Historic steps restored at Castle Green

Herefordshire Council has just completed restoration work on the historic Hog's Mount Steps at Hereford's Castle Green.

Local tradesmen and materials have been used to recreate the traditional stone steps to the state they were in before they fell into disrepair.

Friends of the Castle Green have been instrumental in getting the steps restored, together with installing new handrails and low-level lighting.

Councillor Adrian Blackshaw, Herefordshire Council's cabinet member for economic development and community services, said: "This project is the first part of the whole regeneration of Castle Green and we are now hoping to be able to open up better views of the river.

"Castle Green is an important focal point for leisure and tourism in the city and it is important we continue to invest in its future," he added.

Councillor Mark Hubbard, chair of the Friends of the Castle Green, said: "The Castle Green is a scheduled ancient monument and, as such, all restoration work had to be carried out to the highest standards possible.

"We wanted to use stone as near as possible to the original and decided on Forest of Dean sandstone for the steps and red wilderness stone for the wall, both of which look fantastic.

"This has been the first physical improvement we have been able to carry out to the Green. The Friends are ecstatic with the result and hope many more people will now be able to enjoy the delights of Castle Green which is perfect for an afternoon stroll or access to the Cathedral and Bishop's Meadow.

"We are now looking at improvements to the river banks around the Castle Green, working in conjunction with Herefordshire Council, Hereford City Council and English Heritage," he added.

Herefordshire Council's contractor Amey Wye Valley Limited dug out the foundations for the new steps and Jim Riches and Chris Dzioba from Atlantic Building Contractors carried out the stonework on the steps and wall.

The Friends of Castle Green are holding their major community event, the summer fair and festival, on Saturday, June 28.