I WONDER whether the ongoing story of Hereford has, in fact, become a ‘Tale of Three Cities’, the good, the bad and the ugly?

First of all, the good: the magnificent cathedral, the Castle Green, the Courtyard theatre, and of course the generous and hospitable hearts of the people of Hereford.

Then, the bad: the closure of Hereford Racecourse to National Hunt racing, and the demise of Hereford United FC. These two sporting amphitheatres were venues where the youth of Hereford could hone their skills, facing challenges from opponents coming from all areas of the British Isles.

Fading into distant memory are those famous names which still echo through the annals of Herefordshire’s sporting history: Scudamore, Johnson, Radford and Charles.

And then, the ugly – the rectangular edifices of the Old Market development, forming two wind tunnels without conveniences or seating for children, the elderly or infirm (unless you are purchasing refreshments from one of the many cafes.) Thank you to the Hereford Times for providing a forum where differing views of readers can continue to be expressed.

Finally, may I offer readers a parody of the final line of one of GK Chesterton’s poems: “We are the people of Hereford and we have not spoken yet!”

REV R MURRIN Peterchurch