Not all doom and gloom in Herefordshire

2:00pm Tuesday 14th October 2008

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THE economic picture in Herefordshire is not all doom and gloom, according to community leaders.

Exciting plans to restore Hereford Cathedral Close will go ahead thanks to a massive fundraising effort.

Funding for a £5.6 million restoration project was confirmed last week.

The scheme – which will see new railings, benches and paving installed – has received a £4.2 million Heritage Lottery Grant, while supporters have raised more than £1 million to meet the bill.

The funding means tenders will soon go out for the work, due to begin after next year’s Three Choirs Festival.

Councillor Roger Phillips, leader of Herefordshire Council, said: “There’s still a lot of work ahead but it’s an exciting time for the city centre and I can see this regeneration project bringing to life a neglected, but unique, part of the cathedral’s environs for generations to come.”

And according to Chamber of Commerce Herefordshire and Worcestershire the results of the economic downturn varied for different businesses.

“The full onslaught of the credit crunch has hit us all and nowhere is completely immune from its effects,” said Christopher Harvey, head of policy and representation.

“However, it would be wrong to think that the effect is uniform and it is clear there are some wide variations in the consequences for individual businesses.”

He added that although consumers were tightening their belts, with sales in expensive consumer goods for homes particularly affected, businesses could still do well.

“It is clear that innovation and flexibility are key factors for successful businesses at this time,” he said.

One leading Herefordshire councillor also believes the development of the Edgar Street Grid (ESG) will pave the way for prosperity.

Coun Adrian Blackshaw, cabinet member for economic development, said trade in the city centre was hit by residents shopping outside the county.

“With the development of the ESG we could increase the spend in this city by something like £67 million a year,” he said.

The attraction of nationally known stores would benefit local traders and drive the city economy forward.