Hereford traders react to reader who claims the city is a disgrace

In a letter, Hereford Times reader Michael Quiney, from Kilpeck, claims that it is a deprived area with expensive parking, and people should go to Abergavenny which, he says, "is actually a nice place to shop full of independent shops.".

However, Claire Bishop, who runs Broughton's Pet Store in the Butter Market, says that Mr Quiney's "negative comments" are not helpful.

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"Parking is expensive, there's no getting away from that, but it really depends why you are wanting to come into Hereford," she said.

Claire Bishop, who runs a specialist pet store in Hereford Butter Market (Image: Rob Davies)

"I run a specialist pet shop. I love what I do and am happy to give my customers the best possible service. Maybe that doesn't happen in every shop you go into so you really do need to go into that shop and go back."

Fellow Butter Market trader Corry Deveruex runs Corry's Alterations, a clothes repair business. 

She said that despite the cost of living crisis a lot of people are still shopping in Hereford. 

Corry Devereux, of Corry's Alterations (Image: Rob Davies)

"My overheads are lower than in shops so I can keep them at a reasonable price," but this [the Butter Market] is really busy on a Saturday." 

In nearby Widemarsh Street, work is ongoing to rip up the kerbs. 

"When the drilling is going on for a few hours, it does get quieter but hopefully it won't go on for much longer," said Jim Davies, manager at Phillip Morris & Son.

Jim Davies, manager of Philip Morris & Son (Image: Rob Davies)

"I think Hereford is becoming more of a destination for shoppers. We find we get a lot of tourists. They're more likely to spend their money more and are happy to pay the parking."

Debbie Coplans, of the Beehive Florist, said: "My costs go up and my customers' and suppliers cost and if people are being pinched for their energy bills or mortgage repayments, they're not going to be buying flowers unless necessary.

"There are empty shops, but they're not loads. I've seen years where's been more than there is now."

Debbie Coplans, who runs Beehive Florist in Widemarsh Street (Image: Rob Davies)

One business who is experiencing a lot of good trade is Cherries & Berries in St Peters Street, with customers attracted by the affordable prices. 

"We buy stuff every day for cheaper and pass the price on," said Damien Stevens.

Damien Stevens, from Cherries & Berries (Image: Rob Davies)

Meanwhile, over in Church Street, which renowned for its independent shops, Steph Sparks, who runs indoor plant shop Löv Leaf, said busineses try to recommend each other, especially during the tough times. 

"Church Street is really great but I think more could be done to advertise it, especially in winter," she said. 

"People just don't know we're here [then] because it's so dark.

Steph Sparks runs a florist in Church Street (Image: Rob Davies)

"I do think it helps when we have all the flowers and bunting, but in main Hereford, I think there are so many empty shops which is such a shame but I get rent is so expensive for new businesses to come in. 

"I think there are lots of really great shops and is a lovely place to visit because of the river and cathedral, so there is a lot to bring tourists here. Maybe it needs local people to get out more."

• What do you think about shopping in Hereford? Get your opinions published in a letter to the editor