Oh Snow, Not You Again...

West Mercia Police have reported more than 
*10 RTC's in the last 4 hours.
*Driving conditions are very poor 
*Even 4x4 vehicles are struggling with the conditions. 
This is a Landrover in Craven Arms currently on its roof. #hfdvsnow

(Photo courtesy of West Mercia Police)

Hereford Cathedral commonwealth service has unfortunately been cancelled today because of the snow.

Council receives judgment from Family Court

Herefordshire Council has received a judgment from Family Court, which highlights specific past failures in the application of section 20 of The Children Act 1989 (which applies to Looked After Children and their parents). Herefordshire Council deeply regrets these past failings and has changed its practice to reduce the likelihood of similar cases occurring in future.  Herefordshire continues to work to keep children in Herefordshire safe and give them the best start in life.

Director for Children’s Wellbeing, Chris Baird said:

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“In the past, Herefordshire Council has lacked a consistent focus in achieving permanency for children held under section 20 of The Children Act. We undertook a comprehensive review of our practice during 2016/17 and developed new guidance and processes to ensure children's needs are appropriately met.

“Herefordshire Council now has a clear approach to managing and reviewing children admitted to care under section 20, which involves legal advice at the start and ensures children do not remain under section 20 for extended periods.”

Mr Justice Keehan acknowledged the recent changes in our approach which should reduce the likelihood of similar cases in future and was positive about the current approach in Herefordshire.

'We have lost a National Treasure'

Professor Stephen Hawking dies aged 76 and was one of the most brilliant scientists of his generation.

The man who made astro-physics understandable

His most famous book 'A Brief History of Time' explained the origins of the universe in terms a non scientist could relate to. Published in 1988, A Brief History of Time became a huge hit, selling 10 million copies and being translated into 35 languages.

He had visited Hereford several times, most recently in 2015 when the Professor dropped in on a Roller Derby training session and also back in 2014 as one of a party of eminent physicists visiting the city’s cathedral, where they saw the famous Mappa Mundi. 

Following the cathedral visit, Professor Hawking and his colleagues visited Saxty's bar for a champagne tasting event.

Think about your parking in case of an emergency.

This can mean no help for you! Think before you park! Are you blocking a route for an emergency services vehicle?  Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service #NoWayThru

WIN a fantastic Hot Tub for the whole weekend! 

We have teamed up with our very good friends over at 'Hereford Hot Tub Hire' to offer this fantastic PRIZE for the WINNER of our latest competition: 

The winning package would be a 'full three day weekend hire' available for the weekend of either 16th March or 21st March. 

Delivered Thursday, collected Monday.
Gazebo, Tub Lights and Gazebo Lights.
Delivery, set up and collection included.

Prize value £175

To enter simply across to Facebook:

1. LIKE Hereford Voice and Hereford Hot Tub Hire Facebook pages AND this topic. ✴️
2. TAG somebody who would love to WIN this prize. ✴️
3. SHARE this post on your timeline. ✴️

A winner will be selected at random from all valid entries on Monday 12th.

Good luck!

Plans for Delicatessen and Cafe for Heggies 

A planning application has been submitted by Mr Heggie for the proposed change of use of shop (A1) to Delicatessen and cafe (A3). With internal and external works. (Plans are for the property opposite the current shop, previously the Solo army surplus store) 

The cafe would have a limited seating area of 22m2.

Application P180732/PAA

Having spent a few days at the Nuffield there is a beautiful building next door on the same side of the road.  I know it was a Care Home but is now closed down.  I am sure this was discussed on here and I have asked several people who know of it but nothing really about it.  

To satisfy my curiosity does anybody know anything about the building and who actually owns it? 

A motion put forward by It's Our County for an Eastern Bridge in Hereford was rejected at a full council meeting this morning.

The motion, was also backed by MP Jesse Norman (MP for Hereford & Herefordshire South) was put forward as an attempt to help ease the constant congestion issues within the city. 

The idea was to have a bridge linking Rotherwas with the A438 Ledbury Road.

COUNTRYWIDE, the Worcestershire-based firm supplying products to the rural community, has gone into administration.

The firm has stores in Herefordshire including Hereford, Bromyard and Ledbury.

The company is one of the UK's leading suppliers of agricultural goods including a range of farming, equestrian, harvesting and agricultural supplies, and employs more than 700 people and has 48 stores.

Administrators have been appointed from KPMG, which say no "initial redundancies" have been made.

On the company's website it says:

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"David Pike, Mark Orton and Will Wright have been appointed as Joint Administrators of Countrywide Farmers Plc (in Administration) on 7 March 2018".

"It is the Joint Administrators’ intention to seek a purchaser for the business in whole or part and we have appointed Hilco Capital to assist in running the stores whilst we explore and develop available options."

Councillor Jonathan Lester has been elected the new Leader of Herefordshire Council at Full Council today (Friday 9 March 2018).

Councillor Lester has served with the council since 2011. He is Ward Member for Three Crosses and has been a Cabinet Member for Young People and Children’s Wellbeing since 2015. More recently, Councillor Lester was Deputy Leader of the Council.

Councillor Jonathan Lester, Leader of Herefordshire Council

The new Leader of Herefordshire Council, Councillor Jonathan Lester, said:

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“It is a great honour to be elected Leader of Herefordshire Council. These are challenging but exciting times and I am really focused on the tasks ahead, such as improving the health and wellbeing of our citizens, providing them with greater opportunities, and ensuring that we continue to invest in our economy.

“Herefordshire is a wonderful place to live, filled with innovation, creativity and a determination to succeed. I look forward to building on what has already been achieved so that everyone in Herefordshire can thrive and reach their full potential.”

Councillor Tony Johnson is retiring following five years as Leader of Herefordshire Council, and wishes the new Leader well:

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“When I became leader in 2013, the council made the difficult decision to make £87m of savings by 2019/20, meaning we had to prioritise essential services alongside the ambition to improve. Whilst many councils have struggled with reduced income, Herefordshire has been agile, operationally focussed, had a clear strategic direction, strengthened its finances, and has delivered. I am confident that Councillor Lester will build upon this in the coming years and wish him well as the new Leader.”

Peterstow Village Stores (Near Ross on Wye)

Plans have been submitted for the proposed demolition of existing shop premises with post office and provision of new shop, post office with accommodation over.

New driveway road with two semi detached affordable houses and two detached houses.

Planning Application P174522/F

Blue Badge application fee and renewal costs waived for eligible members of the Armed Forces community

Herefordshire Council has today approved the decision to waive the Blue Badge application fee and renewal costs for eligible members of the Armed Forces community.

A motion was put forward to Full Council by Councillor Mark McEvilly, a champion for the Armed Forces community and member of the Civilian Military Task group. The motion called for the Blue Badge scheme to offer greater support to Armed Forces veterans in receipt of disability pensions and was passed by Full Council on 26 January 2018.

This decision reflects the council’s commitment to the Herefordshire Armed Forces Community Covenant which recognises the contribution personnel, veterans and their families have made to Herefordshire and the wider country. 

Armed forces veterans who receive a war pensioners’ mobility supplement or receive a benefit under the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces scheme are automatically eligible for a Blue Badge from 1 April 2018.

Councillor Nigel Shaw, Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance, Housing and Corporate Services said:

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“Thank you to Councillor McEvilly for putting forward the motion to Full Council. Herefordshire Council continues to support the military covenant by waiving the Blue Badge application and renewal fee for eligible Armed Forces members. This decision recognises the sacrifices made by the Armed Forces, especially those who were injured or bereaved.

“By waiving the Blue Badge costs, we’re enabling veterans to keep their independence for as long as possible. We will also continue to support the delivery of healthcare, accommodation and education to the Armed Forces community through our support of the covenant.”

 

Waived application and renewal fees for eligible Armed Forces veterans will take effect from 1 April 2018.

Police have had reports of people trying to open van doors in the Belmont area overnight.

Please make sure your vehicles are secured and valubles removed.

Herefordshire council currently has two active LOBO loans, these loans are scandalous.

The next time your hear someone from the council moaning about money just ignore them.

Details of the loans:

1. Danske Bank A/S2 (2.11.2004):

50 years; £6,000,000.00 @1.60% *

2. Dexia Credit Local (02.02.2004):

50 years; £6,000,000.00 @2.85% **

Please note:

*Interest rate 1.60% p.a. until 24 November 2006 then 4.50%p.a.

**Interest rate 2.85% p.a. until 04 February 2006 then 4.50%p.a

Police, Ambulance and Fire services are dealing with an incident on Greyfriars Bridge/New Bridge, Hereford.

Please avoid the area.

I have just received this:

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Subject : Land at Three Elms Community Planning Weekend, 15-19 May 2015

 

Dear Sir / MadamLand at Three Elms, Hereford Community Planning Weekend

 

 

Friday 15, Saturday 16 and Tuesday 19 May 2015

Whitecross Hereford High School, Three Elms Road, Hereford HR4 0RN

The Church Commissioners for England invite you to the Land at Three Elms Community Planning Weekend to inform the drawing up of an illustrative masterplan for a sustainable new neighbourhood to the west of Hereford.

 

Land at Three Elms has been identified in Herefordshire Council’s draft Local Plan as a location for a mixed use development to the west of the city. The Council has identified the land for around 1000 new homes, 10 hectares of employment land, new open space and recreation areas, which will form a sustainable new neighbourhood. This development can also help to bring long term investment into the city, including the delivery of new infrastructure.

 

John Thompson & Partners, architects and community planners, has been appointed by the Church Commissioners for England to work with the local community to inform and influence the development of an illustrative masterplan for the land. The Community Planning Weekend will be an opportunity to share local knowledge and contribute to planning the new neighbourhood through workshops and hands-on planning groups. There will also be an exhibition explaining the background of the site.  

 

Key dates

1·         Friday, 15 May, 1.45pm-7.00pm: First day of Community Planning Weekend

2·         Saturday, 16 May, 10.45am-4.00pm: Second day of Community Planning Weekend

3·         Tuesday, 19 May, 6.00pm-7.30pm: Report Back of the New Neighbourhood Concept

 

For more information on the programme, please see the attached flyer. Please share this event with your networks, everyone is welcome!

 

Following the Community Planning Weekend, the design team will move forward to prepare an Outline Planning application for the site, which it is anticipated will be submitted to Herefordshire Council in early autumn 2015.

 

I look forward to seeing you at the Weekend.  In the meantime, if you would like any more information please contact me at on 020 7017 1780.

 

Yours faithfully

 

Charles Campion, Partner

John Thompson & Partners

 

A large police presence has been gathering this evening along the riverbanks. The river is being searched and the helicopter has provided assistance.  This could be in relation to the search for the two missing people. 

A body has been recovered from the river. It is believed to be that of Ashley George who went missing on Thursday.