THE latest refurbishment of Hereford's High Town could take as long as four years to complete.

Consultation papers made available to the public in the past week show Herefordshire Council is considering splitting the £2.5million work into three phases taking place from 2016 to 2019.

The work includes an overhaul of Commercial Street, High Town, High Street and the top of Broad Street to bring these areas in line with nearby Widemarsh Street which was controversially spruced up back in 2008.

A similar refurbishment project costing about £2million was only completed in High Town less than a decade ago with one former city mayor saying he hopes council bosses will make a better job of it this time around.

Len Tawn, currently a county councillor, hopes there will be as little disruption to traders as possible, adding part of the reason for the lengthy work is to allow essential upgrading of the city's electric supply, which will be done in conjunction with the upgrade.

"As ward councillor I have tried to feed into the process asking for minimum disruption to trade," said the It's Our County member, adding he wants more consultation with relevant bodies regarding 'greening the city' as well as close working relationships with the city's Business Improvement District (BID) board and the city council.

"The upgrading of High Town is needed and despite the lack of opportunity for real input in this consultation process, people should do all they can to encourage the decision-makers to do a better job than the last refurbishment operation."

The first phase of works is planned for the half of High Town close to Marks and Spencer, plus High Street, in 2016/2017, with Phase Two, taking in the rest of High Town down to St Peter's Square, planned for 2017/18.

The final phase of works could see Commercial Street and the top of Broad Street refurbished in the 2018/19 period.

Markets and fairs which are based in High Town would be relocated during the work.

Another part of the six-week consultation features the potential introduction of on-street parking charges in a number of streets close to the city centre including Broad Street, St Owen Street, Gaol Street and King Street.

The council says it is considering a 20p charge for the first half hour which would rise to £1.50 for one hour and £3 for two hours.

Cllr Tawn said he wasn't in favour of parking charges close to the city centre and has come up with an idea he thinks could help those making short visits.

"With regard to on-street parking charges, I am against it close to the centre," he said.

"If it is forced through it should include a period of time free of charge for those wishing to pop in and out, and residents of streets affected must have concessions."

BID chairman John Jones has thrown his support behind the proposed refurbishment.

He said: "The High Town and surrounding area refurbishment is a fantastic opportunity to modernise Hereford city centre and bring the facilities in line with the needs and expectations of modern consumers.

"By partaking in the consultation residents, businesses and visitors can all help ensure this design is fit for purpose to help Hereford continue the city’s recent progress and again be a regional shopping and national tourist destination."

The public can take part in the consultation by visiting herefordshire.gov.uk