CIVIC leaders say they are going to be more open about development plans for a River Wye canoe launch site after residents raised concerns over secrecy.

Herefordshire Council agreed to transfer ownership of the Kerne Bridge canoe launch site to Walford Parish Council in 2016 and a company called Riversea Holdings Limited was the successful bidder to run its day to day management.

The company wants to build a cafe on site, invest in a new floating pontoon and charge for parking but many residents felt they were being kept in the dark by the council about proposals for the site.

Councillor Eric Drummond, co-ordinator of the Kerne Bridge canoe launch steering group, told last week’s parish council meeting he wants the plans to be open to everyone.

He said: “We have had it levied against us about openness and I hope to bring clarity to that so you all know what is going on.

“Certain people believe we have done processes wrongly or done the planning wrongly.

“We are trying to be open going forward. “I would ask you and welcome you to ring me and I’m happy to listen to everyone’s concerns and support.”

Herefordshire Council recently paid £3,000 for the installation of a car park ticket machine at the site and the parish council will issue free parking permits for local residents.

The parish council is also looking to work with Bishopswood Village Hall to reopen the public toilets and has contacted Natural England about how to manage the riverbank.

Coun Drummond added: “The parish council will issue free permits for the inhabitants of Walford and special rates for fishermen who fish on the stretch of river adjacent to that.

“It will be advertised so that parishioners can come forward and get their free parking permit. “I’ve also had a meeting with Don Bent of Bishopswood Village Hall in connection with the public toilets.

“They are anxious that they are reopened, as we are, and Riversea Holdings are.

“He has gone back to the council to ask a representative to meet with us and thrash out a policy of how we can go forward.”