MARKETS BILL MAKES PROGRESS

12.00.00pm GMT Tue 15th Jul 2003

The legislation that would allow Hereford's cattle market to be moved, paving the way for the redevelopment of the Edgar Street area of the city centre, has passed its latest test in Parliament.

The Hereford Markets Bill, which is supported by Hereford MP Paul Keetch, passed through its Second Reading in the House of Commons unopposed. The Bill now moves to its next committee stage.

The news follows Mr Keetch's meeting with representatives of Herefordshire Council, including the new Conservative Council Leader, Roger Phillips, to discuss the Bill's progress and the plans for the regeneration of the Edgar Street Grid.

"It is good news that the Bill seems to be progressing smoothly," Mr Keetch said.

"Despite the initial threats by some local Tories to oppose the Bill, there seems to be a general consensus behind it now. I am delighted that the council is pressing ahead. The Bill is just plain common sense.

"If the Bill is going well, we now need to start focusing on what will happen to the Edgar Street grid. I was disappointed that the new council's plans centre around a supermarket development. This might seem the quickest and easiest money-making solution, but I remain to be convinced that it is the best in the long-term.

"It is well known that I favour a solution that will provide a new multi-screen cinema for the city, offer security for Hereford United and regenerate the area into a place for the whole community. I want to ensure that this fits with the Council's plans.

"The City of Hereford has long suffered from a lack of joined-up thinking in its major developments. Hence we have a swimming pool on a different site from the sports centre. The Edgar Street development is a once in a life time chance to coordinate the future development of the city.

"I hope that the new Council will not squander this opportunity."