I HAVE just read the special supplement, in the latest edition of Herefordshire Matters, singing the praises of the proposed Edgar Street Grid.

According to this special supplement, the reason why ESG is still going ahead (albeit at a slower pace) despite the present downturn in the investment and property markets is “to build on and reinforce the vitality and quality of the city”.

Am I missing something? Has no-one on the ESG board or Herefordshire Council and Advantage West Midlands noticed that Hereford town centre is slowly dying. That there are almost 50 empty shops which need to be occupied.

Has no-one on the ESG board or Herefordshire Council and Advantage West Midlands noticed the horrendous traffic congestion getting into and out of the city? Just one problem and it’s gridlock. And what will happen while the new road structure is being put into place? Are we going to have to endure five years of traffic chaos? How will the city cope with such disruption? Will tourism die off too?

Clive Richards (chairman of the ESG Herefordshire Ltd) hopes that “anyone who has an opinion, an idea or an issue concerning ESG will contact the company”. Here’s my opinion. The ESG should be scrapped and the money spent on a new river crossing with a linked outer ring road. Once the traffic problem has been addressed more people will be attracted to the city which, in itself, will encourage more retail outlets.

When the city is thriving again then the ESG can be readdressed and amended to incorporate what is appropriate at that time.

The people of Hereford want to see their beautiful city centre breathing new life and more effort put into supporting the local retail outlets which form the backbone of this glorious market city.

It’s about time the ESG board and Herefordshire Council and Advantage West Midlands listened to the people of Hereford. There just seems to be a handful of people determined to carry on regardless.

Why not let Herefordians have their say? Put it to the vote.

LESLEY BARRAT, Name and address supplied.