A HEREFORD business chief has hit out at plans which try to keep cars out of a main city centre street, warning popular streets could become a "hotchpotch of empty units".

Herefordshire Council is currently consulting on huge changes to Broad Street, King Street and Bridge Street, and surrounding areas.

The council wants pedestrians and cyclists to have more space, with a new layout and design that gives motor vehicles reduced priority.

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There are areas for small events, activities, and street dining with lots of attractive seating and planting.

But Hereford Business Improvement District, which supports and represents 500 business across the city centre, said the plans are "truly worrying", suggesting shops could be forced to close.

 

Hereford Business Improvement District is worried that less parking will have a big impact on businesses. Picture: Herefordshire Council

Hereford Business Improvement District is worried that less parking will have a big impact on businesses. Picture: Herefordshire Council

 

Chief executive Mike Truelove said that many businesses, in particular the hospitality sector, are delighted that there could be extended paving for a café culture.

But he said retailers, pharmacists, sandwich shops, florists and estate agents were "truly worried" by how customers would "pop in" to grab items and then go if the parking is down the road?

"Yes, you may well argue (justifiably in some cases) that people ought to park in larger car parks and not on the street, but that ignores those who struggle to walk far and those who, dare I say it, pop into these shops because it is convenient," Mr Truelove said.

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"Take away the parking and you remove a major reason to shop here which equates to shop closures. Suddenly, once popular streets become a hotchpotch of empty units; it is as simple as that.

"If we are serious about improving the area, everyone needs to be taken on the journey and not leave behind those who have been there for (in some instances over 100 years) and have evolved around the ability to park outside. There must be a compromise."

He said there should be a vision for new multi-story car parks, and also suggested the plan for Broad Street, King Street and Bridge Street might not even happen.

 

Mike Truelove, Hereford Business Imrprovement Districts chief executive, is worried about a new vision for Hereford streets

Mike Truelove, Hereford Business Imrprovement District's chief executive, is worried about a new vision for Hereford streets

 

The consultation closes on November 8.

Councillor John Harrington, cabinet member for infrastructure and transport, said: "It's important that we continue to invest in our beautiful and historic city so that everyone who visits or works there has the best possible experience and enjoys spending time there.

"We've been speaking with main stakeholders in the area to consider what improvements can be made in the cathedral and river Wye Quarter of the city.

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He added: "We want this area to be a vibrant, active place where people want to spend time and where businesses want to be based.

"This area is unique in its heritage and feel, so it's vital we listen to the local business community and residents to identify the measures that would work best to enhance this area."

The cost of the design proposals is being met through the Hereford City Centre Improvement programme, which is jointly funded by Herefordshire Council and Marches LEP.

Once the final designs are agreed the funding for the plan, such as from grants, will then be sought.