The plan reflects the breadth of services and programmes for the year ahead. In children’s services, the council will continue to strengthen early help support, develop new alternative provision and advance further investment in schools. This includes completing improvements to Brookfield School, Hereford and progressing the expansion of Aylestone School, also in Hereford.

The plan also reaffirms the council’s ambition to create a Child Friendly Herefordshire, ensuring children and young people are at the heart of local decision making and that services, spaces and opportunities across the county are designed to help every child feel included, valued, happy, healthy and safe in their homes and communities.

The council commits to delivering the new Prevention in Adult Social Care Strategy, expanding community based support, advancing reablement and hospital discharge improvements, and strengthening supported living, day opportunities and carer services – developments to reduce long term care needs and ensure people can live well within their communities.

The council will continue to drive major upgrades across the transport network – progressing the Hereford Transport Hub, Holme Lacy Road corridor and Aylestone Hill improvements, while also expanding and enhancing local bus services. The plan confirms the council’s intention to begin construction of phase one of the Hereford Bypass, marking a significant step toward delivering long term congestion relief and improved strategic connectivity for the county.

More travel choices remain a strong focus, with implementation of the Local Cycling, Walking and Wheeling Infrastructure Plan, which also supports safer routes to school, town centre connections, rural links and hospital access.

The council will continue delivering one of its most significant highways investment programmes to date, reflecting residents’ priorities around potholes, safer travel and better maintained roads. More than £37 million is being invested across 2025/26 and into 2026/27 in resurfacing, surface dressing, drainage and road safety improvements, with over 140 schemes planned across the network, from key A and B roads to neighbourhood streets. This includes £12 million for resurfacing and preventative treatments to reduce pothole formation, building on recent programmes that have delivered around 100 miles of improvements, repaired 25,000 potholes, upgraded crossings and signage, and strengthened routes that support daily life, commuting and business across Herefordshire.

Alongside major road upgrades, the council is investing strongly in the wider network of Public Rights of Way and bridges, recognising their importance for rural connectivity, tourism, agriculture and community access. The 2026/27 programme includes £1 million for PROW improvements and targeted funding to repair bridges, culverts and structures, protect routes from land slippage and erosion, maintain safer walking links and support parish level environmental improvements.

Housing and community resilience form a core part of the plan, with commitments to expand emergency accommodation through refurbishment of council owned properties, accelerate housing delivery on council sites, develop transitional accommodation, and progress the flood alleviation works at Merton Meadow and Essex Arms. The council will also continue work with registered providers and Homes England to bring more affordable homes forward, while addressing homelessness through strengthened prevention and winter provision.

The environment and climate portfolio will deliver the new Carbon Management Plan, expand home energy efficiency schemes, progress the next phase of integrated wetlands, contribute to the Catchment Management Plan for the River Wye, publish the Nutrient Management Plan and advance the Local Nature Recovery Strategy.

In culture and heritage, the plan supports ongoing redevelopment of the Hereford Museum and Art Gallery, restoration of the Shire Hall, delivery of new cultural participation programmes, continued expansion of community arts work and progress on the Herefordshire Cultural and Library Strategies.

The council will continue to help strengthen the local economy by supporting business growth across the county. This includes progressing key employment sites such as the Ross Enterprise Park, which was formally opened last month, and expanding the network of business hubs in market towns, giving local enterprises the space, infrastructure and advice they need to thrive. Meanwhile, free 30 minutes’ parking in council-owned car parks to help bolster town centres begins later this month.

A renewed focus on attracting inward investment will see the council champion Herefordshire’s high value sectors and raise the county’s profile as a dynamic place to do business. Close collaboration with the defence, cyber and security cluster, alongside promotion of innovation led industries, will help draw new investors, employers and skilled professionals into the county.

To support long term growth, the council will work with partners, including NMiTE and the Skills Board to strengthen pathways into education, training and higher skilled employment. These programmes will equip residents with the skills needed by local employers, broaden career opportunities and help ensure businesses can access a strong and future ready workforce.

The council will continue to modernise operations, including a new delivery model for SEND home to school transport, an updated commissioning strategy, improvements to procurement, and further digital transformation – building on successful pilots of artificial intelligence to improve efficiency and free-up time for frontline staff.

Financially, the plan is supported by a stable and well managed position, with the council taking effective action throughout the year and delivering strong performance. The Delivery Plan will operate within the balanced 2026/27 budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy, with risks closely monitored through established governance and performance frameworks.

Cllr Jonathan Lester, Leader of Herefordshire Council said:

“This Delivery Plan sets out a clear programme for the year ahead, building on strong progress and focusing investment where it matters most – better roads, safer travel, quality services and the infrastructure that supports a thriving economy. From major highways work to sustainable transport, housing, skills and community wellbeing, the plan is designed to deliver real benefits for local people while sharpening our focus on economic growth by supporting businesses, attracting investment and working with high value sectors including defence, security and advanced manufacturing. It also reinforces our commitment to a Child Friendly Herefordshire, putting children and young people at the heart of local decision making so they feel safe, supported and able to thrive. Together, these priorities will strengthen connectivity, communities, our environment and the wider economy – a practical plan focused on delivering the best for Herefordshire in everything we do.”

The challenge, led by Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire, Herefordshire Council and Worcestershire County Council, invites people of all ages and abilities to get active, enjoy the outdoors and spark new connections.

Last year, walkers across the two counties covered 4723.18 miles during the challenge. The equivalent of walking the 53‑mile border between Herefordshire and Worcestershire 89 times. Organisers are now calling on communities to come together once again and see if they can go even further this year!

Stephen Brewster, CEO of Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire, said: “Last year our communities walked over 4,700 miles, an incredible achievement. This year, we’re aiming even higher. Walking is one of the simplest ways to boost your health, and when we do it together, it becomes something truly powerful. Let’s see if we can beat last year’s total and make 2026 our most active year yet.”

The challenge runs from Wednesday 1 May to Thursday 14 May and features free, friendly and accessible walks ranging from 10 to 90 minutes. All walks take place on easy ground at a relaxed pace, making them suitable for beginners. Routes are available across both counties and are easily reached on foot or by public transport.

Dr. Lisa McNally, Director of Public Health for Worcestershire County Council, said: “Walking is a small habit with a huge impact. It supports heart health, reduces stress, improves sleep, and lifts your mood. We want everyone to feel welcome to join in, whether you’re taking your first steps towards being more active or already a regular walker. Together, we can build healthier, happier communities.”

Zoe Clifford, Director of Public Health for Herefordshire Council, added: “This challenge is for everyone. It’s about enjoying the outdoors, connecting with others, and discovering how good movement can make you feel. Last year showed us what’s possible when our communities come together and we can absolutely go even further this May.”

Participants are encouraged to share their progress on social media using the hashtag #WalkThisMay to inspire others to get involved.

If you want to join the challenge you can find your nearest health walk on the following webpages, no booking is required. Simply turn up at a walk of your choice and have fun!

• Herefordshire 
• Worcestershire

The Walk This May Challenge forms part of National Walking Month and continues to celebrate the commitment of local volunteers, walk leaders and community groups who support residents to stay active and well throughout the year.