ROADS and pavements in a Herefordshire town centre have been labelled death traps which are only going to get worse over winter, shop owners fear.

Retailers in Leominster have voiced their concerns over the current state of the town centre's roads, with some saying that their poor condition has been a problem for a number of years.

Val Mifflin, of Parry's Fruit and Veg in High Street, said: "It's a real issue for our customers. When it rains, water collects in the uneven pavement and they end up getting soaked.

"I'd say we have one person a day falling over because of the pavements. It's a death trap, and it's going to get worse with winter coming up."

Gaynor Lewin, of Jumping Ships clothing shop in High Street, also said that the pavements had been a problem for a number of years.

"The pavements are in a dreadful state, they're awful," she said.

"People trip over all the time. With the pavements being so narrow, it can be a real safety hazard with traffic coming down the road."

"It makes the town look shabby, and I fear that it puts people off coming into Leominster."

Liz Watkins, of Stitches Wool and Fabric Shop, also based in High Street, said the roads in the town centre are abysmal.

"West Street is in a terrible state and when you go down Corn Street, all you can see is dents in the pavement," she said.

Max Geerlings, of the Flying Dutchman in Corn Street, said when the roads were bumpy when driving through the town centre.

"I think the pavements are more of an issue for older people, I don't notice it too much.

"There are still a few big potholes though."

Herefordshire Council, which maintains the majority of the county’s roads, said work is prioritised within its annual programme, but that is limited by money available.

"Leominster is not currently in the provisional annual maintenance programme, however routine inspections are carried out regularly to identify defects and to ensure that our roads are maintained in a safe and serviceable condition," she said.

The council's spokeswoman said that Leominster town centre is set to benefit from the multi-million pound High Street Heritage Action Zone Fund over the next three years.

"Until March 2024, Herefordshire Council and Leominster Town Council will be working in partnership with residents, businesses and community groups to deliver a range of projects, agreed with Historic England, that aim to renew and rejuvenate Leominster's High Street and conservation area," she said.