Positive moves from open meeting at Ledbury

A further step in the development of the Masters House in Ledbury was taken recently at an open day and public meeting on Tuesday, October 2.

The open day was held to consider and debate findings of the consultation carried out by the Ledbury and Area Development Trust into the potential use of the Masters House.

Those findings resulted in two preferred options being presented in detail showing the site being used as either a library and information centre or as a heritage showcase and centre for visitors.

People visiting on the day could see the reasoning behind the options and look at some concept drawings of those options, with the drawings produced by Alan Meikle who is a local resident and member of the steering group overseeing the project.

The day-time event attracted around 150 people, while the evening meeting further attracted a further 100 people.

The public meeting was hosted by Herefordshire Council, chaired by Councillor Adrian Blackshaw, Herefordshire Council's cabinet member for economic development and community services and was attended by Councillor Harry Bramer, Herefordshire Council's cabinet member for resources and Natalia Silver, Herefordshire Council's head of economic and community services.

Councillor Blackshaw said: "The meeting was very much about listening to people's views and reactions from the research conducted by the Development Trust which was funded by Heritage Lottery assisted by Herefordshire Council."

He added: "We had a very positive contribution from the people present, though some mixed views, but we certainly received a clear message that the Masters House should be used as an asset for the town and brought back into full use."

The Ledbury and Area Development Trust, through support of the Ledbury Town Council and the Civic Society, will be completing a business plan on the potential long term use of the Masters House and this will be presented to Herefordshire Council by the end of October.

The council will be using the work of the Development Trust to establish options for the site and other facilities in Ledbury to consider the needs of the community and finances available. A further decision on the site will be made towards the beginning of November.

The concept drawings produced by Alan Meikle reflecting the preferred options will be on display as from Monday, October 8 at the Info Centre at the Masters House.

If you would like to make your thoughts known but could not attend the public meeting or open day contact Roger Payne on 01531 636304 or Natalia Silver, head of economic and community service on 01432 260732.