Despite the foul weather, it was smiles and elbow grease from staff of the Hereford Business Improvement District (Hereford BID), Hereford Clean-up Group and Old Market Shopping Centre who pulled together to tackle a Hereford grot spot in Eign Street at the start of November.

Organised by Hereford BID, the three organisations selected an area in and around Eign Street/ Eign Gate leading from the underpass and towards the old Eye Hospital.

Mike Truelove, CEO for the Hereford BID said:

“The group wanted to make a serious impact with the time they had, and the area was prime for some care and attention as an important gateway for pedestrians and drivers into the city.

“The underpass was heavily graffitied as well as overgrown buddleia around the crossing opposite Steels and a huge number of pavement weeds leading towards Sainsbury’s.

“Although two hours was planned for the task, everyone stayed on so that we could improve the area as much as possible; people will hopefully see the difference although there is plenty more to do.

“I would also like to say a big thank you to the Hereford Clean-Up Group and Old Market who braved the heavy rain and gave up their time for free to help the community – it made the task so much easier, and it was wonderful to see groups collaborating.”

Further business and community clean-ups are planned next year, and all groups and businesses are welcome to take part by getting in touch with the Hereford BID.

Hereford BID is a non-profit private company (limited) funded by 500 businesses in the city centre. The organisation has 3 core strands underpinning its business plan, a document based on feedback from its member businesses on what they want to see happen. These are: i) High Profile Hereford – Marketing and Events ii) The Hereford Experience – Safe and Clean iii) Business Voice – Lobbying & Support. The company is run by up to 15 board directors who are also levy paying members.