“Whether I was in uniform or not, I would have done the same,” says West Mercia Police Federation member Chris Rogers, who has been nominated for a Police Bravery Award after risking his life to save a man from drowning.

Police constable Chris has told how he ‘went into auto-pilot mode’ when he saw a man fall from a 30-foot tall bridge.

The man, who was believed to be intoxicated, landed face down in the river and was unconscious, resulting in Chris running hundreds of metres before jumping into the water and swimming out to save him.

“If I’m honest, I didn’t even think about what I was doing. I went into complete auto-pilot mode,” said 35-year-old Chris.

“I’m actually a little bit embarrassed that I’ve even been nominated for an award. For me, I was just doing my job - and whether I was in uniform or not, I would have done the same.”

Chris, who joined the Force in 2008, described how the incident occurred after ‘two intoxicated men’ tried to enter a scene he was guarding.

“We prevented them from entering the scene after which they climbed up onto a bridge. Then, all of a sudden, one of them just fell,” father-of-three Chris continued.

“I immediately ran to towards the water and chucked off my stab vest. I jumped in to find the man face down, unconscious and floating. I couldn’t see his chest going up and down. He wasn’t breathing.”

At this point, Chris turned the man over and began CPR on his chest in an attempt to get him breathing. Chris pulled the male to the river bank where he continued CPR.

Eventually, the male coughed up blood and water, but he was still unconscious.

Chris’s police colleagues came to support him until the paramedics got there. The man was taken to hospital by ambulance and remarkably only suffered facial injuries as a result of the fall.

Chris added: “I didn’t speak to the man directly afterwards but I was told he wanted to say ‘thank you’ to me.

The bravery awards are organised each year by the Police Federation of England and Wales.

Along with nominees from police forces across England and Wales, Chris will be attending this year’s awards ceremony, which will be taking place on Thursday 13 July in London.

Council responds to the findings of an independent report

Today a report has been published by an independent ‘Families Commission’ following meetings with families that have previous and current experience of Herefordshire Children’s Services.

The panel was commissioned jointly by the Children’s Commissioner, Eleanor Brazil; the Herefordshire Safeguarding Children Partnership; and Herefordshire Council, and comprised of three appropriately qualified and experienced professionals, independent of Herefordshire. 

The Families Commission report can be viewed on the Herefordshire Safeguarding Partnership website.

Darryl Freeman, Director of Children’s Services:

I want to thank all the families for coming forward and sharing their experiences with the panel. I know that this must have been a very difficult and emotional experience and want them to know how deeply grateful I am.

I also want to thank the panel for the sensitive, professional way they have gone about their work and for their detailed and thorough report.

This report is a hard read. I am truly sorry for the failings it details and apologise to all the families for what they have been through. Our mission now, as part of our improvement journey, is to continue to learn from the mistakes of the past.

We are building a new culture and different way of working in the service. We will now look at each of the seven questions raised by the report carefully and honestly and explore with families how we can better work with them and meet their needs.

We share a common goal with all the families who have come forward – and with the whole of Herefordshire. We want to build a children’s service of which the whole county can be proud. Our families deserve nothing less.

Councillor Ivan Powell, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People:

This is a challenging and difficult report for everyone connected with Herefordshire Council. For too long our children’s services have failed the very people who need them most. Some of those failings are laid out in stark detail in this report.

I am grateful to all the families for coming forward and hope that the work of the commission has helped them to feel heard and to start to recover from their experiences. Their stories must not – and will not – go unheard.

As the newly-appointed cabinet member for children’s services I am committed to ensuring that every aspect of children’s services learns from what each of the families has told the panel.

We must use this report and the families’ lived experience to ensure that the voice of children and families is central to our improvement plan and the future of the service in the long term.

A man has been arrested on suspicion or Murder.

A serious incident In Hereford this morning as Police cordon off Commercial Road.

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said;

Commercial Road is closed between the junctions of Blueschool Street and Barrs Court Road.

The road is expected to remain closed for sometime, motorists will need to use an alternative route.

📸 James McLelland

Campaign: Yet another RTC on the A49 near Moreton on Lugg today.

This is the third accident in less than a week! 

This follows another RTC on the A49 near Leominster on Boxing Day after a collision between car and fuel tanker. 

A man was taken to hospital only last Tuesday (22nd) following another RTC. There was also an accident on the 14th of December north bound at Dinmore and and accident where a vehicle ended upside down in a ditch at the end of November.

There have been many more accidents over the years in the accident hotspot.

Hereford Voice

is calling for changes to be made on this notorious section of the A49 to improve safety for motorists.

Your thoughts?

#herefordvoice #herefordnews

The decision was made in March 2022 and was published by Herefordshire Council yesterday. 

The £130,000 contract was awarded to local builders S C Joseph Ltd.

Decision Title

Award a contract to carry out building improvements including window frame repairs, localised rainwater good repairs and works to the external canopy at Governor’s House, Hereford, up to a value of £130,000

Decision Made

This decision is to award the contract to S C Joseph to carry out these works to the Governor’s House, Hereford, following the completion of a successful tender, evaluation and moderation process.

Works to include carrying out building improvements including window frame repairs, localised rainwater good repairs and works to the external canopy

To approve the works expenditure of up to £130,000 which includes £9,400.75 contingency and £14,101.13 for professional fees.

Responsibility for delivering works to be carried out by the Capital Senior Project Manager within the spend budget of the Capital Building Improvement Programme

Reason For Decision

These works are part of the Capital Building Improvement Programme 2022/25.

The required improvement works have been assessed and prioritised based upon select criteria which covers health & safely, operational need/impact and lifecycle/value

Full details HERE

A planning application has been submitted to create a take-away with seating inside and on the pavement Commercial Street in Hereford City centre.

𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙥 (𝙘𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙨 𝙀) 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙮 (𝙨𝙪𝙞 𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙨) 𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙨𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙖 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙜𝙚 (1𝙢 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙗𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜) 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙛𝙡𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙛𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙧 𝙡𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡.

There will also be accommodation above the unit which was formally occupied by tReds.

Hereford Fire Station have provided the following update following the house fire in Belmont;

29.05.2023 14:40

461 and 462 mobilised this afternoon to reports of a garden fence on fire affecting a property in Belmont, Hereford.

On arrival it was apparent the fire had spread to two houses and the roof spaces were well alight. Immediately assistance was requested “make pumps 6”.

Firefighters were deployed in Breathing Apparatus (BA) using hose reel jets to attack the fire internally while crews set up covering jets externally to also suppress the fire.

Further crews arrived from Ewyas Harold, Leominster, Ross and Whitchurch, Aerial Ladder Platform from Worcester as well as the Incident Command Unit from Ledbury.

Once the fire was extinguished crews then pitched 9m ladders and used the ALP to remove roof tiles to expose and deal with the remaining embers. Unfortunately both properties suffered severe fire damage.

Thankfully no serious injuries were sustained. A fire investigation is currently underway to fully determine the cause of the fire.

Relief crews from Peterchurch and Fownhope were brought in this evening to damp down and maintain a watching brief.

A spokesperson West Mercia Police said;

"South Wye SNT, have been informed about concerns relating to the sales of 'vapes' to children (under 18) by shops in the area of south Hereford.

Due to this information all shops have been visited to check they are checking for ID on sale. We were impressed by how some of the shops challenge age, however there is still room for improvement with others.

Police will be informing Trading Standards of the information and our findings to challenge the illegal sales to children within our community"

Image credit: pavel_shishkin

More than 200 knives have been surrendered and 15 people arrested as part of a national campaign to tackle knife crime.

Last week, West Mercia Police took part in Op Sceptre – a national dedicated week of action to tackle knife crime. During the week:-

• 231 knives were deposited in our knife surrender bins
• 15 people arrested
• 87 stop searches carried out
• 178 visits to local schools were made where officers talked to pupils about the dangers of carrying a knife
• 37 community events were held
• 50 diversionary visits
• 10 test purchases carried out to ensure retailers were complying with the law and not selling knives to children and young people under 18
• 207 retailer visited and advised around their responsibility in selling knives.

Superintendent Edward Hancox said: “We were pleased to once again be involved in operation sceptre, the dedicated week of action gives us an opportunity to highlight the work we do all year round to tackle knife crime.

“While our level of knife crime is relatively low across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcester, we are not complacent and we know that incidents do happen, often with devastating consequences. One incident is one too many which is why we will not stop in our work to bring down the level of knife crime even further.”

During the week police also joined up with the NHS to highlight vital first aid people can give to someone who has been stabbed.

Supt Hancox added: “Police alone cannot tackle knife crime and the support we have from our partner agencies, such as expert advice from the NHS, is absolutely crucial in helping prevent the number of people killed or seriously injured by a knife.

“While much of our work focusses on prevention and early intervention to stop a knife incident in the first place, if someone is stabbed first aid in the initial aftermath could potentially be the difference between life and death.”

Four simple steps to help someone who’s been stabbed:

1. Is it safe to approach? Consider your own safety

2. Put pressure on the wound.

3. Call 999.

4. Keep pressure on the wound until and ambulance arrives.

Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: “It is brilliant to see the impact West Mercia Police has made across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcester to tackle a crime that tears communities apart.

“As PCC, I am committed to delivering my Safer West Mercia Plan by ensuring your police force has the resources and tools it needs to combat knife crime.

“By working closely with local partners, society can turn the tide on knife crime by educating young people about the dangers of carrying a weapon and offering them the support they need to enjoy their childhood free from harm.”

Damien Lucas, 36, of New Street in Leominster was sentenced to 92 months in prison at Hereford Crown Court on Tuesday 23 May when he pleaded guilty to eight charges of:

1: Attempt to arrange / facilitate the commission of child sex offence - rape / assault by penetration of child under 13 (26/10/2022)

2: Make indecent photograph / pseudo-photograph of a child (23/06/2021) Particulars: 114 Cat A images

3: Make indecent photograph / pseudo-photograph of a child (23/06/2021) Particulars: 58 Cat B images

4: Make indecent photograph / pseudo-photograph of a child (23/06/2021) Particulars: 270 Cat C images

5: Make indecent photograph / pseudo-photograph of a child (28/02/2023) Particulars: 85 Cat A images

6: Make indecent photograph / pseudo-photograph of a child (28/02/2023) Particulars: 101 Cat B images

7: Distribute an indecent photograph / pseudo-photograph of a child (26/10/2022) Particulars: 1 Cat B image

8: Make indecent photograph / pseudo-photograph of a child (28/02/2023) Particulars: 279 Cat C images

Detective Inspector Matt McNelis said: “The strength of this 7 year sentence sends a strident message to online child sex offenders across the country. The possession, making and distribution of indecent images of children and the grooming of children to provide opportunities to commit contact offences are abhorrent crimes that we are fighting hard to prevent every day. Damien LUCAS pleaded guilty to having hundreds of images including 199 Category A images. Each of these depicts the rape and / or torture of a child. The possession and sharing of these images and videos re-victimises each child in perpetuity and we continue to work with partners, including Lucy Faithfull Foundation and Family Matters, to stamp out this vile trade in human misery.”

If you have been affected by child sexual abuse, you can contact police on 101 and speak to a police officer in confidence.

We recognise that not everyone has the confidence to speak to police, but there are support services available that can help you if you are a victim of abuse.

Anyone who has experienced abuse in childhood or is concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC helpline confidentially on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111.

Karen and Alex wrote to us today;

"Hi Colin,

We are the newest bar on bridge street situated between the Left Bank Village and The Tipsy Kat, lovely out door seating area with garden bar that opens over summer period, we offer free event hire (subject to conditions).

Perfect for hen, stags , parties , weddings , christening , wakes .

We have a small indoor play area to keep little ones entertain and offer a meal deals to keep the cost down. 

Open Monday to Sunday and later nights on a Friday and Saturday 

Thank you" 

Great to see the former unit previously occupied by The Den to be open again with this new and exciting business. 

Call in and say hi and on a gorgeous day like today try the ICE CREAM!! 🍧🍨🍦

Hereford Voice wish Karen and Alex all the very best and look forward to sampling that ice cream for ourselves! 

Hereford has some superb restaurants, pubs, bars and venues and this is another welcome addition to our fantastic city! 

Full Council yesterday announced how Herefordshire Council will be governed in the 2023/24 municipal year.

Councillor Jonathan Lester has been elected Leader of Herefordshire Council,

Councillor Roger Phillips is Chairperson of the Council and Councillor Stef Simmons is Vice-Chairperson of the Council.

Full Council also appointed Herefordshire Council’s committee chairpersons, confirmed as:

Audit and governance committee
Chairperson: Councillor David Hitchiner
Vice-Chairperson: Councillor Aubrey Oliver

Children and young people scrutiny committee
Chairperson: Councillor Toni Fagan
Vice-Chairperson: Councillor Liz Harvey

Connected communities scrutiny committee
Chairperson: Councillor Ellie Chowns
Vice-Chairperson: Councillor Ed O’Driscoll

Employment panel committee
Chairperson: Councillor Jonathan Lester
Vice-Chairperson: Councillor Ellie Chowns

Environment and sustainability scrutiny committee
Chairperson: Councillor Louis Stark
Vice-Chairperson: Councillor Helen Heathfield

Health, care and wellbeing scrutiny committee
Chairperson: Councillor Pauline Crockett
Vice-Chairperson: Councillor Kevin Tillett

Planning and regulatory committee
Chairperson: Councillor Terry James
Vice-Chairperson: Councillor Clare Davies

Scrutiny management board
Chairperson: Councillor Liz Harvey
Vice-Chairperson: Councillor Jenny Bartlett

Licensing sub-committee
Chairperson: Councillor Polly Andrews

Herefordshire Council have recently introduced QR codes displayed at over 500 bus stops across the county, providing instant information on the next bus due at your stop.

Much of this will be in 'real time' so you can see exactly when your bus is on its way!

There was not an empty seat anywhere! 

The Cathedral was packed full of people for the memorial service of David Morris and John Davies who died in a factory fire in the city almost 30 years ago. 

Jon Pryce Chief Fire Officer & Chief Executive for Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said following the service;

"An incredible privilege to speak tonight at Hereford Cathedral to commemorate the installation of a permanent memorial to David Morris and John Davies who lost their lives fighting a fire in Hereford city 30 years ago. Thanks to all who worked so hard to arrange this service"

Chief Fire Officer Jon Pryce with the plaque in the Lady Arbour.

Mark, Stuart and Paul representing Leominster Fire Station at the presentation of a memorial plaque to John Davies and David Morris at Hereford Cathedral. A heart felt address given by CFO John Pryce remembering the sacrifice given at Sun Valley on 6th September 1993.

Photographs courtesy of Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service.

'Thank You For Your Service'

Photo: SWNS

Judge Nicholas Cole at Worcester Crown Court this afternoon slammed the farmer for his 'outrageous behaviour' but reduced his sentence by 2 months down to 10 months.

The farmer from Kingsland was sentenced to 12 months in jail by a district judge last month following the destruction of 1.5km of the protected River Lugg in 2020

Photograph courtesy of Jon Simpson

Following a 'Freedom Of Information' request made by Hereford Voice we can now outline the costs the Showman's Guild (May Fair) pay to Herefordshire Council (flat fees) for the duration of the May Fair in both 2022 and 2023 Hereford and Leominster;

• Hereford - £43,000
• Leominster - £7,000
• Total £50,000

The prices are paid are for each year 20220/2023 - £100,000 in total.

The Showman’s Guild do not pay for the removal of street furniture.

In 2022 the costs for the temporary relocation of street furniture and their return was £8,331.88. The costs of this for 2023 are not yet known at the time of writing. The cost associated with the removal of street furniture is always paid via the Public Realm contract. 

West Mercia Police are appealing for witnesses following a collision between a car and pedestrian at Hereford Country bus station yesterday afternoon.

At around 4.45pm yesterday (Monday 15 May) a grey Ford Mondeo collided with a pedestrian at the junction of Union Walk and the exit of the bus station.

The pedestrian, a 76-year-old man, was taken to hospital with injuries which are not believed to be life-threatening.

We’re keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen the collision or have dash-cam footage.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Insp Darren Godsall on 07976939109 or darren.godsall@westmercia.police.uk quoting incident reference 376i of 15 May 2023

Herefordshire Council and its partner, Balfour Beatty Living Places (BBLP), are working together this spring and summer to maintain roadside verges in a way that will ensure the safety of road users while improving local biodiversity.

Road verge flora is deteriorating in many parts of the UK, with the decline, in part, down to the way we cut and manage verge habitat. Across the UK, cutting generally begins in the spring and is repeated in the summer so that few plants have a chance to set seed before the mowers return.

Combined with the practice of leaving cut vegetation to rot down in situ, this has caused a decline in roadside species and an increase in weed species such as nettles, cow parsley and hogweed, which is bad news for wildflower numbers and diversity.

It is also bad for populations of bees, beetles and butterflies that rely on these plants for food, and for the birds that eat these invertebrates.

A rural county like Herefordshire has the opportunity to value our verges by encouraging the verge to become a natural habitat for a wide range of plants, flowers, insects and other animals.

Ross Cook, Herefordshire Council Corporate Director of Economy and Environment, said: “The council and BBLP have been working with the group Verging on Wild for a number of years to improve how we manage our roadside verges. We first and foremost need to keep our roads safe, but it’s possible to do this in a way that also promotes biodiversity.”

You can report overgrown verges that are affecting visibility via the council website or by calling 01432 261800.