HEREFORD’S Edgar Street Grid (ESG) development could be the biggest white elephant the county has ever seen, campaigners have heard.

Residents and business owners opposed to the ESG plans packed into The Courtyard on Monday night to discuss the multi-million pound regeneration project.

Pressure group and event organiser It’s Our City voiced its concern at the development, which could see a new retail, leisure and residential complex built in the city, and its possible effect on independent businesses in Hereford.

It’s Our City leader, Councillor Mark Hubbard, told the 400-strong audience that some city shopping areas could be severely affected should the plans go ahead.

“There is so much character in our city and we have some fantastic independent shops here,” he said.

“You just won’t get that with a new shopping area full of multi-national stores.

“The money you spend in independent shops stays in Herefordshire, whereas the opposite is true with the high street names.”

Coun Hubbard showed photos of Kidderminster and the effect he said a new shopping development had on the old town centre, leaving numerous shops empty.

Young campaigner Alex Hempton-Smith said Hereford must be a pace setter and not lag behind other towns and cities.

“Let us be 20 years ahead, not 20 years behind,” he said.

“I believe Hereford is a great place to live. We need change but it must be sustainable to Herefordshire’s needs.

“At present, there is no true integration between the ESG area and High Town.

“This could be the largest white elephant this county will ever endure.”

Herefordshire Council leader, Councillor Roger Phillips, said the ESG was about the growth of Herefordshire as well as its future.

Also at the meeting was ESG chief executive Jonathan Bretherton and parliamentary candidates Philippa Roberts (Labour) and Sarah Carr (Lib Dem), while a speech from Jesse Norman (Conservative) was read out.

n Meanwhile, a report looking into the ESG has claimed it avoids public scrutiny and says it has been “misconceived from the outset”.

Compiled by Hereford Civic Society, the report says the grid’s masterplan is based on “seriously flawed” consultation methods and feedback procedures.