£2.2 billion for local authorities in the West Midlands and East Midlands which includes Herefordshire.

Redirected HS2 funding to resurface more than 5,000 miles of road across the country, improving journeys for all.

Millions of people will enjoy smoother, safer and faster road journeys thanks to the biggest-ever road resurfacing programme to improve local roads.

Today (17 November 2023), Transport Secretary Mark Harper has set out the allocations of an £8.3 billion long-term plan, enough to resurface over 5,000 miles of road across the country over the next 11 years. It’s one of the key cornerstones of Network North to improve journeys for all.

Across England, local highway authorities will receive £150 million this financial year, followed by a further £150 million for 2024/2025, with the rest of the funding allocated through to 2034.

Each local authority can use its share of the £8.3 billion to identify what local roads are in most need of repair and deliver immediate improvements for communities and residents. This is divided as:

£3.3 billion for local authorities in the North West, North East and Yorkshire and the Humber

£2.2 billion for local authorities in the West Midlands and East Midlands

£2.8 billion for local authorities in the East of England, South East, South West and, for the first time in 8 years, London

We’ve already confirmed £5.5 billion up until 2024/25, for England outside London, which includes the £200 million announced by the Chancellor at the Budget in March. Today’s £8.3 billion nationwide boost comes on top of that and extends until 2034, providing long-term certainty to local authorities and helping to prevent potholes from coming back in the future.

The funding also comes on top of the local transport, road and rail budgets allocated at the last Spending Review and in addition to what local authorities were already expecting for the next decade.

Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, said:

For too long politicians have shied away from taking the right long-term decisions to make life easier for hardworking families – tackling the scourge of potholes being a prime example.

Well-maintained road surfaces could save drivers up to £440 each in expensive vehicle repairs, helping motorists keep more of the cash in their pocket.

This unprecedented £8.3 billion investment will pave the road for better and safer journeys for millions of people across the country and put an end to the blight of nuisance potholes.

Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, said:

Most people travel by road and potholes can cause misery for motorists, from expensive vehicle repairs to bumpy, slow and dangerous journeys. Our £8.3 billion boost to repair roads across the country shows that we’re on the side of drivers.

Today’s biggest-ever funding uplift for local road improvements is a victory for all road users, who will enjoy smoother, faster and safer trips – as we use redirected HS2 funding to make the right long-term decisions for a brighter future.

According to the RAC, smoother, well-maintained road surfaces could save drivers up to £440 each in expensive vehicle repairs from pothole damage, helping motorists keep more of the cash in their pocket.

This £8.3 billion boost is particularly important when considering that, according to a survey from the AA, fixing potholes and investing in roads maintenance is a priority for 96% of drivers. These funds can also help boost road safety and encourage active travel, as smoother road surfaces will make it safer and easier for cyclists to use roads with greater confidence.

RAC head of policy, Simon Williams, said:

Drivers’ biggest bugbear of all is the poor condition of local roads, so the fact the government has found a significant additional pot of revenue should give councils the certainty of funding they need to plan proper long-term road maintenance, something we have been calling for many years.

We hope local authorities will use the money in the most effective way possible by resurfacing the very worst roads, keeping those in reasonable condition in better states for longer through surface dressing and filling potholes as permanently as possible wherever necessary.

This should in time go a considerable way to bringing our roads back to a fit-for-purpose state and saving drivers hundreds of pounds in the process from not having to fork out for frustrating repairs to their vehicles.

To increase transparency and ensure the £8.3 billion leads to an increase in the number of roads being resurfaced, local authorities will be required to publish information on their websites on a regular basis explaining how they are spending the funding in their area.

The measure is a key part of the government’s Network North plan, with money redirected from HS2 instead going to improve the daily transport connections that matter most to people.

It builds on tough regulations announced in April this year to crack down on utility companies causing pothole pain with botched streetworks, through stricter inspections and costs for the worst offenders – backed by further measures in our Plan for drivers announced just last month.

These include £70 million to keep traffic flowing, updating 20mph zone guidance for England to help prevent inappropriate blanket use and measures to speed up the rollout of electric vehicle charging.

Edmund King OBE, AA president, said:

Perilous roads blighted by potholes are the number one concern for drivers and a major issue for bikers, cyclists and pedestrians.

So far this year, the AA has attended more than 450,000 pothole-related breakdowns. The damage caused can be a huge financial burden for drivers but is also a major safety risk for those on 2 wheels.

The £8.3 billion plan can make a considerable difference in bringing our roads back to the standards, which road users expect, especially if councils use the cash efficiently to resurface our streets. As well as safer roads, eliminating potholes gives confidence to people wanting to cycle and instils pride of place within local communities.

Network North will see £36 billion invested in hundreds of transport projects and initiatives across the country, and includes the extension of the £2 bus fare cap in England to the end of December 2024, as well as over £1 billion to improve bus journeys in the North and the Midlands.

Rick Green, Chair of the Asphalt Industry Alliance, said:

This additional funding is good news for local authorities in England and is much needed to help them tackle the backlog of repairs.

We have long been calling for surety of funding over the long-term and the fact that the DfT has committed to this money being available over the next 11 years should allow highways teams to implement more efficient works to improve local road conditions and enhance the resilience of the network once they have details of their allocation.

This long-term investment will also help give the asphalt supply chain confidence to further invest in plant upgrades, materials innovation and technical advancements to support the development and delivery of lower carbon roads in line with the government’s net zero ambitions.

See a breakdown of the funding allocations for local highways maintenance by authority.

Further information

The £8.3 billion funding is equivalent to resurfacing 5,157 miles of road. This is based on sector data suggesting an approximate cost of £1 million to resurface 1km of road. £8.3 billion would, therefore, allow 8,300km or 5,157 miles of road to be resurfaced.

Netflix are filming in Hereford for documentary, thanks to our lovely friends at Sunshine Radio for letting us know! Ho ho ho

Come and enjoy the festive fun in High Town for the annual Christmas Lights Switch On.

The Hereford Christmas light’s switch-on display takes place in High Town from 3pm until 5:30pm this Sunday 19 November.

The event by Hereford City Council, Sunshine Radio & Outstanding Education, will be packed full of festive fun, including live music. Ho ho ho

If you are unable to attend, do not worry, you can watch the whole event LIVE on our HEREFORD LIVE 24/7 HD Camera https://hfd.news/HerefordWebcam

A superb panoramic view of High Town Hereford hosted by our good friends at WorkHere: Community Workspace, Hereford

West Mercia Police have confirmed that a body was found on (Tuesday 15 November) in a woodland near Church Stretton following searches for a man who was reported missing on Sunday 29 October.

As of Tuesday a formal identification had not yet taken place but it is believed to be that of 56-year-old Christopher Jiggins.

New Hereford library and learning centre one step closer according to Herefordshire Council.

The development of a new library and learning centre for Hereford has taken a step further forward following a Cabinet decision to locate it at Shirehall.

Hereford library is currently in a temporary location at Friar St, after moving out of the Broad St building to make way for the £18m redevelopment of Hereford museum.

While a previous decision had been for the new library and learning centre to be sited at the Maylord Orchards Centre, Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet requested that the Shirehall also be explored as an option.

The business case for Shirehall considered by Cabinet (Thursday 26 October) set out how the building would be capable of providing a significantly larger footprint and an increase in shared workspaces than Maylord Orchards, while bringing a hugely valuable heritage asset back into community use.

The proposals outline how a modern library would provide space for people of all ages while being flexible enough to also hold events and community space. The lower area would accommodate a digital skills lounge with dedicated PCs for public use/digital workshops, a fully equipped sensory room and a ‘maker-space’ for members of the public to use equipment that may not be available to them at home.

As a result of the decision today, a request will now be made to the Stronger Towns Board for the funding previously allocated, by the Government as part of the Stronger Towns Fund, to the Maylord Orchards library project to be reassigned to the Shirehall project. Following this a proposal will be put to Full Council for additional funding to be added to the capital programme for essential building works.

Councillor Harry Bramer, cabinet member for community services and assets, said:

“Hereford’s Shirehall is a landmark building that’s at the heart of the City’s heritage. Siting the new library and learning centre in this prominent venue will bring it back into use for the whole community. It offers many options and opportunities for how we could use the space to benefit people of all ages.”

“While we recognise the proposals are still subject to funding agreements, we’re excited that this decision is taking another step towards the creation of a modern, inspiring library and learning space for Hereford – to provide a first-class library and learning centre to match the quality of the City’s new museum that’s currently in development.”

In a post on his Twitter account the MP wrote;

"Very grateful to the Prime Minister for accepting my resignation. Having laid the ZEV mandate and framed the Automated Vehicles Bill, this is the right time to step down. Looking forward to more freedom to campaign on the River #Wye and other crucial local and national issues!"

Hereford's iconic Grapes Tavern is up for sale with Savills with a guide price £210,000

A Grade II Listed circa 17th century public house within a busy city centre location.

By order of the LPA Receivers KROLL

To be sold via online auction on 21 November 2023. 

Location
The Cathedral City of Hereford lies approximately 50 miles south west of Birmingham and 35 miles west of Cheltenham.

An historic and attractive city, the property benefits from a prominent corner position at the junction with Church Street

The immediate area is made up of an impressive array of boutique independent traders including clothes shops, coffee shops and delicatessens.

#HerefordVoice | #JohnLewisChristmasAdvert | #Christmas

1. You must LIKE & FOLLOW 👉 Hereford Voice on Facebook.
2. Free are adverts promoted on our Facebook page only.
3. Limited to one advert per business however, we may find additional free slots to re-advertise again during the month.
4. You can have a free advert providing you are NOT paying to advertise with any other local page within the same period.
5. Free adverts are subject to availability on a first come first serve basis.
6. Free adverts are only for local independent businesses. 
7. Existing clients will benefit from additional free adverts during this festive period.
8. Free advertising is only during the month of December.
9. Make sure to email your advert content together with any good quality images to news@herefordvoice.co.uk
10. Free Events - email news@herefordvoice.co.uk

NOW THAT'S CALLED SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESS!

A man has been sentenced to eleven years in prison after he pleaded guilty to child sex offences and bestiality.

Knill Watkins, 34, from Withington in Hereford he pleaded on 4 September 2023 and was sentenced on Friday 27 October at Hereford Crown Court.

He was sentenced for the following offences:

▪️Three counts of making indecent photograph of a child
Observe a person doing a private act

▪️Two counts of sexual penetration per vagina/anus by a person with a living animal

▪️Possess extreme pornographic image/images portraying an act of intercourse/oral sex with a dead/alive animal.

▪️Possess a prohibited image of a child

▪️Two counts of assault a girl under 13 by touching

The offences took place between 2012 and 2021.

Detective Constable Rich Britton said: “Watkins is a dangerous individual who committed horrendous crimes. I’m pleased that he will now face the consequences for his actions and will rightly be identified as a sex offender for life and spend time in prison.

“We take all forms of child abuse incredibly seriously and I hope this result shows the effort we put into making sure children in our community are safe from sexual predators”

If you feel you are a victim of any sexual offence you can report it to us via West Mercia's Victim Advice Line on 0800 952 3000 or visit www.victimadviceline.org.uk. This is a free, independent and confidential support service. In an emergency always dial 999.

We were invited to see how the new restaurant is coming along...

WOW! The new Greek themed restaurant is looking fabulous! We can't wait to get stuck into some wonderful Greek food.

Indulge your taste buds in the authentic flavours of Greece at the brand-new Mr.Gyro restaurant and takeaway, coming to West Street Hereford at the end of September!

Experience the essence of Greek tradition with our mouthwatering Gyros, bursting with tender meat and deliciously fresh toppings.

The menu features a delightful selection of traditional Greek cuisine, including savoury Souvlaki, delectable Moussaka, and delightful Baklava for those with a sweet tooth!

Join us for a warm and welcoming ambiance, where every dish is prepared fresh with love and care, delivering an authentic taste of Greece to your plate.

Conveniently located on West Street, our new restaurant and takeaway option allows you to experience the flavours of Greece at your own pace, whether you dine in or take it home!

To celebrate the grand opening, Mr.Gyro will have some exciting promotions and giveaways planned with Hereford Voice!

Follow Hereford Voice and Mr.Gyro on social media for updates and exclusive offers!

Mark your calendars for the end of September and join us at Mr.Gyro to embark on a culinary journey like no other. We can't wait to share the taste of Greece with our friends in Herefordshire in our new restaurant. See you soon!

'Remember Where You Heard It First'

Golden Valley South Ward - Thursday 26 October 2023

Matthew Engle with 549 votes, more the doubling the amount of votes received by Conservative candidate David Greenow.

Do we live in a democracy?

https://www.ukcolumn.org/video/uk-column-news-25th-october-2023

Andrew Bridgen presents Bill preventing UK Government from signing Pandemic Preparedness Treaty without a referendum

00:24 Andrew Bridgen (YouTube): 10 Minute Rule Bill—Parliamentary Sovereignty (Referendums) Bill

Andrew Bridgen (on X): 

"YouTube have taken down the speech I gave in Parliament today. I am an elected member of the UK Parliament. The speech was given in the Chamber of the House of Commons and responded to by a Government Minister, what chance has anyone else got of putting their views on YouTube?"

All part of the control and surveillance of the UK public as directed by the US CIA.
 

Hereford Voice have this evening received reports of a dog attacking one male and one female causing injuries.

There are 3 Police vehicles, ambulances and paramedics at the scene in South Wye

𝗪𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗴𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗱𝗼𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟰𝘁𝗵 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿. We had a sneak preview earlier today.

Our original 'Breaking News' article https://hfd.news/jC0S back in February where Hereford Voice revealed that 'Greggs' were opening at Phantom House on Holme Lacy Road, Rotherwas Hereford.

Greggs has over 2,000 outlets around the UK, including 3 outlets in Hereford! The new outlet at Rotherwas, Broad Street and another on Commercial Street in Hereford.

There are 10 allocated parking spaces which include 2 disabled bays. There is seating available inside and on the terrace outside.

A man has died after getting caught in fast-flowing flood water from a brook that breached a road in Cleobury Mortimer in Shropshire today (Friday 20 October).

Members of the public reported that the man had gone under the water shortly before 10:40 this morning.

Officers from West Mercia Police and Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service quickly attended but sadly he was found deceased at around 12:35.

Whilst formal identification hasn’t yet taken place the family of a local man in his 60s have been informed and are being supported by officers.

A meeting of Full Council today (13 October) voted to adopt the new Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Policy, 2023-28.

The council has 900 licence holders in the county, including Hackney Carriage Proprietors, Private Hire Vehicle Proprietors and Dual Driver holders, and the Taxi Policy sets out the expectations of Herefordshire Council as the licensing authority.

The review of the existing policy is required due to a number of changes and recommendations contained within new government statutory guidance issued in July 2020.

The new policy further enhances the Council’s ability to carry out suitability tests and ensures that all licence holders are informed about their safeguarding responsibilities. In addition it offers the opportunity to share information regarding issues surrounding child sexual exploitation, modern slavery and illicit trade practices with other authorities.

Following extensive development and consultation, The Taxi Association has indicated that they are in agreement with the changes at this time and are now in support of the revised policy.

Cllr Barry Durkin, Cabinet Member Roads and Regulatory Services, said: “The new Policy has been created by a legal specialist following consultation with taxi trade members and meetings with both the local and national trade associations. Due consideration has therefore been given to all the comments received, and we’re very pleased to have the support of The Taxi Association.

The revised policy is not expected to have any major impact on the trade which also includes consideration for direct environmental impacts, such as encouraging as many different fuel types as possible, including small two seat electric and hybrid vehicles.  The implementation date will be two calendar months from the date of this decision to allow time for existing licence holders to achieve compliance.

“We would like to extend our thanks for the time and work that the Herefordshire Taxi Association Members have provided, and I would like to express my appreciation for the contribution they have provided to the development of this new Policy.”

For more information and to read the new Taxi Policy, please view the meeting papers.

The family have said “We are devastated and heartbroken, and there will never be enough words to describe our shock and pain.

“This is a tragic and painful end to Mark’s life. Mark had a heart of gold, he was the best husband, dad, son, brother and friend that anyone could ask for. He was incredibly loved by everyone that he ever met.

“We would like to thank the passer-by who assisted Mark and the emergency services for their help with trying to save him. We are thankful to West Mercia Police for their swift action and ask that they are left to get on with their investigation without interruption. We ask to be left in peace at this time to be able to grieve as a family”.

A man has been arrested following a fatal collision in Hereford in the early hours of yesterday morning (Sunday 8 October).

Police received reports that a man was left seriously injured on Holme Lacy Road following a collision with a vehicle.

Despite the efforts of paramedics the man, aged 55, was pronounced dead at the scene.

A 57-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop at the scene of a collision and failing to report a collision.

He remains in police custody as the investigation continues.

Anyone who may have seen the victim, or were near Rotherwas Industrial Estate towards Holme Lacy Road after 1am Sunday morning, is urged to contact PC Jonathan Lynes by emailing jonathan.lynes@westmercia.police.uk quoting incident 68i of Sunday 8 October, 2023.

Alternatively, if you have information but don’t feel comfortable speaking to police, you can speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers. It is 100% anonymous, they never ask your name and they cannot trace your call or I.P address. You can contact them online or by calling 0800 555 111.