WHAT is going on in our city? Placards and exhibitions are appearing in the windows of empty shops and stalls implying that ESG will be the salvation of Hereford and is now turning its attentions to the Buttermarket and Hightown.

They make no actual statements to this effect, but the blatant juxtaposition of their promotional propaganda with emotive calls for the renovation of the much-loved Buttermarket is clearly intended to give the impression that they will shortly be in charge of this enterprise.

The people of Hereford have never been asked whether they wish ESG to mess with their Buttermarket. ESG is a private limited company set up with the specific purpose of developing the Edgar Street Grid.

It has no remit to do anything to the Buttermarket or to Hightown, nor should it.

ESG has not yet proved itself to be capable of bringing any project to a successful conclusion. Its so-called masterplans have been subject to repeated changes and appear at present to be in some disarray.

The independent trust in charge of Norwich and its Forum is a much better example of what our city centre needs. I hope your readers will not be taken in by these displays.

HUBERT PORTE, Shenmore, Madley, Hereford.