A message was shared on the Hereford Round Table Facebook page this morning.

Hereford Police are asking for the help of local residents to identify a man who it is believed knocked on several doors in the Ballhurst area of Bromyard on Saturday night (10 May) and asked to be let in.

At this stage Hereford Police don’t have any images of the man, but hope that someone whose door he knocked on may have recognised him or have video doorbell footage which shows him.

Hereford Police are keen to speak to him as he may be able to help them their enquiries into a robbery which took place in the area at around 10pm the same night.

The victim of the robbery was approached by a group of around 10 people who assaulted him and stole his guitar, bank cards and mobile phone.

Anyone with information about either the assault or the man knocking on doors is asked to contact PC Cathcart on 07970544723 or megan.cathcart@westmercia.police.uk.

Today the mantle of the Mayoral post was handed from Cllr Kevin Tillett to Cllr Dan Powell.

Born and raised in Herefordshire, Daniel was elected to represent Redhill ward on the City Council in 2019. Since 2023, he has also represented the same ward on Herefordshire Council.

He lives in the South of the City with his fiancée Lucy and their Sprocker Spaniel Coco-Bella.

Professionally, Daniel works in the family trade, selling flooring. As Mayor, he hopes to help shine a light on the hard work of volunteers and community groups across Hereford.

Daniel also wants to promote the voice of young people within our City.

His Mayoral Charities are Phoenix Bereavement Support Services and Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.

📣 Hereford Voice with Cllr Dan Powell good luck in his war a Hereford Mayor and we would also like to thank Cllr Kevin Tillett for Hinton & Hunderton for his service to Hereford as Mayor.

Planning permission is being sought for a new scheme to address flooding in the Merton Meadow area of Hereford, as a first step towards the area’s future regeneration.

The planning application submitted by Herefordshire Council outlines how a £2 million grant from central government will be used to implement a flood alleviation scheme to make the land around Merton Meadow suitable for future development.

A design team, led by Buttress Architects Limited are delivering the design and consultancy services for the flood alleviation scheme. An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) letter has also been submitted.

The proposed scheme will include nature-based solutions to address flooding using a series of ponds and wetlands connected by water channels to mitigate high rainfall events. Ayles Brook will be reprofiled to create new wetland habitats for wildlife, with boardwalks, hides, public spaces and opportunities for school visits. If planning is approved the work is scheduled to start in September and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Addressing the flooding issues around Merton Meadow will unlock the area for future development, and drainage capacity for this has been factored into plans. There will be extensive public consultation over the summer to seek the views of residents and key stakeholders to inform future development proposals. This will include consideration of parking requirements, low cost and affordable housing, key worker accommodation and public open spaces.

Councillor Graham Biggs, Cabinet Member Economy and Growth explains: “The scheme outlined in the planning application works with nature to address flooding problems in the Merton Meadow area of the city which in turn would allow this land to be unlocked for regeneration.

“There is still a long way to go before any firm ideas for the regeneration of the area are developed and we will be asking residents to get involved in shaping these over the summer.”

HEREFORD LAUNCHES UK’S FIRST MILITARY HISTORY FESTIVAL WITH HEADLINE SPONSOR AND WORLD-CLASS HEADLINERS ANNOUNCED

Landing in the heart of one of Britain’s most historic garrison cities, the UK’s first dedicated military history festival, supported by headline sponsor allpay, has launched tickets for the first five events in a stellar autumn lineup, including Antony Beevor, Ben Macintyre, Daniel Finkelstein and Nicholas Soames

HEREFORD, 8 May 2025 — An ambitious new addition to the UK’s cultural calendar, the Hereford Military History Festival will debut this autumn from Friday 26 to Sunday 28 September 2025, with a rich and varied programme of talks, panel discussions, school events, history trails, music and performance. 

Set across historic venues including Hereford Cathedral, The Green Dragon Hotel, and the newly refurbished Castle Green Pavilion, tickets have gone on sale for the first five headline events, giving a glimpse of the impressive line-up of internationally renowned writers and thinkers secured for 2025:

• Sir Antony Beevor and Major General Denaro will discuss warfare’s evolution, from conventional battles to drone strikes and anti-terror operations
• Ben Macintyre will explore the 1980s Iranian Embassy siege brought to life in his latest book through unpublished sources, SAS interviews, and testimonies from hostages, negotiators, and psychiatrists
• Daniel Finkelstein will talk about Hitler, Stalin, Mum and Dad, a deeply moving and harrowing memoir about the experiences of Finkelstein’s parents at the hands of the two genocidal dictators of the twentieth century
• British politician and former MP, Nicholas Soames, will be in conversation about leadership, legacy, war and his grandfather, Winston Churchill
• Hamblett Productions presents Dear Loll, an intimate insight into the love and longing through the wartime letters of journalist Gerard Fay and his wife Alice during WW2, brought to life for the stage. 

Providing a thorough exploration of global military history through a variety of themes, the festival will become a place for intelligent conversations about conflict, and the lessons the past holds for current moment of geopolitical instability. 

The festival will also feature talks and discussions with Kate Adie, Philippe Sands, Claire Mulley and Conn Iggulden, with the full programme due to be announced later in the summer. The inaugural programme will touch upon important milestones including the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII and, in future years, will cover the 90th anniversary of the Spanish Civil War, and 250th anniversary of the American War of Independence.

Steeped in history, Hereford is the perfect setting for the new festival, having been a military stronghold for over two millennia — from Roman legions to the SAS. Founder and CEO, Christian Dangerfield, has been an active part of projects to strengthen the city’s visitor economy – including the renovation of the eleventh century Green Dragon Hotel and the successful bid for the Government’s Stronger Towns Fund programme. He said:

“We started thinking about the festival in 2020, a long time before defence and geopolitics came back into focus in such a big way. The SAS garrison on the edge of the city, with helicopters going to and for, are a constant reminder of what’s going on in the world. Lyndy Cooke and Jo James of Handheld Events have put together a terrific speaker programme and I think the range and diversity of the talks will be very thought-provoking and stimulating. I would like to think that we will make a positive contribution to the current debate and that the festival will frame the re-evaluation of Britain’s role in the emerging landscape in an intelligent and multi-dimensional context.”

Festival organisers have partnered with Rossiter Books to run the on-site bookshop, and 10% of all ticket sales will be donated to the Herefordshire Veterans Support Centre.

Alongside public events, the festival will host a schools programme aimed at helping young people better understand the role of military history in shaping the modern world — particularly important in a county where over 25% of the population has connections to the armed forces.

Hereford Military History Festival website: https://militaryhistoryfestival.co.uk/

Tickets are on sale from: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/military-history-festival

Headline sponsor allpay said: “Supporting the Hereford Military History Festival as headline sponsor is a natural fit for allpay. As a business rooted in Herefordshire, we’re proud to back an event that honours service, sacrifice, and community. It’s a privilege to stand behind those who have given so much.” 

A £200,000 award from the Clore Duffield Foundation boosts Hereford Museum and Art Gallery’s commitment to children, families and community learning.

Photo courtesy Jon Simpson 

Plans for a dedicated learning space at Hereford’s redeveloped museum and art gallery have received a major endorsement from one of the UK’s leading cultural funders. The Clore Duffield Foundation has awarded a £200,000 grant from its Learning Spaces programme, helping ensure the museum’s new Clore Studio will offer an outstanding environment for creative learning, exploration and play.

The learning space has always been a central part of the redevelopment’s vision, but thanks to this grant, its design and delivery can now meet the highest standards in cultural learning. It will support schools, families and community groups with a welcoming, flexible space designed for inclusive, hands-on activity rooted in Herefordshire’s rich heritage and vibrant creativity.

Councillor Harry Bramer, Cabinet Member for Community Services and Assets, said: 

We’re delighted that the Clore Duffield Foundation has recognised the strength of our vision for the new museum and the role learning plays within it. This funding will enhance our offer for schools and communities, supporting more people to engage with arts, culture and heritage in meaningful and inspiring ways. This aligns directly with one of the council's strategic priorities: to increase opportunities for cultural engagement, diversity, and lifelong learning.

We’ve always believed that learning should sit at the heart of the new museum – not on the sidelines. This grant from the Clore Duffield Foundation allows us to raise our ambitions even further. It means we can design a space that’s not just functional but truly inspiring – a place where children, families and communities feel a sense of welcome, creativity and possibility.

The Clore Learning Space will serve as a hub for creativity and curiosity; from curriculum linked workshops for schools to informal holiday activities for families and inclusive programming for groups across the county. It will support Herefordshire Council’s wider priorities around access to culture, learning, wellbeing and community resilience.

The grant will be awarded in two parts. The first half will come to the museum in 2025, with the remainder being received in 2027.
 

Commercial Street was engulfed in thick black smoke as flames billowed from the stall this morning.

A spokesperson for Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said:

“Four Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service crews – two from Hereford and one each from Leominster and Fownhope Fire Stations – plus the incident command unit from Malvern were called at 10:58 on 7 May to a fire with persons reported in Commercial Street, Hereford.

Hereford Voice can today reveal that the construction works for the new Lidl Store on the A465 Belmont Road in Hereford will begin Monday 12th May 2025.

The Principal Contractor for the project will be Swindon based Porcek Contracts Limited and the store is scheduled to be complete by late February 2026.

• Porcek Contracts Ltd

'At Porcek Contracts Ltd, we bring your construction visions to life with precision and dedication. Based in Swindon, but covering all areas of England and Wales, we specialise in exceptional building solutions, tailored to meet your unique needs. Discover the seamless blend of quality and innovation in each project we undertake'

9 Months of additional misery for road users...

Hereford Voice has actively campaigned for over 14 years to trial turning off the traffic lights—particularly along the heavily congested A465 Belmont Road in South Wye.

Our long-standing position and motto has been that “the traffic just flows” when the lights are out of operation near Asda and also the other side of the Greyfriars Bridge, a sentiment consistently echoed by local residents during such occasions.

We also believe that this new development of yet another supermarket on the former Three Counties Hotel site is poorly located. Our concerns remain that traffic conditions in the area are set to worsen significantly. The project will introduce up to nine months of construction-related disruption, including increased construction traffic and no doubt the use of temporary traffic lights. When added to the existing congestion on the A465—and frequent queuing issues at the nearby McDonald's, in which vehicles often block the highway—the impact is likely to be substantial. Notably, a speed camera is already installed opposite the site entrance, underlining longstanding safety concerns.

In our view, a new Lidl store would have been more appropriately situated in the Rotherwas area. Time will ultimately reveal the consequences of this decision.

Herefordshire Council plans to introduce new garden and food waste collection services from next year, following a Cabinet decision (Thursday 1 May 2025).

Following the successful launch of the new recycling and waste collection service in September 2024, and the recent introduction of the collection of small electrical items and batteries for recycling, the service is set to develop further next year with the introduction of new household garden and food waste collections.

These exciting new services will help to achieve the council’s ambitious recycling targets, by providing residents with additional opportunities to recycle.

There will be no changes to the existing household waste and recycling collections when the new services are introduced.

Garden waste collection service

The new garden waste collection service will be introduced from March 2026, and will be an optional service that residents can choose to pay for. The fortnightly collection service will replace the existing green garden sacks, and will operate all year round (apart from two weeks over Christmas and New Year).

The service will cost £60 for the year. A new bin will be provided to residents who choose to subscribe, to collect lawn cuttings, hedge clippings, leaves, twigs and small branches, dead flowers and weeds. The garden waste collected will be composted.

We will shortly be launching a pre-registration scheme so that residents can gain early access to sign-up later in the year. This will also allow the correct number of bins to be ordered.

No payment will be taken at this stage.

Food waste collection service

All councils are currently required to provide a weekly food waste collection service from March 2026. While we are still awaiting the new grant allocations from central government to sufficiently fund this in our county, the Cabinet approval of the plans will allow preparations to be made for a smooth introduction of the service when funding becomes available.

When the food collection service is introduced, all households will be provided with a small food waste caddy to use in the kitchen, and a larger outside caddy to use for collection. There will be a weekly collection of any waste food including leftovers, peelings, tea bags and coffee grounds.

The new service will only start when central government funding has been provided.

Councillor Elissa Swinglehurst, Cabinet member Environment said: “The introduction of these new garden and food waste collection services will be a positive step towards increased recycling in the county. Combined with the recently introduced collection of batteries and small electrical items, the recycling rates are expected to rise from 40 percent to 58 percent.

“I recently met with a group of primary school children, who were very aware of the importance of reducing waste and using resources wisely. The introduction of these new services shows our commitment to making sure we are doing what we can to support our residents to recycle as much as possible.”

Hereford Voice were kindly invited to a preview of the progress at The Pavilion and the superb work by Aspire Building Contractors and Errand Studio

We are so looking forward to seeing the completed regeneration of this historic Pavilion building as part of StrongerHereford. The project is scheduled to be completed week commencing 8th August 2025 (subject to change).

There is disabled access with 2 interior lifts, one of which will take people to the roof terrace. There are toilets and separate disable toilets. 

Part 2 👇

Thank you to Katie Bott for kindly showing us around. 

Following arrests for immigration offences, a hearing has been scheduled to determine whether a Chinese restaurant in Hereford should be stripped of its late-night food licence. However, the public is not being given access to the meeting's specifics.

Currently, Planet Buffet on the city's Commercial Road is authorised to serve hot food and sell drinks until 11 p.m. and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Two Chinese men were arrested for immigration violations in February as a result of a police-led operation at the eatery and three other locations in the city.

Following a meeting with authorities and the public earlier this month, the council has passed the case to its licensing sub-committee of councillors for decision on Friday, May 2.

However, it has used a legal provision to withhold information that relates "to any individual [or] to any action taken or to be taken in connection with the prevention, investigation, or prosecution of crime".

"The public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information," the statement read.

Ross-on-Wye Town Council, supported by Herefordshire Council and with funding from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, commissioned a feasibility study to better understand the potential for pedestrianisation in Ross-on-Wye. The project was first identified in the Ross-on-Wye Investment Plan (2021) and aims to support increased footfall for a stronger, resilient town centre.

The study focussed on the area around the Market House and considered the potential for pedestrianisation of Broad Street between the junction with High Street/Gloucester Road to New Street. A range of options were considered, from full or partial pedestrianisation, pedestrian priority and shared use solutions as well as examination of other potential streets.

As part of the study the economic performance of Ross-on-Wye was looked at and in many ways is already bucking national economic trends and presenting a strong, healthy and vibrant town centre. Some examples of this include an overall low vacancy rate of 8% compared to 14% nationally, a high level of shopping for everyday goods retained at 39% of ground floor units compared to 27% nationally and strong retention of local market spending with 57% of shopping for everyday goods and 84% of local food shopping. This is in contrast to many other town centres where pedestrianisation has been proposed to overcome otherwise weak market locations with poor accessibility. For Ross-on-Wye the challenge is more about strengthening its key assets and remaining relevant and attractive to retain its strong market performance going forward. Footfall data was also looked at and visitor numbers to Ross were significantly above the other Herefordshire Market Towns with a dwell time in Ross-on-Wye that was equal to Hereford City and higher than all other Herefordshire Market Towns.

The study showed that there are no significant barriers to people accessing and enjoying the town centre that would warrant full pedestrianisation. The town centre was assessed to be performing exceptionally well with below average vacancy rates, a good mix of shopping, leisure and entertainment spread throughout the town and strong retention of local market share with a good level of footfall and visitor attraction. Although full pedestrianisation may not be appropriate, other measures were suggested that could be looked at in order to prioritise people over cars in the town centre, enhance the setting of the Market House and improve the town centre economy. Whilst Ross-on-Wye is characterised as healthy and vibrant today, it is vital it is able to sustain that position and continue to attract and retain local footfall to support the town centre economy.

The key principles and overall aims resulting from the study are: retain and enhance Ross-on-Wye’s strong retail and tourism proposition, ensure the town centre remains operationally convenient for retailers and traders, reduce the dominance of vehicles in High Street, Broad Street and Market Place and enhance pedestrian connectivity in and around the Market House and Market Place enhancing the area as a key focal point in the town.

The interventions suggested are designed to address pedestrian realm improvements, traffic management and controls and wider connectivity to the town centre. Moving forward the town council will consider the proposals in due course.

Study Report Feasibility-Study-FINAL-Report-150425_compressed.pdf

Former Conservative Councillor Nick Mason who's address is listed as Milton on Stour, Gillingham, SP8 has charged by The Gambling Commission with offences under the Gambling Act 2005 following an investigation into alleged cheating related to bets placed on the timing of the 2024 General Election.

Mr Mason is the Councillor for Weobley ward and the Parishes of Birley with Upper Hill; Brinsop and Wormsley; Canon Pyon; Dilwyn; Kings Pyon; Mansel Lacy; Weobley; Yazor. Mr Mason is also listed on the Herefordshire Council website as Party: Ungrouped

Image courtesy Facebook

Gambling Commission charges 15 with General Election betting offences

The Gambling Commission has charged 15 people with offences under the Gambling Act 2005 following an investigation into alleged cheating related to bets placed on the timing of the 2024 General Election.

The investigation, initiated in June 2024, focused on individuals suspected of using confidential information - specifically advance knowledge of the proposed election date - to gain an unfair advantage in betting markets. Such actions constitute an offence of cheating under Section 42 of the Gambling Act 2005, a criminal offence.

Those charged are:

• Simon Chatfield, 51, (DOB: 19/03/1974), Lower Bourne, Farnham, GU10
• Russell George, 50, (DOB: 27/04/1974), Newtown, Wales, SY16
• Amy Hind, 34, (DOB: 13/07/1990), Loughton, Essex, IG10
• Anthony Hind, 36, (DOB: 12/09/1988), Loughton, Essex, IG10
• Jeremy Hunt, 55, (DOB: 08/04/1970), Horne, Horley, RH6, (former Police Officer)
• Thomas James, 38, (DOB: 15/09/1986), Brecon, Wales, LD3
• Charlotte Lang, 36, (DOB: 15/02/1989), Brixton, SW9
• Anthony Lee, 47, (DOB: 24/04/1977), Bristol, BS1
• Iain Makepeace, 47, (DOB: 15/08/1977), Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE16
• Nick Mason, 51, (DOB: 03/10/1973), Milton on Stour, Gillingham, SP8
• Paul Place, 53, (DOB: 11/05/1971), Hammersmith, London, W6
• Laura Saunders, 37, (DOB: 23/02/1988), Bristol, BS1
• James Ward, 40, (DOB: 12/08/1984), London, E11
• Craig Williams, 39, (DOB: 07/06/1985), Llanfair Caereinion, Welshpool, SY21
• Jacob Willmer, 39, (DOB: 06/07/1985), Richmond, London, TW9

They are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court at 10am on Friday 13 June 2025.

The Commission, as the independent regulator of gambling in Great Britain, is committed to protecting consumers and the public, ensuring confidence in the industry, and upholding high standards among licensees.

Under Sections 27 and 28 of the Gambling Act, the Commission has the authority to investigate offences and bring criminal prosecutions where appropriate.

The Commission is committed to upholding the law and will continue to take robust action against illegal betting practices, including investigating and prosecuting offences.

The Gambling Commission cannot provide further details on ongoing criminal cases.

This is an ongoing criminal matter led by the Gambling Commission. It is separate from the previous independent Met Police investigation, which was discontinued.

A spokesperson for Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service told Hereford Voice

"Whites and Bravo mobilised to a RTC on the A417 near Isle of Rhea, Bodenham. Supported by crews from Leominster, Kingsland and Tenbury.

One artic wagon carrying a large quantity of milk had left the road and came to a rest in a field. Crews used our environment agency grab pack to initially reduce the spillage before the Environmental Protection Unit from Tenbury arrived.

Thankfully no serious injuries. Incident left with the police for investigation and recovery"

📷 HWFRS

Toros FC wrote on their Facebook page;

"Tonight, we’re pleased to report that most of the travellers have left our field at Belmont Abbey.

We’re now awaiting the removal of the final two caravans, after which the field should be clear.

Sadly, the damage left behind is extensive and heartbreaking, with thousands of pounds' worth of equipment to replace and rubbish and mess to clean up. This includes broken and stolen goalposts, paint thrown across our clubhouse and containers, smashed glass tables, sharp metal and other objects scattered everywhere, tyre marks on the grass, and rubbish strewn throughout.

This is particularly tough for our young members and our dedicated volunteers, who give their time and energy freely to maintain our pitches and keep football thriving here.

The club will have to bear the costs of these mindless acts of vandalism by individuals who do not care.

Provided that the field is fully clear, we’ll begin the task of cleaning up tomorrow evening.

A huge thank you to everyone who has lent their support over the last few days. Everyone at Toros FC really appreciates your kind messages and offers of help.

We can’t wait to get Belmont Abbey back to its best and see football return as soon as possible"

On Wednesday 9th April 2025, a two-day trial took place at Worcester Crown Court concerning Mr James BIDDLE an 87-year-old male from the LEOMINSTER, HEREFORDSHIRE area, after he was charged by police for sexually assaulting a child under the age of 13 years old.

Mr BIDDLE had been attending his local COOP store in Leominster, to conduct some grocery shopping on Saturday 6th APRIL 2024 as part of his usual routine. Whilst in the store, Mr BIDDLE observed a 4-year-old girl with her parents also shopping in front of him and proceeded to make his way down the aisle, where he came to a stop directly behind them, both with their backs towards him.

Mr BIDDLE, who is not known to the young girl or the family, then intentionally leant over his mobility chair and pinched the underneath of the bottom of the young girl, over her clothing. With little time to react, the girl started to turn and walk away with her father to leave the aisle, when Mr BIDDLE, removed the glove from his hand and pinched the young girl once again under her bottom.

The girl notified her parents of what happened, and the police were called.

PC Laura STOBBART, officer in the case, investigated the incident and successfully gained a charge after seeking advice from the Crown Prosecution Service.

At Worcester Crown Court, the jury unanimously found Mr BIDDLE guilty of sexually assaulting a child under the age of 13 years old.

The Judge sentenced Mr BIDDLE to 3 months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, to be placed on the sex offenders register and to pay costs of £500.

After the trial, PC STOBBART commented “ I wish to commend the victim in this case who showed incredible tenacity, strength, and courage to speak up to her parents and police.

We also must recognise the bravery of her parents who have worked closely with the police during this difficult process to help investigate and detect this case.

During the incident, the defendant was located and arrested in a timely manner and we hope that this and the outcome at court will demonstrate to the public how seriously such a crime is taken by West Mercia Police and that we want to do everything in our power to bring offenders to justice and stop young women being subject to such a horrible crime”.

A man has been sentenced to 16 years after he was found guilty of raping a woman in Ross-on-Wye.

Mustafa Ogur, of Brookend Street in Ross-on-Wye, was found guilty after a trial at Worcester Crown Court and was sentenced on Monday (7 April).

Following his sentence in prison, he will remain on extended licence for eight years and be subject to a lifetime sexual harm prevention order.

An investigation was launched after a woman was raped near to Three Crosses Road and Springfield Road in the early hours of Sunday 21 July in 2024.

CCTV showed the 24-year-old preying on potential victims before the attack and witnesses described how he used Google translate on his phone to tell them ‘I want to make love to you’.

Ogur was arrested and charged with rape and sexual assault on 25 July 2024 and when officers entered his home they discovered him in the shower, having shaved his hair in an attempt to change his appearance and evade being recognised as the suspect.

Herefordshire CID Detective Inspector, Ben Pearson, said: “It takes such bravery to first report and then talk about such a horrific experience, and I commend the victim, who has shown incredible strength and courage throughout the investigation and trial. I understand that nothing will ever take away the pain and suffering from such an experience.

“I am pleased with the sentencing given to Ogur yesterday. I’m unsure if a person capable of such an evil crime would reflect on the harm he has caused an innocent person, but I do know Ogur is a dangerous individual who will thankfully no longer be amongst our community for some time.

"It is never too late to report a sexual offence and if you have been a victim or you know someone who has been a victim of this crime, please know that we are here to listen to you and support you through every step of the process."