Completion date for Leominster town centre improvements pushed back

Herefordshire Council has promised a raft of measures to make up for the prolonged disruption caused by ongoing improvements to Leominster town centre.

Last month it wrote to businesses affected in the town explaining that “difficulties with drainage and the sourcing of materials” meant the extensive programme of work would not now be completed until late November.

It now aims to have the work to the High Street, Corn Street, Victoria Street and Iron Cross finished by the end of September as planned, with only the work in Corn Square taking the extra two months.

The council is already offering two hours’ free parking each day in nearby Etnam Street car park for the duration of the work.

It is also making £2,500 available to promote events and festivals in the town, working with the town council and local businesses, and is supporting events such as the town’s Food Fayre which have been displaced by the work.

The county council says it is also working with contractors to “minimising disruption” caused by signs and safety barriers around the works, following concern expressed by businesses and residents.

Meanwhile Herefordshire County Business Improvement District has separately committed to providing up to £10,000 in marketing to support Leominster’s businesses.