Independent Towns Fund Board
Herefordshire County Council backs the independent Towns Fund board which has been established to lead this work locally.
Over the coming months the new group, known as the #StrongerHereford board, will connect with local people to create an ambitious vision for Hereford city’s future. Ruth Parry, Director of Simple Design Works, is part of the board who will be help shape the vision. She will join her fellow board members to ask residents, local businesses, colleges, schools, and others to help identify major projects that bring about economic and social improvements.
Members of the #StrongerHereford board have been drawn from the private, public and community sectors and all have Herefordshire in their heart. They are a mix of parents, students, educators, business owners, employers and employees, creatives and politicians.
Getting involved with #StrongerHereford
Mark Stevenson runs WorkHere (a co-working space in Hereford’s High Town) and is chair of the group. He said: “We’re going to be working hard to make sure residents can put forward their ideas for capital projects. The board’s responsibility is to take those ideas to the Government to strike a deal and fund local projects. We need big ideas and ambitious suggestions from people living and working locally. These may be sustainable transport, culture and heritage, or/and regeneration. With your backing we’ll secure a Towns Deal to create jobs, a stronger visitor economy, reductions in carbon emissions and thriving communities.”
Fellow board member, Ruth Parry, added: “We really value making a contribution to our local economy. Like many entrepreneurial and rapidly growing businesses we’re passionate about being part of the community where we live and work. It’s exciting to be working with like-minded people who also want to make great things happen. Having the support of Jesse Norman and other businesses who understand the challenges will be invaluable to lead us through to a successful outcome for Hereford.”
Town Deals are part of the government’s plan to level up all regions by boosting productivity, skills and living standards.
Have your say
The #StrongerHereford board meet online every few weeks. They will soon announce more details on how to get involved. Until then, share your thoughts on what you want to see in Hereford online or email Ruth directly.
