Hereford Maylord Shopping Centre escalator to be replaced

Many people use it to access the first floor of Maylord Orchards, which includes the toilets.

However, customers can now only use the escalator to go downstairs. A note is placed on the side of the upstairs part of the escalator which explains why it is out of use.

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The sign reads: "Dear customers, we are sorry but the escalator is out of action due to extensive works required to fix it and its imminent removal as part of the exciting new library starting here soon.

"We do apologise for any inconvenience this causes. Please do use the lift at the back of Maylord, or there is also a customer lift in Poundland to get to the first floor."

The library and resource centre is set to open in Spring 2024 after plans were approved. The redeveloped site, say Herefordshire Council, will re-use existing units and public spaces with the shopping centre to create an attractive, accessible public library and learning centre.

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The project also includes enhancements to the Maylord Orchards shopping precinct atrium and adjacent Trinity Square to create a social space for people to meet and hold events. 

As well as its reading spaces, the new centre will offer information resources, business support, quiet study space, digital literacy programmes, access to PCs and a vibrant, engaging programme of cultural and creative activities. Visitors will also have access to face-to-face meetings about wider council services as well as a café designed to make customers feel at home in the space.

Earlier this month, Hand Made in Hereford, a shop that helps support vulnerable adults and people with learning difficulties, closed to also make way for the new library.

The branch which sold products made by the team from its workshop in Three Elms Trading Estate, was an opportunity for the workers to be part of the community by learning marketing and sales skills, as well as customer service.

Meanwhile, Elegant Eyes & Brows has also closed its branch in Maylord Orchards and has made the short move to Maylord Street, opposite Specsavers.