Why do companies like Griffiths get things so wrong?
Widemarsh Street is one way again today with some new signage..But its still not right
They seem to have got the message that it would be a good idea to have the road open up to the roadworks so

they have had a sign made stating Widemarsh Street closed after Wicks which is brilliant but its 30ft  down from signs

saying ahead closed diversion.
All it needed was a sign saying Access only road closed after Wicks.

 

Belmont Road works postponed until 3 August

National Grid statement 

We would like to advise motorists that the planned gas mains replacement work on Belmont Road in Hereford has been postponed for two weeks. The work will now start on Monday, 3 August and is expected to take four weeks to complete. During that time, there will be two-way traffic lights to control the traffic on Belmont Road by the junction with Walnut Tree Avenue.

Herefordshire Council

Just seen the headlines in The Hereford Times today "City bypass blow". 

The bid related to preparing detailed plans for the section of the proposed western Hereford Bypass which joins the A49 to the north of the city and with the southern link road. However it has been confirmed that the funding for an outline business case, which would have included an option assessment report and route option report, has not been released by the government.

 

Responding to the Hereford Transport Alliance, the Department for Transport said: "As you  may be aware the Department decided not to approve funding for the the development of the Hereford Transport Package bid.  This particular funding round was particularly over subscribed with over 50 bids from local authorities in England from which only 12 were selected".

I won't be throwing away the bike just yet.

Red carpet opening for new designer store Flannels

Designer store Flannels rolled out the red carpet and celebrated in style with a VIP launch party in Hereford on Commercial Street last night.  

The glittering guest list included Paralympian gold medal winner Sascha Kindred, Hereford’s local Mayor Jim Kenyon and Mike Truelove from the city’s Business Improvement District, along with a wealth of other guests from the local business community.  

The OLM is due to open soon - an ugly building, which in my opinion will split the city in two, and most certainly have a detrimental effect on High Town.

It has been built with no thought for the environment in which it sits, and is regarded by many as a blot on the landscape.

We have some truly beautiful buildings in our city, and one of them is now at great risk of being demolished. I know many of you will not give two hoots about it, but I do! So much so, that I have challenged myself to write my very first thread!

The Working Boys Home was erected between 1878 and 1895. English Heritage has refused to recommend its listing on the questionable grounds that it is "not sufficiently intact or of sufficient architectural merit". It is within a designated Conservation Area, and is close to several other significant buildings with "Venn" connections. That's John Venn - surely one of this cities greatest ever citizens.

Many believe, myself included, that this building would lend itself to a sympathetic conversion for residential housing, in much the same way as the former General Hospital, and Eye Hospital.

Although I have made several phone calls, and spoken to a number of people, I have been unable to discover if Herefordshire Council has even invited offers from property developers.

Here is where it all gets a tad murky for my liking. Whether you care about this building or not, the following should ring alarm bells.

The notorious "land swap" deal between Herefordshire Council and the Hereford and Worcester Fire Authority has been stitched up, for want of a better phrase, between Cllr Johnson, and a Cllr Podger - who is the chair of Hereford and Worcester Fire Authority.

From what I can find out, this has been without the local ward councillor - Mark Hubbard - either being present, or even consulted!

This is an extremely one sided deal.

HWFA get an enormous 1.6 acre site.

Herefordshire Council get a site half that size, plus the bill for demolishing the existing fire station! Then, yes you guessed it, it will become a surface level car park!

This is not a good deal by anybodys standards!!

Copied from the HC website:

Herefordshire Council has agreed to extend the time frame for the Hereford Library Users Group to formulate their proposals for the refurbishment of the library and museum building.

The group has been campaigning for many years for a better library facility for Hereford and proposals include transforming the building into a centre for recreational, public and cultural services.

In December, the council’s Cabinet committed to work with the users group as they come up with future options for the library building, which also houses the Museum and Art Gallery and the Woolhope Club.

Since then the users group has been engaged in extensive consultation to find out if a major redevelopment is possible and feasible.  This included a public meeting where overwhelming support was expressed for exploring a major improvement scheme to turn the building into a cultural centre for Hereford.

John Faulkner of the Hereford Library Users Group, said:

“We have received considerable support for pursuing a significant development of the site and the council has agreed for us to have an extension of time until the end of March, to formulate the proposals in more detail.â€

 

A report on the initial options for the future operation of the museum service, based on a recent independent service review, will be discussed by Cabinet this month. The report is available on the Cabinet agenda webpage.

Work to remove the asbestos is under way by Hereford Asbestos Services and it’s anticipated to be completed later this month.

Bartonsham History Group  invite you to a talk by David Clarke on John Venn: Hereford's Great Social Reformer

Hereford's Black & White House also known as The Old House is due for a refurbishment, once complete the new name will be Black and White House museum but which name do you prefer to use? Please vote 

Typical the first year the HV decide not to run their annual empty shop count in Hereford and the HT pick up on this story

I attended the BRPC Meeting last night at the Northolme Community Centre. During the public participation I asked if we could have at least 3 salt/grit bins for Glastonbury Close.

One to be situated at the top of the close near Sydwall Road, another at the bottom of Glastonbury Close situated in the turning point on the final bend and the 3rd positioned near to the open space at the very end.

Last Winter I drove to Tesco and collected grit on a few occasions and gritted the whole of the close from top to bottom as it is like an ice rink when the temperatures fall below zero. Over the years I have seen the bin lorry struggle and slide like you would not believe as well as vans and cars.

I remember seeing some yellow bins some years back but they have since disappeared. I will also write to the clerk to request a few additional bins in and around Belmont too.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our members for their continued support and wish you all a safe and

Happy New Year 2017.

Colin

A Herefordshire family from Wellington have had their planning application for a small bungalow
for their disabled child refused.


From ClaireSnead's facebook page

Our planning application for a disabled bungalow on the site of an old shed and yard has been turned down by Herefordshire Planning Department: Not redirected either because the 11 neighbours who supported it were "not significant" and our need for disabled access "not unusual". Sorrow is not a strong enough word.... This is us... we are a family... share, we need everyones help

Story

Hereford's historic city centre Green Dragon hotel has gone on the market for £3.5million with Bristol estate agents Christie and Co. it is the largest hotel in the city centre.

Some interesting history:

Owen Tudor

Body found in search for missing Hereford woman

Extended lease for Hereford FC.

Herefordshire Council and Hereford Football Club have negotiated an extended lease term which will assure Hereford FC’s tenancy for a minimum of 10 years from the commencement date.

The club’s stadium and surrounding area continue to improve following the opening of the new shopping development and the construction of the new City Link Road. There is also an opportunity for the redevelopment of the Blackfriars Terrace end, as part of the proposed ‘Urban Village’ project. This would mean a new spectator stand and facilities, alongside other retail outlets, and would see the stadium being returned to four sides.

Speaking today, Hereford FC’s CEO Ken Kinnersley said: “It is quite apparent that the council recognises the work of many local people who volunteer at the club and also the financial investment in stadium renovation since April 2015. A longer lease time will justify further investment to fund improvements, allow time for a return on the investment and ensure we are eligible to apply for grant funding that may be available for future projects.”

Councillor Harry Bramer, cabinet member for contracts and assets said: “Hereford FC continue to make a great contribution to the city and its supporters. Many local traders benefit from increased trade on match days and the football club is an employer and a contributor to the local economy. The stadium is within the area designated for regeneration as part of the Urban Village redevelopment project. Herefordshire Council are seeking a development partner and it is to be hoped this will include some improved facilities for Hereford FC.”

 

Plans have been submitted to convert How Caple Grange Hotel into a boarding house for Hereford Cathedral School.

The planning application to convert the former military barracks and council records office in Harold Street Hereford were refused earlier this week by Hereford planners however, a new planning application has now been submitted for change of use of an existing Georgian Country House Hotel (C1 Hotels) to a boarding house for Hereford Cathedral School (C2 Residential Institutions).