IN the 1950s, a group of Hereford people objected to plans to build a new Co-op by fencing off the proposed site with barbed wire.

The Co-operative Society had plans for a new shop in Ledbury Road, Tupsley, approved in 1954, but neighbours were not happy, taking matters into their own hands and erecting a three-strand barbed wire fence around the land.

Despite the protests of local people, plans went ahead and the Co-op was built, and remains at the site today. The fence was removed by a local councillor.

It was reported in the press at the time that the ownership of the land was disputed in a controversy surrounding the decision to allow the shop to be built between 179 and 181 Ledbury Road.

This, it was reported, aroused bitter opposition among those in the Tupsley area who said their views and protests had not been considered by the town planning committee.

A meeting in September 1954 had seen the matter approved, with the protests of local people escalating in October that year.

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Commenting on the 1950s controversy on the Hereford Times' We Grew Up in Hereford Facebook group, people expressed their relief that the plans had gone ahead, and shared fond memories of the Co-op that has stood on Ledbury Road for over half a century.

Keith Bond wrote: "Thankfully it was built and served the community ever since."

Sandra Robinson recollected: "I lived opposite the Co-op from age one to 23 and even worked there as a student. My sister worked there for a time and my mum shopped their daily. Happy memories of the lovely ladies who staffed the shop. The butchers shop next door became a wool shop and was then a residence."

Rob Hales also said the Co-op was a valuable local shop, writing: "The Co-op is easy to park at and convenient. Staff are always friendly and helpful."