How Leominster town council acted on residents' views

A Herefordshire town says it has made a raft of improvements in line with what townsfolk said were their priorities.

Leominster town council is consulting residents until November 17 on its budget for the next financial year – which also gives it an opportunity to explain how it has acted on priorities voiced in the last survey.

The popular Christmas lights display will “work around” the ongoing upheaval caused by the major road and pavement resurfacing in the town centre, the town council said, adding it will have a new Christmas lights contract in place for next year.

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A “Christmas shopping event” for this year is also promised. The town council was asked to elaborate on its Christmas plans.

Leominster has also installed welcome signs to encourage visitors into the town while the street works continue, the town council has been sending bulletins to help the town’s businesses, and has accessed funding worth £12,500 to promote them.

It also got Herefordshire Council to offer visitors two hours’ free parking in the Etnam Street car park during the works.

Work on Leominster's Corn Square, a focus for Christmas decorations and events in past years, is still some way from completion (Image: LDRS) Heeding calls to prioritise activities for Leominster’s young people, the council has supported the Priory Holiday Club, cooking at Barons Cross and dance at Grange Court.

It is also working to improve the play areas at Grange Court and Ropewalk Avenue, and has installed a running track at Sydonia Park.

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It is currently seeking funding to refurbish the Grange toilets, and has already refurbished those at Central car park, “receiving many compliments for their cleanliness”, the town council said.

It expects to raise just under £700,000 from residents this financial year via the “precept” or local add-on to council tax bills – which makes up around 70 per cent of its income.

“By exploring new income streams, we aim to increase revenue without adding to the tax burden of residents,” the town council said.

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The current survey allows residents to rate all the services the town council provides, and also seeks views on what markets it should support in the town, and how it might help those facing hardship.

Respondents at www.surveymonkey.com/r/LTCBudget2025-26 still have a shot at winning a £50 voucher for a Leominster business of their choice.

Paper copies of the survey are also available at the town’s information centre in Corn Square, or by phoning 01568 611734.