ONE of Hereford's biggest employers is doing its part to reduce traffic congestion on the roads.

Cider manufacturer Bulmers is looking at a new form of transport that would take hundreds of tankers off the roads every year.

Following successful tests in May, it is considering receiving its liquid glucose by rail. The firm receivesmore than 1,000 road tankers of ingredients yearly.

The proposals put forward by Bulmers include an application to the Government for a grant towards modifying the company's railhead at its Moorfields site.

Two weeks of trials were conducted with logistics company Exel, using the new fast mini-rail freight trains that were unveiled at Bulmers last summer.

During the trials, 650 tons of glucose normally delivered by road from London, were received without any major disruptions.

"The trials were deemed very successful from both Bulmers' and Exel's point of view," said Simon Gaze, supply development manager with Bulmer.

"We have proved that we can successfully transport glucose by rail using this type of freight module unit," he added.

The project is being backed by the Strategic Rail Authority, which is financing up to 75 per cent of the capital needed to put freight volumes onto rail.

If the grant application is successful, the money will be used to carry out the necessary railhead modifications.

"We are also looking at other options for the future, including having apple juice concentrate - currently delivered by road - delivered by rail,'' said Mr Gaze.

He said the company had about 1,000 road tanker loads of glucose and 300 tanker loads of concentrate delivered every year.

"Hereford is surrounded by congested roads. So we have plenty of opportunity to make an impact on our local infrastructure and help reduce traffic congestion," he added.