To approve the Market Town Investment Plan (MTIP) for each of Herefordshire’s market towns.

The cabinet member environment and economy introduced the report. She explained the key objectives of the plans and the need for investment in the market towns. Not all projects would be able to generate a return that would pay for themselves so opportunities to bid for grant funds would be sought. The plans would evolve, with additional projects added in future and the council would work closely with stakeholders in each of the market towns.

Cabinet members discussed the report, highlighting some of the key projects in each of the market towns. The process of creating the plans was also highlighted. The connections made through this process were equally important in delivering for the market towns.

Group leaders welcomed the proposals to invest in the market towns and gave the views and questions of their groups. The role of rural villages was noted and it was hoped investment in the market towns might also benefit these communities.

It was resolved that:

a)           The market town investment plans (MTIPs) in appendices 1 to 5 to the report are approved and adopted as providing direction for the identification of future economic development projects in the market towns;

b)           The MTIPs be used to guide the council’s capital investment in market towns, which will support the economic recovery and development of the market towns; and

c)           The Corporate Director, Economy and Environment, following consultation with the Section 151 officer and the Cabinet member for Environment and Economy is delegated authority to take all operational decisions required to implement the above recommendations.

To approve the Market Town Investment Plan (MTIP) for each of Herefordshire’s market towns.

This item was deferred to the next meeting of Cabinet due to the upcoming by-election in the Bromyard West ward.

To approve the Market Town Investment Plan (MTIP) for each of Herefordshire’s market towns.