THERE has been much publicity in the Hereford Times of late about the anticipated refurbishment of Hereford city centre.

Some £2.5 million is to be spent over four years to tidy up and make good the failures of the previous refurbishment which cost £2 million.

Some see it as a huge sum of money spent unnecessarily. Why indeed does the authority spend such huge sums to create this elaborate pedestrian centre, and is it money well spent? What does it achieve?

Well, of course, it is meant to achieve a focus of pride in our city, a centre of attraction for commerce, and an area for citizens to go about social intercourse with ease and safety.

To be fair, most citizens would agree it is both necessary and desirable and we are most fortunate in Hereford to have such a wide expanse as we have in High Town, our city square.

The real question is, are we prepared to look after it?

One huge expense, which could easily be avoided, and which puts the refurbishment figure into perspective, is the enormous cost of litter removal. Astonishingly £1.5 million a year!

That’s what Amey spent and no doubt Balfour Beatty are committed to spend to pick up litter now, and just look at the state of our streets and verges.

How sad is that. Just think of what we could have in 10 years’ time if we had not spent this £15 million.

It could mean a thriving library or something of similar benefit if only people would take their litter home, and if those who enjoy chewing gum would not just spit it out on the pavements.

How do we measure pride?

CHARLES NICHOLLS Mayor of Hereford