Market Delay Could Affect Blackfriars End Redevelopment

Potentially Hereford United could have suffered another set-back in their plans to redevelopment the Blackfriars End of the Edgar Street Stadium with the news that the work on the dis-used livestock market opposite the ground will not be completed until at least 2014.

The latest excuse for the delay from Hereford Futures, Stanhope and the Council is reported to be because of the visit of the Queen to the area and also because the Olympic Torch is due to be carried close to the area.

"We don’t want Her Majesty walking on a building site or traffic delays when the Torch comes through the city," said council leader Councillor John Jarvis as reported by the Hereford Times.

It's not the first time excuses have been made for 'delays'. Not long ago it was the economic situation that was to blame for the work not being started.

It had been hoped that interest in the livestock market area would help Hereford United with their plans for the Blackfriars End of the ground. The club were hopeful of a joint agreement with, perhaps, a 'Travelodge' type company. And there is the added possibility that the circa £750,000 grant for a new stand might not be available if the club doesn't proceed shortly.

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