I WOULD like to take the opportunity to respond to the recent correspondence on your pages concerning the proposed enhancement scheme for the Broad Street area of Hereford.

Having recently taken on the role as cabinet member with responsibility for such projects, I intend to take a close interest in this scheme.

Funding for the refurbishment of this part of the city is being provided by the Department for Transport and this is a great opportunity to invest in creating a better environment in the city centre to benefit traders, shoppers and visitors without placing an additional financial cost on the council. However, I am committed to ensuring that this funding is spent wisely.

The drawing recently published in your paper are outline designs that have been used to start consulting with those potentially directly affected by the proposals. As you can imagine, there have been a wide range of views expressed.

I can assure your readers that the design will not simply replicate the scheme implemented in Widemarsh Street. Broad Street is very different in character and the design must be right for this part of the city.

I am keen to hear all views about how this should be done to make sure any enhancement of the street provides a better environment for all, whilst helping to strengthen and support the economy of the city. It will be particularly important to ensure any improvements complement the excellent refurbishment of the Cathedral Close.

There have already been a number of consultation events with traders and others likely to be directly affected by the scheme. I want to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to comment on the proposals before the design is finalised.

To this end a public exhibition and further stakeholder event open to the general public between 2pm and 6pm will take place on July 4 in the College Hall, Cathedral Close. I would encourage anyone with an interest in the scheme to come along and express their views direct.

The Broad Street proposals are just part of the council’s overall approach to supporting the local economy and addressing the transport problems in the city.

Over the coming months I intend to set out a new local transport plan for the county, which will include measures designed to cut congestion and encourage people to walk, cycle and use public transport. I will also be reviewing the parking strategy to ensure that it takes account of the major developments in the city including the old market development.

This is an exciting time in the development of Hereford and I look forward to listening to people’s views and debating these important issues to ensure we continue to deliver improvements to infrastructure to support a growth across the county.

COUN G J POWELL, Cabinet Member for Education and Infrastructure, Herefordshire Council