THERE are plans to improve the look of a city underpass following reports that people avoid using it.

The underpass under Victoria Street in Hereford from Eign Gate is one of the main entrances to the city when walking.

Operations manager, Mike Truelove of Hereford Business Improvement Distict (HBID), said for some years the underpass has suffered from anti-social behaviour including graffiti, broken bottles, discarded rubbish, urination and aggressive begging.

He said things have come to a head with rough sleepers who also aggressively beg - they have now been moved on.

Mr Truelove said two fires have also been started down there recently and it is starting to look run-down.

He said: "HBID have kept the rubbish down to a minimum since we adopted the underpass in 2016, however, whilst we clean this as much as we can, our businesses do not fund the BID for this work and we need all partners to help keep the area looking clean and welcoming for visitors, residents and anyone coming else coming into the city.

"It can be so intimidating for people walking through and when we were inspecting the pass two weeks ago we saw the aftermath of two small fires that has been started, abandoned soggy duvets, piles of cardboard and broken glass everywhere.

"To add to this there were two aggressive beggars with their legs stretched out and hats in the middle of the path asking everyone for money. At this point a primary school of five or six year olds walked past, hand in hand with their teacher – I don’t think it was a nice experience for anyone and we cannot allow this to continue."

He said HBID is often told of people that take the long route around to enter the city.

They have written to city stakeholders including the police, council, city council, street pastors and the council’s homeless team to work together to improve things.

Mr Truelove added: "Balfour Beatty Living Places and the council have been most supportive in trying to find a solution but we also need the Highways Agency to grant us permission to paint the ceiling as well.

"We have plans for the underpass to brighten this up including removal of the gum and installation of flowers but everyone needs to pull together, not just now but on an ongoing basis, to keep this area vibrant."