How much moving Hereford planters for May Fair cost

The planters, which normally line Hereford's High Town, were moved to a busy Hereford car park for the duration of the fair.

Cones and tape were in place in Hereford's Gaol Street car park as the planters were stored there. 

The planters, funded by a £750,000 grant from the Government, cost £100,000 and were put in place in the city centre in 2021, with Herefordshire Council explaining they were part of a bid to create a more attractive environment. 

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The council said at the time that the planters provided  "the opportunity to minimise ongoing revenue costs through incorporation of watering and 'feeding' systems".

But the cost of moving the planters, which is necessary to allow the annual fair to take place in the city centre, has now been revealed in a freedom of information request.

Herefordshire Council said that removing and returning the planters to their original spots cost £25,083.42 in 2023, although it was unable to say how much it cost in 2024 as these costs have not yet been billed by Balfour Beatty Living Places.

The loss of revenue from Gaol Street car park while the planters were stored there came in at £1,512 in both 2023 and 2024.

But, the council revealed, the May Fair paid £43,000 in revenue both in 2023 and 2024.