Herefordshire is full of hidden gems. One such is the ruined medieval Blackfriars Priory and Rose Garden in the city, a gorgeous oasis of calm just a couple of minutes' walk from the city centre.
The River Wye is one of the great glories of Herefordshire and the Marches. Rising from the slopes of Plynlimon in mid-Wales, it winds its way through to Hay-on-Wye and Hereford and on to Ross, before heading down to Symonds Yat, Monmouth, Tintern and the Severn estuary.
The universal experience of visitors to Herefordshire is that they leave having had a marvellous time, dazzled by the beauty of the landscape, stuffed with great independent food and produce, and delighted by the warm welcome they have received from the locals. "I had no idea it was so lovely", they say. "We will definitely be coming back."
Local shopkeepers and businesses in Hereford have expressed their serious concern about the Council’s decision to impose traffic and pedestrian controls in the city centre. They are right to feel that way. But there is a way forward which I believe can improve the city for everyone.