WELSH FIRST MINISTER BACKS HEREFORD SHOPPING

12.10.00pm GMT Wed 3rd Dec 2003

Writing in response to a letter from Paul Keetch, Lib Dem MP for Hereford, Welsh First Minister Rhodri Morgan has given his support to the drive to bring shoppers back to Hereford.

Mr Keetch invited the First Minister to join him on a Christmas shopping trip in the city, but whilst Mr Morgan will be unable to visit in person before Christmas, he encouraged people to continue shopping in the city.

Mr Morgan's letter reads:

"I am sorry that the traders are having a difficult time this year following the outbreak of Legionnaires' Disease and I support your view that there is no risk to the public and I would also encourage people from Wales to continue shopping in Hereford, just I would encourage

Herefordshire people to continue their traditional shopping visits to towns, markets and cities in Wales.

"Whilst I always enjoy visiting Hereford at present my diary commitments are such that it would be impossible for me to fit anything like this in before Christmas.

"Nevertheless I wish the traders every success."

Commenting on the letter Paul Keetch said:

"I am delighted that Rhodri has sent his best wishes to Hereford's traders and encouraged people to keep on visiting the city. It is a shame that he will be unable to visit himself, but I am sure that a First Minister's diary is particularly hectic at the moment.

"I hope that any potential shoppers will listen to what he says. People should visit Hereford. As the First Minster knows, there is some excellent shopping available in the city and with only a few weeks before Christmas I hope that as many people as possible will come and get their presents in Hereford."