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    Fourth Riverside Assault in Hereford!

    Hereford Voice
    By Hereford Voice,

    Today West Mercia Police have confirmed that a fourth riverside sexual assault in the city but have siad that they have arrested two people on suspicion of rape and indecent exposure.

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    There are additional Police patrols along the riverside paths in the city as detectives continue to investigate four sexual offences reported in the past few weeks, a spokesperson for West Mercia Police has said.

    Police are now investigating two counts of rape, one indecent exposure and one sexual assault.


    LOCAL NEWS | A Hot Tinderbox

    Hereford Voice
    By Hereford Voice,

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    These are the words to describe the fire in Herefordshire this afternoon between near Marden by Malcolm Russell, founder of Prometheus Medical and a Mercia Accident Rescue Service doctor who kindly provided us with these images..

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    Third Riverside Sexual Attack in Hereford.

    Hereford Voice
    By Hereford Voice,

    Would you feel safe walking along here after dark??

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    We have reported on three separate sexual attacks along the riverside on women in Hereford in the past few weeks.

    • Sunday 31st July | A police cordon was in place on a riverside path all morning and into the afternoon after a rape was reported on Sunday, July 31. The attack happened on the opposite side of the rowing club between the Old Bridge and Great Western Way, close the the Hunderton bridge.
       
    • Sunday 7th August | An investigation has been launched following a rape near Victoria Bridge in Hereford yesterday (Sunday 7 August). Police were called by the ambulance service shortly after 11pm when the victim disclosed to paramedics that she had been raped. It’s believed the incident took place on the river path between the tennis courts and Victoria Bridge between 9pm and 10pm on Sunday 7 August.
       
    • Friday 12th August | A cordon is currently in place on the river path between Hinton Road and King George V playing fields in Hereford following a sexual assault at around 10pm last night (Friday 12 August). West Mercia Police were called after a man grabbed a women from behind and exposed himself. The incident took place on the river path between King George V playing fields and Hinton Road between 9.45pm and 10.15pm.

    West Mercia Police Statement;

    Superintendent Rebecca Love said: “I’m aware that there have been a number of incidents along the river path recently, and understandably this is causing concern within the local community.

    “I totally understand these concerns and would like to reiterate that we are investigating all reports and are using our specially trained officers in supporting the victims.

    “We have already increased patrols along the river paths, especially after dark, and these will continue. In addition, we are working closely with partners to discuss measures to increase the safety of these areas.”

    Hereford Voice succesfully campaigned to have CCTV installed on the Hunderton Bridge back in 2015 https://bit.ly/3pjMTM6

    𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙬𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣 𝙞𝙣 𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙙 ??


    Motorcyclist dies following RTC on the A40 near Monmouth

    Hereford Voice
    By Hereford Voice,

    A motorcyclist has sadly died following a road traffic collision near to the English and Welsh border in Monmouth last night.

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    West Midlands Ambulance Service was called by the police to reports of a single motorcycle RTC on the A40 in Monmouth, near to the Welsh border, at 10.09pm yesterday (Thursday). A local community first responder, a paramedic officer, an ambulance, two critical care paramedics together with Wales Air Ambulance from Cardiff were sent to the scene.

    A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When ambulance crews arrived they found a motorcyclist, a man, in a critical condition. Police officers were already on scene providing CPR to the man. When ambulance crews commenced emergency treatment, it sadly became apparent that nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed deceased a short time later.”

     


    Cordon in place following sexual assault in Hereford

    Hereford Voice
    By Hereford Voice,

    A cordon is currently in place on the river path between Hinton Road and King George V playing fields in Hereford following a sexual assault at around 10pm last night (Friday 12 August).

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    West Mercia Police were called after a man grabbed a women from behind and exposed himself.

    The incident took place on the river path between King George V playing fields and Hinton Road between 9.45pm and 10.15pm.

    The suspect is described as a white male with a local accent, 5ft 7in tall, aged 35-40, with a dirty appearance, short light blonde hair and wearing square framed glasses. He was carrying a backpack and wearing black trousers and brown walking boots which were muddy.

    Officers are particularly keen to trace a man who was walking a large white Staffordshire Bull Terrier type dog along the path as it is believed may have seen the suspect in the moments following the incident. If you are this man, or you know who he may be, please get in touch.

    Investigations are continuing today with officers carrying house-to-house enquiries as well as reviewing available CCTV and video doorbell footage. Searches of the area will also continue.

    The cordon will remain in place for much of today while evidence gathering continues.

    Superintendent Rebecca Love, said: “I’m aware that there have been a number of incidents along the river path recently, and understandably this is causing concern within the local community.

    “I totally understand these concerns and would like to re-iterate that we are investigating all reports and are using our specially trained officers in supporting the victims.

    “We have already increased patrols along the river paths, especially after dark, and these will continue. In addition, we are working closely with partners to discuss measures to increase the safety of these areas.”

    “Lastly, we believe a man who was walking his white Staffordshire Bull Terrier along the river at the time could be a key witness and we would urge him, or anyone who may know who he is, to come forward.”

    Anyone who was in the area last night and saw anything suspicious or have any information which may help the investigation is asked to report it online at https://www.westmercia.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/ quoting reference 717i of 12 August. If you are unable to report online please call 101.


    Police have closed the Victoria Bridge in Hereford.

    Hereford Voice
    By Hereford Voice,

    Police have cordoned off the riverside path and Victoria bridge following an incident which occured overnight.

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    A spokesperson for West Mercia said;

    "Please avoid Victoria Bridge, Hereford - including the pathway going to and from - until further notice! Police crews are on scene and dealing with an incident!"


    Hereford man sentenced to 12 years in prison

    Hereford Voice
    By Hereford Voice,

    A man from Hereford has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for non-recent sexual offences.

    Charles Taylor, 68, of Ross Road, Hereford, was sentenced to 12 years in prison at Hereford Magistrates' Court on 9 August for non-recent sexual offences against a male child and an adult female. The offences occurred between 1984 and 1998.

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    Investigating office, Detective Constable Leah Lowe, spent 12 months gathering evidence which proved critical to convicting Taylor. It was a comprehensive and often distressing investigation and one that could not have been resolved without the strength and conviction of the victims and witnesses.

    DC Lowe said: “Whilst the sentence given can never make up for the pain and suffering Taylor has caused, I am hopeful it can provide some measure of solace to the victims and help them begin the road to recovery.

    "Taylor is a dangerous offender and the community is a safer place now he is beginning his sentence in prison. I hope this reassures the community that West Mercia Police will investigate all offences of this nature, regardless of when they occurred, in the pursuit of justice and the protection of our communities.”

    We would like to reassure anyone who has been the victim of sexual assault, whether recently or in the past, that they can report the crime at any time. More information on how to do this can be found here

    However, should you feel unable to report the assault yourself, someone can do this on your behalf.


    The future looks bleak

    megilleland
    By megilleland,

    Struggling NHS, rising energy costs, rising food costs, banks being closed ready for digitisation. Unfortunately all this is deliberately planned and unless you are totally committed to your smartphone you will be left behind and no one will care. All this happening under a Tory government which is no surprise as they will always go where the money is. However what are the alternatives - all political parties appear to offer little hope of returning to a Great Britain, everything is in chaos and the message appears to be Everyone for Themselves.

    An example is my energy bills. I pay by direct debit each month and have increased my payment from £100 a month to £150 and then to £200. OVO now want me to increase my direct debit to £324 a month to prevent me being £3,092 in debt by the end of my fixed rate 2 year plan. At the moment I am in credit and read my meter each month, send the readings to OVO and usually get a bill within a couple of days, a straight forward process. If you want to increase your Direct Debit on their website it will only increase it as their suggestion. I tried to increase it to £200 as I didn't want to pay £324 at the moment and had to phone them to stop their suggested increase. 

    Also since November last year I am getting bills staggered over two months with different invoice dates and the bills consists of 7 pages compared with 3 pages before.

    I have been with OVO for many years and found everything to function well, however in line with the chaos created by this government and supported by corporations and financial institutions we need a radical change to stop this "We are Alright Jack" mentality.

    How is everyone else coping?


    Combine Harvester Fire in Herefordshire

    Hereford Voice
    By Hereford Voice,

    Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service Crews Tackle Combine Harvester and Large Crop Fire in Herefordshire. Yesterday evening firefighters from Kingsland fire station and Leominster Fire Station were mobilised to a field fire near Dinmore Hill in Herefordshire.

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    A spokesperson from Kingsland fire station said; “Busy day yesterday for Kingsland firefighters starting early with a call for relief crews to a scrap yard in Knighton then in the afternoon dealing with standing crop and a combine along with Leominster Fire Station.”

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    📷 HWFRS Kingsland

    #HerefordVoice | #HerefordNews | #HerefordshireNews | #YourHerefordshire | #HerefordCommunity | #Hereford | #Herefordshire | #HWFRS | #Leominster


    The 'Viking Hoard' coming home to Herefordshire!!

    Hereford Voice
    By Hereford Voice,

    Following our 'Breaking News' at the weekend HERE

    Herefordshire Council confirm that the 'Viking Hoard' coming home to Herefordshire!!

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    Successful campaign brings treasure back to the county

    The Herefordshire Hoard is coming home. Over 1,100 years since being buried in a field near Leominster, the precious Viking treasure will be looked after by Herefordshire museum service. Opening days are being agreed to give the public plenty of opportunities to see the hoard in its temporary home in Hereford’s Museum Resource and Learning Centre before it’s re-housed in Herefordshire’s prestigious new museum.

    The news follows the success of the campaign to raise the funds needed to purchase the hoard, valued at £776,250. That four-month endeavour ended on Saturday 6 August.

    A host of events and activities around the county were organised to help raise awareness and generate public donations. Herefordshire’s museum service is delighted so many residents engaged with those activities, with many donating cash towards the campaign.

    Behind-the-scenes, applications were being made to national funding bodies. The National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF) provided the lion’s share of the money needed. The large grant NHMF awarded was backed up by other significant grants from the Art Fund, Garfield Weston Foundation and the Headley Trust.

    Simon Thurley, chair of the National Heritage Memorial Fund says:

    “We are delighted to support the acquisition of the Hereford Hoard, which will not only be an exciting addition to Herefordshire museums but also to the story of the county and its history. The public support the campaign has received demonstrates just how important heritage treasures are to so many and it’s fitting that the hoard will ‘come home’ to the place where it was buried 1,100 years ago.”

    Jenny Waldman, director of Art Fund, says:

    “We are so excited to have played a part in bringing the Herefordshire Hoard home. The story of this extraordinary treasure, which lay undisturbed for over 1000 years only to fall into the wrong hands, cannot fail to fascinate. Hereford Museum and Art Gallery is the best possible place to share these evocative objects with as many people as possible, now and for future generations. It is thanks to our members that Art Fund can support such important acquisitions.”

    Karen Everett, chief executive of the Sainsbury Family Charitable Trusts, of which the Headley Trust is one of the largest trusts, says:

    "Our trustees are delighted to be able to help save the Herefordshire Hoard for the county and the nation. The Headley Trust has been helping regional museums acquire treasure and valuable archaeological finds of considerable local, and sometimes national significance, for nearly 20 years. During that time the trust has awarded grants to over 90 different regional museums, art galleries and heritage centres for over 350 items, and the trustees are very pleased to be able to help on this occasion."

    Councillor Gemma Davies, cabinet member for commissioning, procurement and assets, says:

    “I feel genuinely emotional about this. First, I want to say a massive thanks to the organisations that looked so favourably on our applications and awarded us funding to secure the hoard for the people of Herefordshire. Without the unbelievably generous support of the NHMF, the Art Fund, Garfield Weston Foundation and the Headley Trust, it’s highly unlikely we would be here celebrating the conclusion of our fundraising campaign.

    “It’s also impossible to know how to adequately thank members of the public for their generosity. In the midst of a cost of living crisis, it’s amazing that our residents had the presence of mind to grasp how important it is to house the hoard in its home county. Playing a starring role in a redeveloped museum means the treasure will turbocharge our tourist economy by attracting vastly more visitors to Herefordshire. As well as people coming in from outside the county, the exquisite artefacts that make up the hoard will also support education programmes run in Herefordshire schools and colleges, helping our young people better understand the county’s ancient history. Huge thanks must also go to HMSSG, our partners who, as a charity, were able to successfully secure grant funding for the campaign.

    “For me, this sensational success marks a new beginning for Herefordshire’s cultural offering. Thanks to absolutely everybody involved for making this happen.”

    Judy Stevenson, Hereford Museum team leader, adds:

    “We couldn’t be more thrilled about this. Everyone at the museum service is over the moon knowing the hoard is coming home, where it can be cherished by the people who deserve it most – the people of Herefordshire. Thanks to everyone involved.”

    For future updates, please visit the Herefordshire Hoard website.

    'Remember Where You Heard It First'


    Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service crews assisting multiple stations at a huge fire at scrapyard.

    Hereford Voice
    By Hereford Voice,

    At just before 21:00 hours last night, multiple fire crews were mobilised to a fire at a commercial scrapyard between Knighton and Clun in our neighbouring county of Shropshire.

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    Firefighters from Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service and Gwasanaeth Tân ac Achub CGC / MAWW Fire and Rescue including crews from Leintwardine Fire Station and Clun Fire Station continue tackling the fire this morning.

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    A spokesperson from Clun Fire Station said;

    "At 2053 last night, Clun crews were mobilised to a fire at Five Turnings. En route to the incident, large smoke plumes could be seen from several miles away.

    Our Incident Commander requested Make Pumps 3, Water Carrier 1 and Light Pumping Unit 1.

    This incident was a fire involving scrap at a commercial yard.

    Once in attendance a further message was sent requesting make pumps 4. This incident then went to level 2 where a make pumps 8, water bowers 3 and ALP 1 was requested.

    Fire crews worked swiftly with the help of the occupiers to tackle the blaze and stop it spreading further to the surrounding area and buildings.

    This incident required the assistance of our colleagues from across the county, plus firefighters from over the border in Mid and West Wales and Hereford and Worcester.

    Please be aware that this incident is still ongoing, so the road is likely to be closed. Also, due to the large amount of smoke in the area, we would advise nearby residents to keep their windows closed"

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    📸 SFRS

    #HerefordVoice | #HerefordNews | #HerefordshireNews | #Shropshire | #HWFRS | #Clun | #Knighton


    NEWS UPDATE | Second Report of Rape in Hereford Within Weeks

    Hereford Voice
    By Hereford Voice,

    An investigation has been launched following a rape near Victoria Bridge in Hereford yesterday (Sunday 7 August).

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    We were called by the ambulance service shortly after 11pm when the victim disclosed to paramedics that she had been raped.

    It’s believed the incident took place on the river path between the tennis courts and Victoria Bridge between 9pm and 10pm on Sunday 7 August.

    A cordon is currently in place on the river paths around Victoria Bridge while investigations take place. The cordon is likely to remain in place for most of today. Please avoid the area.

    Superintendent Edd Williams, local policing commander for Herefordshire, said: “I understand that this incident will cause significant concern within the local community, particularly as there have been a number of similar ones in recent weeks.

    “I’d like to reassure the public that we are taking these incidents incredibly seriously and thorough investigations are taking place. The victims are being supported by specially trained officers.

    “There is nothing evidentially to link the recent incidents, however we are keeping an open mind and pursuing all lines of enquiry.

    “There will be an increased police presence around the river paths over the coming weeks, particularly during the late evening and overnight.”

    Anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen anything or have information or dash-cam footage which may help with the investigation is asked to please report it online under the Tell Us About section of the West Mercia Police website quoting reference 22/78581/22.

    If you are unable to report this online please ring 101.

    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 IP address. You can contact them online or by calling 0800 555 111.

     


    📣 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | 'It's Coming Home'

    Hereford Voice
    By Hereford Voice,

    The Herefordshire Hoard is coming home! Hereford Voice can reveal today.

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    The Herefordshire Hoard is an Anglo-Saxon and Viking age hoard buried around 878. The items recovered to date include a gold arm bangle with beast head clasp, a magnificent pendant made from a rock crystal sphere encased within a gold decorative cage, a gold octagonal ring with black inlay, a silver ingot and twenty nine coins mostly of Alfred the Great of Wessex and Ceolwulf II of Mercia.

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    Credit British Museum - A 9th century gold octagonal ring 

    Hereford Museum had until the end of July to raise the funds to acquire it, we have and Hereford Voice understands from a reliable source that they have done it! 

    The Hoard was at risk of being bought by private collectors and be lost to the public. It may even have ended up abroad!

    Thankfully this successful campaign and the kind public donations received from hundreds of people and additional funds raised from professional bodies in grants and donations has secured this 'Viking Treasure' and the hoard will soon be coming home to Herefordshire.

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    Credit British Museum - 
    A 5th to 7th century crystal pendant

    The Story of the Viking Treasure 

    * The Herefordshire Hoard is one of the most significant early medieval treasures ever discovered in Britain. Its discovery was revealed through reports from the Crown Court in Worcester. In November 2019, four men were found guilty of concealing, stealing and selling the ‘Viking’ treasure they had recovered illicitly from a field in Eye, near Leominster in Herefordshire four years earlier. The men were sentenced to a combined jail term of more than 23 years, ranging from 12 months to 10 years.

    1318965042_HVHoardBracelet.thumb.png.2d89ab8d15fd66a32afe091238ddfb07.png
    A dragon's head bracelet

    The small portion of the hoard recovered so far includes three gold ornaments, a silver ingot, and 29 silver coins. But photos recovered by police during their investigations suggest that, when complete, the hoard had contained several more ingots and around 300 coins. It is possible that the collection also contained other objects, but the quality of the recovered photos makes this uncertain. The combination of intact ornaments, bullion, and a mixture of Anglo-Saxon, Frankish and Islamic coins suggests this was a Viking hoard deposited around 878.

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    Just 31 coins were recovered but the majority of an estimated 300 is still missing.

    At the time the hoard was buried in the late ninth century, Britain was divided into different kingdoms, including Wessex and Mercia. Those kingdoms were individually fighting for survival against the Viking invaders. Coins from Mercia and Wessex, which form part of the Herefordshire Hoard, share some similar designs. This suggests an alliance between Wessex and Mercia that was most likely formed to strengthen their battle against the Vikings.

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    Silver Ingot

    Significance of the Herefordshire Hoard

    The Herefordshire Hoard re-writes English history

    • The coins show an alliance between Alfred the Great of Wessex and Ceolwulf II of Mercia, revealing clues into the politics of the period when the idea of a unified England was taking shape.
       
    • Ceolwulf II is recognised for the first time as a significant ruler and king of Mercia equal to Alfred of Wessex
       
    • The hoard is the first evidence of likely activity of the Viking Great Army in Herefordshire.

    The objects themselves are beautiful, the result of great craftsmanship.

    The Herefordshire Hoard is of national importance and currently kept in the British Museum, but we can today reveal that enough funds have now been raised with the 'Bringing the Hoard home to Herefordshire' campaign! so that it will now be available to the public of Herefordshire to see in Hereford where it belongs!  

    Positive Hereford

    Above is just a small selection of the Herefordshire Hoard which you will soon be able to view at the Hereford Museum and Art Gallery. How is that for some really Positive News!

    Remember Where You Heard It First..

     


    Lower than average fuel prices at Herefordshire garage

    Hereford Voice
    By Hereford Voice,

    Even LOWER Fuel Prices Today at Griffiths Garage in Leintwardine, Herefordshire.

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     Unleaded Reduced to £154.9

     Diesel Remains at £169.9

    Griffiths are really setting a precendent with their lower than average fuel prices!


    Police have cordoned off a vehicle in Belmont

    Hereford Voice
    By Hereford Voice,

    L📣CAL NEWS | Hereford Police have cordoned off a car following an incident in an area on Abbotsmead Road close to the entrance and garage of Tesco's in Belmont Hereford this morning.

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    Hereford Voice have approached the Police for further information.


    NEWS | Herefordshire Hosepipe Ban Expected

    Hereford Voice
    By Hereford Voice,

    A hosepipe ban could be in place across Herefordshire in the coming weeks if this prolonged dry weather continues, with another rise in temperatures forecast.

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    Water companies across the UK are being "strongly urged" to enforce a hosepipe ban.

    Environment Secretary George Eustice said it was “right” that some firms had already taken action to address the driest period in England since 1976 - but other utility companies are yet to follow suit.

    Writing in The Sunday Telegraph, Mr Eustice warned the "very unusual" mix of record hot weather and low rainfall means suppliers must go further to ensure there's an adequate water supply.

    Further hosepipe bans could be introduced after the environment secretary called for water companies to implement restrictions, the first public intervention by a minister over the potential drought.

    Southern Water has enforced a hosepipe ban in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. South East Water will enforce a ban from next Friday, while Welsh Water will introduce one for Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire from 19 August barring households from using hosepipes to water their garden, wash their car or fill pools.

    George Eustice said: “I strongly urge other water companies to take responsible action to protect and preserve our water supplies during this exceptionally dry period.”

    Mr Eustice also urged companies to do more to reduce leaks and said the government would finalise plans to make it easier to gain planning permission for new reservoirs by the end of this year.

    He added: “Water companies have a duty to ensure adequate supply, and they have assured me that essential water supplies are safe.

    “In accordance with their drought plans, water companies across the country have rightly taken action to mitigate the effects of this prolonged dry weather as pressure has increased on water resources and environment.”

    It comes after the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology said most of the UK’s rivers were on “red alert” with campaigners calling for immediate nationwide hosepipe bans.

    Last month was the driest July in England for more than 100 years and some areas have had their driest summer on record.

    According to forecasts, rivers are set at the most severe drought warning level across the country, even in areas where there has been rain in recent weeks.

    The Rivers Trust has accused water companies of waiting until the last minute to implement bans so as to avoid negative reactions from customers.


    120 New Modular Homes Delivered in Hereford

    Hereford Voice
    By Hereford Voice,

    ilke Homes installs first factory-built homes for Stonewater in Hereford

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    120-home affordable-led development being delivered via £23 million partnership between ilke Homes and Stonewater

    New development will reinvigorate site that has laid derelict for the last six years – in line with Government’s ambition to build more homes on brownfield land

    Scheme set to deliver much-needed affordable housing as house prices continue to rise rapidly

    Modular housing pioneer ilke Homes has craned into place the first factory-built homes on a site in Hereford where the company is delivering an affordable housing scheme for leading housing provider Stonewater. 

    The scheme, which sits on College Road, is being delivered through a £23 million partnership between ilke Homes and Stonewater.

    Supported by Homes England, the formerly derelict site on the Holmer Trading Estate is being transformed to tackle the local growing demand for affordable housing – with work on site set to complete by early 2024.

    The site, which was secured by ilke Homes from the landowners and subsequently bought by Stonewater last year, was the first project ilke Homes had secured under its full development “turnkey” offering. This approach involves the housebuilder leading the entire development programme, from site identification and gaining planning consent, through to developing the scheme and finally installing the factory-built homes.

    The planned development is set to deliver 74 affordable rent and 46 shared ownership homes, comprising a mix of one, two, three and four-bedrooms, underpinned with accreditations from NHBC, the leading home construction warranty and insurance provider.

    In addition, Stonewater will be providing a high-quality public realm for new and existing residents to enjoy.

    All the homes being delivered at the former Holmer Trading Estate will be manufactured along production lines at ilke Homes 250,000 sq. ft factory in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire – a facility that is backed by a £30 million investment from the Government’s national housing agency, Homes England. 

    There were just 52,100 affordable homes completed in England in 2020-21, representing a 12 percent decrease. However, there is a national housing waiting list of more than 1.1m households, according to homelessness charity Shelter, underlining the need for more affordable homes.

    A slowing down in affordable housing completions is being compounded by rapidly rising house prices, which have hit record highs for over five consecutive months. According to Rightmove, prices hit £368,614 this month.

    Thanks to precision-engineering techniques, the homes being delivered will be some of the UK’s most energy-efficient. All homes will achieve at least a ‘B’ Energy Performance Certificate rating, making them more energy-efficient than 92 percent of the UK’s housing stock. 

    The energy performance of each home also translates into huge cost savings for Stonewater’s customers, who could save hundreds of pounds on energy bills each year, as it is far cheaper to heat and power one of ilke’s homes compared to a traditionally built due to increased levels of air tightness.

    Tom Heathcote, Executive Director of development at ilke Homes, says:

    “Skyrocketing house prices, rising energy bills and near double-digit inflation means many households are faced with an unprecedented cost-of-living crisis. More now than ever, it is crucial we ramp up the delivery of energy-efficient affordable housing, so it’s great to reach the latest milestone on site.

    “Since launching our full development “turnkey” offering, we’ve been able to offer housing associations, councils, investors and developers a solution to housing delivery that provides certainty over construction programmes. We look forward to continuing to work with the forward-thinking housing provider Stonewater to deliver this 100% affordable scheme.”

    Matt Crucefix, director of development (South and West) at Stonewater, said:

    “The journey to net zero in conjunction with tackling the housing and cost-of-living crisis requires ambition and innovation. MMC has an integral role to play with overcoming these challenges – particularly with providing high-quality homes that are energy efficient and therefore more affordable for our customers to manage.

    “College Road is our first development with Ilke Homes, and it’s been an exciting project to get underway. We’re really proud to see the first eight homes delivered on site and look forward to seeing the rest of the scheme take shape.”

    Councillor Ange Tyler, Cabinet Member – Housing, Regulatory Services and Community, commented:

    “Delivering genuinely affordable homes for the County of Herefordshire is crucial to support families who would otherwise struggle to start on the housing ladder.  It is a key priority of the County Plan to help deliver such homes.   The fact that the whole site will be delivered at speed through modular house building by ilke homes is a leading example that such development can be achieved to tackle the housing shortage but also help families to live in sustainable homes for the future.  The Council looks forward to working with ilke Homes and Stonewater as the site evolves over the next two years.”

    Full details - http://hfd.news/hgS


    📣 Greyfriars Bridge in Need of Repair

    Hereford Voice
    By Hereford Voice,

    Hereford's Greyfriars Bridge (also still known as The New Bridge)

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    The bridge construction began in 1965 the bridge was finally opened in 19th January 1967 by The Right Worshipful The Mayor of Hereford, Alderman Edward Peter Carter.

    The Railings which run along both sides of the bridge have deteriorated dramatically over the years and are in desperate need of sandblasting and re-coating. 

    We started a campaign back in 2018 here but since then 'no work has been done' although this topic has become more popular locally, so we're hoping that National Highways will begin some of the repairs sooner rather than later but we are informed that the planned works are still a few years away..

    Below are a few photographs that we have taken today highlighting how the railings have deteriorated over the years.

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    IMG_2677.thumb.JPG.d5f46d607e96e86b9cb0ba9bdd9f69f5.JPG IMG_2672.thumb.JPG.963cadeb341540926c859a2441c9bbb4.JPG


    #HerefordVoice | #HerefordNews | #HerefordshireNews | #YourHerefordshire | #HerefordCommunity | #Hereford | #Herefordshire


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