A COSTLY project to revamp Hereford’s Cathedral Close has left some people feeling fenced off.

High railings have appeared along Broad Street as the £5.6 million restoration project enters its final months.

But some people claim the bars are a “betrayal of Christianity”

and have turned the Close into a forbidding place.

Jeffery Babb, of Hay-on-Wye, made the comparison early this month after visiting a hearing aid specialist in Broad Street.

He claimed the railings were an 18th-century symbol of wealth, giving the cathedral a sense of exclusivity and not openness.

“It’s a separation which is a strong visual betrayal of Christian teaching. I think it looks quite foreboding,” said Mr Babb.

Dean of Hereford, the Very Rev Michael Tavinor, said fences had received a global “bad press” but need not act as a barrier.

The dean said the railings would make the Close more peaceful and would redress the balance of environment and respect.

Gail Herbert, who runs the Hereford Framing Centre opposite the cathedral, said the fence made the Close look out of bounds.

She said it was a shame to have railings but other traders, such as Carolyn Cook of Bill Child’s formal wear, took another view.

“I like them very much. I think they frame the cathedral very well,” said the King Street businesswoman.

Dominic Harbour, the cathedral’s head of communications, said there were historical reasons behind the plan, as the railings previously existed in Victorian times.

“They’re also important for security,” added Mr Harbour.

“While the Close will never be closed it does give the message that this is a special place and a place we need to protect.”

The dark blue railings are among the final additions to a two-year revamp scheme which includes new paving, grass and lighting.

New seating will be one of the last touches in the scheme, which will finish with a weekend of celebrations in October.