RENT hikes imposed on popular independent shops and restaurants in Hereford may scupper Herefordshire Council’s regeneration vision for the area.

Small business owners in West Street and Aubrey Street revealed last week they are facing crippling rent rises of 90%.

And, according to one trader, eight have quit West Street in eight months and the popular Hereford Indie Food Festival off Berrington Street has now been cancelled.

But Herefordshire Council has hopes for a £100m redevelopment of the Berrington Street area between 2020 and 2025 which would feature small businesses as a key part of it.

In a council’s investment pitchbook, released to the media last year, the vision for the area included small shops and food outlets being a key part of any scheme in the area.

It read: "Small scale retail, food outlets and B1 office accommodation should feature as an integral element of any scheme to ensure that development has a vibrancy, footfall and activity adding an element of self-sufficiency and offering a range of attractions to entice visitors’ in that area."

But this is at odds with the current situation – which is seeing many of the existing independent businesses facing an uncertain future.

Jonny Bright, who runs the Beer House with his partner on West Street, is one of those affected.

His beer shop and micro-brewery has proved a big hit with customers, but he is now considering a move.

He said: “The hike in rents has left everyone feeling very upset and demoralised.”

The council was asked what effect the rent hikes would have on their vision for the area but a council spokesperson said "rent rises are a matter for the private landlords, so it would not be appropriate to comment".

Last year's glossy council brochure did, however, say more. The document added that the ambition for the Berrington Street area is to create a modern city-centre living area aimed at a young people.

It added: “Dominated by flats and starter units, the development will encourage movement away from car use, with access to units through interconnecting courtyards and pedestrian walkways.

“Local facilities will include small scale retail and employment units, catering for those who live within the city but also becoming an attraction in its own right, offering local food, drink and retailing.”

The document also explained that Herefordshire Council would be looking to work with landowners and development partners to assemble the site and create a comprehensive master plan for the 5.4-acre area.

Meanwhile, the new Cheshire-based private landlords behind the rent rises have still yet to respond to calls and questions from the Hereford Times.