Debates
A Future for Herefordshire: sustainable economic growth
6th January 2012
In order to overcome the existing problems with our economy many new ideas have been proposed in order to get Herefordshire “future friendly.” Proposals such as the new Edgar Street Grid, The Enterprise Zone, Bypass and other ideas have been put forward. But will
Well, it is not certain, but in a debate with a whole panel of experts, some of these key issues were raised. The panel included Jesse Norman (Conservative MP for
One of the key proposals put forward was the Enterprise Zone. Ray Stone explained in great detail how Brownfield site in Rotherwas could take up the place for the zone. The zone being created would introduce 1500 new jobs, and he described it as a “tremendous opportunity” for
Hereford after further education.
Along with this, it is very important that we re-generate growth within
Hereford . Mark Hubbard mentioned affordable housing, peer-to-peer lending within
Hereford through the internet, and social networking sites. One of the key ways which Mark believed would help stimulate the economy was “The Bank of Hereford”. He also said that the money lent out should be given to small businesses throughout Herefordshire. However, he disagreed with the idea of having a Bypass in
Hereford . To him, it was “unaffordable” and the money could be spent on other sustainable plans for the future of
Hereford . He also mentioned that this proposed plan would take at least a decade to build and, in the mean time, the congestion in
Hereford would worsen.
Over many years Herefordshire has been known for its historical background and this attracts many tourists to visit this beautiful and remarkable city. Recently, however, tourism has dropped by a significant amount. According to Vernon Amor, one of the ways in which
Hereford can produce growth is by the increasing the amount of tourists we receive. He believes that more small businesses across
Hereford should be opened, including more pubs, hotels and restaurants. He also felt that the VAT on these businesses should be lowered since they help to re-generate money within Herefordshire.
Jesse Norman backed up these ideas and also introduced the idea for a second river crossing as this would benefit us hugely many ways. It could lead us to the opening of the New Enterprise Zone and would enter us into more trading counties including Worcester and Malvern. He also proposed another opening into the Eastern part of the Marin Thomas
County
Hospital , which would mean that the pressure could be eased from the Edgar Street Grid roundabout.
Stating the need for quicker Broadband and how a sufficient amount of money has been put forward for the new scheme, he felt that this was one of the ways in which we could increase communication. “If we do not have communication circulating around
Hereford , there would be no economic growth.”