A HEREFORD woman says she has been left heartbroken after seeing the popular Castle Green "in such a mess".

Reminiscing about her childhood where she spent several hours at Castle Green in the 1940s, Heather Knight, now 81, said the public space was in the worst condition she could ever remember.

Mrs Knight, who goes to Castle Green, near the river Wye in Hereford, with her son Karl, said she used to think it was wonderful, and it was kept in good condition, even throughout the Second World War.

"I have lived all my life in Hereford and as a child back in the 1940s, we – I come from a family of 10 – spent a lot of time in the Castle Green and around King George VI Playing Fields and The Bishops Meadow which I thought was all wonderful, so did the rest of us, including my parents," she said.

"Each Sunday when we, us children, went to church, mum would prepare a picnic which we all enjoyed very much.

"I have lovely memories hearing the band and watching the bowlers, then our once a week treat, Dad would buy us all an ice cream from Mr Morgan.

"Over the years I did the same with my children, and even my grandchildren."

Mrs Knight, of Barricombe Drive, said her most recent visit left her heartbroken after seeing the grass uncut, flowerbeds overgrown and duck pond filthy.

The Friends of Castle Green, which helps looks after the site, said it does what it can to keep the area looking its best.

But, the group is run by volunteers and aims to help Herefordshire Council and its contractor, Balfour Beatty Living Places, take care of the site.

The group said it ultimately fell to the council to look after Castle Green. Herefordshire Council didn't respond when asked for comment.