LEDBURY Town Council has launched itself into a New Year with several initiatives "to renew and install a number of facilities across the town".

Key amongst these are the repair of the War Memorial in the High Street and the pillar at the gate of St Michael and All Angels Church.

The closed churchyard is the responsibility of the town council.

A council spokesman said: "After consultation with the War Memorials Trust the council is asking for tenders from structural engineers recommended for the repair of both the War Memorial and the pillar at the gate of St Michaels and All Angels Church. The Council is particularly keen to see effective and durable repairs done to both structures as soon as possible."

The timescale is still to be announced.

A new youth shelter has been purchased for installation in the Recreation Ground.

The spokesman said: "This structure is of a modern design and the council is consulting with young people about decorating it with their art work. The shelter will be useful for other functions including being used as a small bandstand. The older structure will be removed."

Lastly, a review of the 100 plus waste bins in the town has been undertaken. Approximately 20% are showing "the potential of posing a risk to the public" and these will be dealt with as a priority.

Cllr Nina Shields, Chair of Ledbury Town Council, said: “We have steadily got on top of the backlog of work and although we can’t do everything at once, I hope the people of the town will now steadily start to see improvements.”