The three-year Property Services Estates Capital Building Improvement Programme covers almost 30 different schemes, ranging from modernising nurseries, children’s centres and specialist care homes; to upgrading public toilets in Hereford, Kington and Ledbury, ensuring boilers, sewage treatment and drainage systems operate more efficiently, and improving public access to the popular Gardner Hall.

Improvements to two care homes for Adults with Learning Disabilities needing long-term and short-term support at in a residential setting at Southbank in Hereford, and Ridgemoor Road in Leominster, will make a major difference to their experience and ensure the buildings meet all statutory requirements, Capital works will also modernise Hillside care home in Hereford, where short term residential care is provided for adults discharged from hospital.

Greencroft Children’s Centre, College Road Campus, and Bright Sparks Nursery will also benefit from capital building works to maintain and upgrade. The Council is also investing in new facilities to provide overnight respite breaks and outreach support for disabled children and their carers.

In total just over £3 million is being invested over three years to tackle a huge range of capital works.

Cllr Harry Bramer, Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services and Assets, said: “This investment programme will deliver an outsized impact for thousands of residents, while delivering real value for money for the Council. Even the smallest works can make the biggest difference. Through our careful financial planning and management, we can invest in buildings that are essential for many key services, including providing specialist support for some of the local people who need us the most.”