TEMPORARY traffic lights are to be installed outside the Ledbury's fire and ambulance stations in Bye Street so sewer pipes can be laid to the new Community Hospital.

Work is due to begin in four to five weeks but will not go ahead without a consultation process involving Herefordshire Council and the emergency services.

Alan Savery, property services manager for developers Shaw Homes (HA) Limited, said the work would only take a few days and every consideration would be given to the emergency services.

Clive Hall, assistant divisional surveyor with Herefordshire Council, stressed that approval for the lights would only be given if fire engines and ambulances were able to "gain access whichever way they want to go".

Station Officer Brian Morgan, of the Hereford and Worcester Combined Fire Authority, said: "This would need to go through a consultation process involving ourselves and the only area we would have a problem with is if we couldn't get access.

"When the application is made, we will check the details. When approached, we will respond accordingly."

A road closure will be in force in Bye Street, from St Katherine's car park to The Homend junction, during next week's October Fair, on October 9 and the following day.

Station Officer Morgan said: "We liaise with the organisers and they make sure we have access."