HIGHWAYS officers have temporarily closed a Hereford footpath to revitalise it as part of the Cider Apple Alley community art project.

The footpath between Ryelands Street and Pomona Place has been closed since August 6 for four weeks so that the council’s partner, Balfour Beatty Living Places, can safely remove the old chain link fence and handrail, widen and resurface the footpath and install lighting as part of the Safer Routes to School scheme.

Work commissioned from local artist Jim Reid, who worked on the design with pupils from Lord Scudamore Primary Academy, will be installed later this year along the length of the alley, alongside work from blacksmiths and new trees and shrubs.

Greyfriars ward councillor Anthony Powers said he was delighted the art project was nearing its completion.

He said: “It’s been a great example of a community working together to improve the local area.

“With better lighting and re-surfacing for this well-used footpath the project will be part of the ‘Safer Routes to School’ scheme.

“And these works will transform the look of the alley, with new planting and special new art works. I can’t wait to see it all finished.”

The installation of CCTV for improved safety, and community vegetation clearance work was undertaken earlier this year. The project is intended to link into a wider city art trail with a new sculpture.