LIKE a phoenix from the ashes, River Island is to Hereford as part of the Old Market after, in 2010, its High Town store closed following damage sustained during a major city centre blaze.

The new store will be located on Auctioneers Way and will “help Hereford stay on trend”, said a statement from the development's management company.

The Old Market’s centre manager, Scott Lahive, said: “We can’t wait to welcome River Island.

“It’s a fantastic addition to Old Market adding to our already impressive fashion line-up.”

The original River Island was damaged by the High Town fire that ripped through neighbouring store The Card Factory in October 2010.

Since then a long-running dispute over insurance payments had seen repair work stall.

However Herefordshire Council issued a statement last June indicating that the situation was resolved, despite little sign of improvement since on site.

There's no official opening date as yet for the new River Island outlet on Old Market.

  • Fashion store Joules is opening its doors this Thursday at the Old Market.