News
October 04, 2025
Dismay as market towns left out with millions 'just for Hereford'
Representatives of Herefordshire’s market towns have reacted with dismay at the news that part of Hereford – but nowhere else in the county – is to benefit from up to £20 million of regeneration funding from the Government.
**Herefordshire Market Towns Express Disappointment Over Regeneration Funding Focused Solely on Hereford City**
Representatives from several of Herefordshire's historic market towns have voiced their deep disappointment and concern following the announcement that only a specific area within the city of Hereford is slated to receive up to £20 million in Government regeneration funding. The news has sparked debate and raised questions about the equitable distribution of resources across the county, particularly at a time when many market towns are striving to revitalise their own economies and high streets.
While acknowledging the need for investment in Hereford city, council members and business leaders from towns such as Ledbury, Leominster, Ross-on-Wye, and Bromyard expressed frustration that their own communities were overlooked in this round of funding. They argue that these market towns, each with their unique character and heritage, are vital components of Herefordshire's overall economic and social fabric, and deserve equal consideration for regeneration initiatives.
“We fully support investment in Hereford,” stated a spokesperson for the Leominster Town Council, “but it's disheartening to see the needs of our market towns seemingly disregarded. We have ambitious plans for revitalizing our town centre, attracting new businesses, and enhancing the visitor experience, but these plans require financial backing.”
Concerns have been raised that concentrating resources solely on Hereford city could exacerbate existing inequalities within the county, potentially leading to a decline in the economic viability of the market towns. Representatives worry that businesses and residents may be drawn to the city, further draining the already limited resources available to smaller communities.
The funding, intended to boost economic growth and improve infrastructure, has fueled calls for a more inclusive and strategic approach to regeneration across Herefordshire. Leaders are now urging the local council and central government to reconsider their investment strategy and ensure that market towns are given fair access to future funding opportunities. They emphasize the importance of recognizing the distinct challenges and opportunities faced by each community, and tailoring support accordingly to foster sustainable growth across the entire county. The market towns are hoping for open dialogue and a commitment to a more balanced and equitable distribution of resources to ensure a thriving future for all of Herefordshire.
Representatives from several of Herefordshire's historic market towns have voiced their deep disappointment and concern following the announcement that only a specific area within the city of Hereford is slated to receive up to £20 million in Government regeneration funding. The news has sparked debate and raised questions about the equitable distribution of resources across the county, particularly at a time when many market towns are striving to revitalise their own economies and high streets.
While acknowledging the need for investment in Hereford city, council members and business leaders from towns such as Ledbury, Leominster, Ross-on-Wye, and Bromyard expressed frustration that their own communities were overlooked in this round of funding. They argue that these market towns, each with their unique character and heritage, are vital components of Herefordshire's overall economic and social fabric, and deserve equal consideration for regeneration initiatives.
“We fully support investment in Hereford,” stated a spokesperson for the Leominster Town Council, “but it's disheartening to see the needs of our market towns seemingly disregarded. We have ambitious plans for revitalizing our town centre, attracting new businesses, and enhancing the visitor experience, but these plans require financial backing.”
Concerns have been raised that concentrating resources solely on Hereford city could exacerbate existing inequalities within the county, potentially leading to a decline in the economic viability of the market towns. Representatives worry that businesses and residents may be drawn to the city, further draining the already limited resources available to smaller communities.
The funding, intended to boost economic growth and improve infrastructure, has fueled calls for a more inclusive and strategic approach to regeneration across Herefordshire. Leaders are now urging the local council and central government to reconsider their investment strategy and ensure that market towns are given fair access to future funding opportunities. They emphasize the importance of recognizing the distinct challenges and opportunities faced by each community, and tailoring support accordingly to foster sustainable growth across the entire county. The market towns are hoping for open dialogue and a commitment to a more balanced and equitable distribution of resources to ensure a thriving future for all of Herefordshire.
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Business