LIKE it or not, work on the transformation of Hereford’s old cattle market is finally underway, nearly 12 years on from the idea’s first pitch.

With on-site ground investigations on-going, initial assessments of geology, groundwater levels, and the chemical characteristics of both should be complete as soon as this week.

What’s found will inform the detailed design of the retail-leisure quarter - as proposed - and associated infrastructure like foundations, drainage and the wider landscaping of the development.

There will be more on this story in Thursday's Hereford Times.