"We all recognise this as being fundamental to keeping the infrastructure of the county on track to meet the needs of business," said a spokesperson for the National Federation of Builders.

Almost as important is the provision of off-street car parking in new town centre developments to attract prospective purchasers or tenants.

"Flexibility is required to achieve economic sustainability in rural economies," added the spokesperson.

Three other issues were highlighted to Leominster MP Peter Temple-Morris at a meeting.

The 'clearly ludicrous' demands of major contractors for six-month payment terms were slammed as were the difficulties faced by small businesses in gaining Government contracts.

And the 'failure' of Government to take positive tax action to outlaw rogue operators is seen as another obstacle in the way of county building firms.

"Hereford is being squeezed," the federation claims. "There is European Union Objective 1 funding in Wales on one side and similar initiatives in the Midlands on the other."

Mr Temple-Morris promised to take up the relief road and parking problems directly with Government ministers.

He also pledged his support for the industry on the other three points of concern.