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The following has been received from local Conservative councillor Nick Vaughan:
The leader of Herefordshire Council, Roger Phillips, today affirmed the council’s commitment to working with Hereford United Football Club on its ideas to improve or redevelop its stadium and grounds.
Yesterday (15 July 2009) a meeting between the council, the club and its development partners Richardson Developments, clarified lease extensions on the grounds and Hereford United has announced plans to build a new 2,000-capacity covered terrace at the Blackfriars end of the Edgar Street ground. The current structure recently failed a safety inspection when barriers were considered unfit, meaning the terrace had to be closed.
“Hereford United Football Club has always had, and always will have, direct contact with Herefordshire Council and we are committed to working closely and supportively with the club on any proposals to improve or redevelop its stadium and grounds”, said Councillor Phillips.
“Indeed, our close relationship ensured that the extension to leases was resolved with the club’s development partner Richardson Brothers to ensure the club could gain promotion to the league with minimum problems.
“The council is working with the club to help bring about improvements at the stadium and we are keen to support them in overcoming any interim difficulties. We are also in talks with the club and leaseholders on extending the landholding at the Meadow end to give greater potential for the overall site and improved leisure facilities has always been part of the development.
“Herefordshire Council, in driving redevelopment of the old livestock market site will bring in improved leisure and retailing offerings that add value to a visit to the football club and make the club’s redevelopment more viable too, as well as supporting the economy of the city and county”.