A topic on the Herefordshire Council Twitter feed said;

"The Bingo Hall site in Berrington Street is looking for help.

Now empty, the site is looking for help support the ground floor conversion into artist workshops & exhibition spaces"

To help or find out more contact Andy Johnson

andyjohnson@phonecoop.coop

01544 327344

West Mercia Police have arrested a man after a woman was allegedly raped on the riverside path in Hereford.

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said they were looking for a man described as tall and tanned after officers were called to a report that a 20-year-old woman had been raped by a man between midnight and 1.30am as she walked along a river path beside the river Wye in Hereford.

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.

On Wednesday afternoon, West Mercia Police confirmed that a man had been arrested. The investigation continues.

Hereford Diocese (A registered Charity) which is the Church of England in Herefordshire and South Shropshire, is one of 16 organisations in England that has been awarded a share of the £1.3 million ‘New Deal’ fund to help support communities.  The grant of £38,630 will be used to support several projects in Herefordshire which strengthen engagement and tackle social issues, including those arising from the impact of COVID-19.

In many rural communities across the diocese, Churches provide a significant network of physical spaces, volunteers and community knowledge, reaching even small communities and providing many community-based support services.  The new grant will seek to pilot the use of churches as bases for community-based mental well-being support, developing activities that build on the opportunities offered by churches for reflection and mindfulness and bring people together in a safe, hospitable space.

The project plans to address local needs by welcoming people of all faiths and none into spaces of hospitality, sanctuary and reflection while providing community-based support on people’s doorsteps.  In many rural areas there is often a lack public transport links and this had a significant impact during covid on people who need help.  Many were unable or unwilling due to the risk of infection to travel.  This social isolation often exacerbated demand for mental health services and increased the burden as life has returned to normal.

Sam Pratley, Diocesan Secretary, explains: “We are thrilled to receive this grant, which will be used to support a number of schemes.

“As a diocese, our focus is on intergenerational mission and community support.  We have been instrumental in partnership social projects, including debt counselling, 6 food banks, increasing the number of Good Neighbour Schemes from 2 to 12, and 4 Compassionate Communities Schemes. The Diocese has also partnered with Citizen UK in supporting over 250 Ukrainian guests to find host families and with the local authority in supporting people being discharged from hospital.

“We know that people of all ages (old and young) in rural communities want services on their doorstep, transport links are limited and the increasing cost of fuel places strain on household budgets which are already stretched to the limit.

“This often means people choose not to seek the help they need in rural communities and remain isolated with deteriorating physical and mental health.

“Piloting the use of churches to reach even small, rural communities is a potentially hugely cost-effective way of reaching tens of thousands of people who are otherwise hard to reach.  This is what the Church does well and for the many volunteers, it is often an expression of their Christian faith.”

The project seeks to build on the work churches began in lockdown by providing a wide range of opportunities for people to make and sustain social connections.  Churches have been set up as Talk Community Hubs (These are the Council’s mechanisms for engaging communities) to ensure effective partnership-working with the local authority.  In addition, the funding will support the ongoing work of other projects, including a foodshare, café and activities at St Martin’s Church, Hereford and Mental health GP support services run by LEAF Ledbury  and well-being walks in Peterchurch nr Ross on Wye.

This is excellent news for each and everyone of these wonderful projects, in particular, St Martin's FoodShare featured in the photograph, which Hereford Voice have supported since it began and long may it continue!
 

Following on from our Facebook page topic last week titled 'Should Government Ban Disposable BBQ's?' here 👉 http://hfd.news/jfL  

London Fire Brigade, which has been calling for a ban on disposable barbecues, said it was "good news" and wants to work with retailers to "reduce the risk of dangerous grass fires".

In the wake of multiple wildfires and weeks dry weather across the country we are seeing more and more fires, many are caused from disposable BBQ's not being disposed of safely and now the London Fire Chief is calling for a complete ban with growing support from other fire officers.

London’s Fire Commissioner is calling for a total ban on disposable barbecues following one of the busiest weeks in our history.

Back ban petition

Disposable barbecues also pose a health risk and heat can be retained for many hours after a barbeque has been put out. The Brigade is backing a petition set up by Toby Tyler whose son Will was severely burned by a disposable barbecue.

The petition can be found here https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/618664

The mother of a woman who died in Hereford last month has paid tribute to her best friend and daughter.

Charlotte Holland (Savage), 20, died at an address in Green Street on Sunday, July 17.

Charlotte’s mother Gaynor has paid tribute to her "beautiful, funny, caring and loving daughter", her "precious baby girl Charlotte".

“As a mother, I never ever expected to have to write something so tragic and heart-breaking as this – my heart is in pieces, and I know many of you who knew Charlotte loved her dearly," she said.

“As most of you know by now my beautiful daughter Charlotte passed away in what I can only describe as completely devastating circumstances.

“The heartache I am enduring at this awful time knows no boundaries. I still cannot and don’t think I ever will accept the loss of my baby girl and best friend.

“We respectfully request that we are allowed to grieve in private as a family at this difficult time.”

West Mercia Police Officers were called to Green Street in Hereford shortly after 5am on Sunday, July 17, following a report of a concern for safety.

Upon arrival, it was found that Charlotte had sustained unexplained injuries and sadly she was pronounced dead at the scene.

A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder but has since been released on police bail as police investigations continue.

Hereford Voice can now reveal that Tudors Kitchens and Bathrooms will be re-locating to the former Gibbs & Dandy unit on Widemarsh Street in Hereford.

The company have outgrown their current unit at Sweetmans Yard just off Harrow Road and will be moving to the new bigger unit, (dates still to be confirmed) hopefully before Christmas. 

We originally broke the news that Tudors had been bought out by Robert Price Builders Merchants back in December 2021 in our article here 👉 http://hfd.news/Ds4

The acquisition of Tudors Building Supplies, and its two specialist branches (Roofing and Kitchens, Bathrooms & Landscaping), will see the Robert Price network expand to 27 branches across South East Wales, and now Hereford too.

As the largest independent builders’ merchants in the South East Wales region, Robert Price run multiple traditional merchants branches, as well as a selection of specialist divisions for roofing, timber, insulation and agricultural supplies.

Although Tudors are integrating into the Robert Price Group, the acquired building suppliers will continue to trade under the Tudors name. Customers will also experience some additional benefits, which include access to other branches in the Robert Price network, their additional specialisms, an increased range of stock availability, and the Robert Price group expertise.

“We are delighted to welcome such a trusted and respected local merchant, and its team, into the group” Marketing Director at Robert Price, Molly Pike, explains.

“Both businesses share many of the same service priorities: a commitment to our loyal customer base, reliability, and integrity within our communities.

“Tudors have an excellent reputation for service, and Robert Price is looking forward to expanding our business on the other side of the border.”

It will be good to see the empty unit re-opening with news kitchen and bathrooms displays.

Remember where you heard it first..😉

Police are appealing for witnesses following reports that a woman was raped in Hereford.

Between 12am and 1.30am this morning (Sunday 31 July) a 20-year-old woman reported that she had been raped by a man as she walked along a river path in Hereford.

The incident took place opposite the rowing club between The Old Bridge and Great Western Way. After the incident the suspect then fled from the scene along the pathway in the direction of Luard Walk or the Hunderton Estate.

The suspect is described as male, with tanned skin, of a slim build and around 6ft tall.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Peters, said: "As part of the investigation we are now turning to the public for your help in identifying this man, by appealing to anyone who may have captured CCTV or dashcam footage in the areas of Bridge Street, King Street or the Hunderton Estate at around 12am and 1.30am.

"We would also appeal to anyone who may have used the river path between those times to come forward, no matter how insignificant you feel your information could be.

"We understand that this incident will be very worrying to the local community and I want to reassure the public that we have been, and continue to take it very seriously, and that there is likely to be an increased police presence in these areas whilst we continue with our investigations.

"The victim is being supported by specially trained officers and is being kept updated as the investigation progresses."

Anyone with information, dashcam or CCTV footage that may help with the investigation is asked to contact police by calling 101 or visiting  https://www.westmercia.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/ quoting incident 58i of 31 July, 2022.

Alternatively, information can be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Work began this afternoon and it is looking much better already with all the debris from the floods of storm Dennis back in February 2020 removed however, there is still a long way to go.

(Saracens Head, Old Wye Bridge – Bridleway Closure

Bridleway closed from Tuesday 23rd August 2022 to (and including) Thursday 25th August 2022.

Bridleway closed between 8am and 4pm each day for 'Trial Pits')

Remember where you heard it first..

Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service crews from Hereford Fire Station were mobilised to a large fire at the rear of a property in Hunderton during the early hours of this morning. A shed was well alight when the crews arrived but the fire was swiftly extinguished.

📸 Sebastian Olzyk

A man has been charged with attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon following an incident in Kington, Herefordshire on Friday.

Alexander Stone, 37, of Bridge Street, Kington will appear at Kidderminster Magistrates' Court on Monday.

He is remanded in custody.

Police were called to an address in Kington earlier today (Friday 22 July) in response to a report of a woman being assaulted.

The woman was taken to hospital but is expected to be discharged shortly.

The man was arrested and taken into custody where he remains at this time.

Det Sgt Jim Moore said: "This was a nasty incident but fortunately the injured woman is expected to make a full recovery.

"We would like to reassure local people that this was an isolated incident and there is not believed to be any danger to the wider community."

The marquee is up and ready for the start of the wonderful Three Choirs Festival in Hereford.

The festival runs for a week from 23-30 July 2022 with world-class music-making, choral and orchestral concerts, services, recitals and talks.

For all the details visit 👉 HERE

Food waste to be collected by bike

Following on from our breaking news article from yesterday http://hfd.news/GyP 

Herefordshire Council expects to become the first local authority in the country to have food waste collected by bike.

Cabinet members yesterday (Thursday 21 July) agreed a new waste service specification, including that Herefordshire’s food waste will be collected weekly by bike. Cabinet gave pedal-powered collections the green light after debating the idea during today’s meeting.

Cargo bikes pushing ahead

A cargo bike food waste collection will begin in central Hereford. The zero-carbon approach will see kitchen scraps turned into compost. While this is a first for any UK council, similar approaches have already been adopted elsewhere. A BBC report shows food collection by bike is already underway in Paris. Meanwhile, online retailer Amazon is reported to be launching a fleet of e-cargo bikes to replace van deliveries in London.

New waste collections mandatory

This environmentally-friendly step is part of a new waste and recycling collection service for Herefordshire that will also include a fortnightly garden waste collection service, which councils must introduce as part of new government legislation.

The new enhanced service will provide much more recycling capacity and will improve both the quantity and quality of recycling. Residents will keep the bins they already have for general waste and recycling. The council will meet the one-off cost of additional bins needed to separate different types of waste. This will be offset by savings made every subsequent year in reduced disposal costs.

Losing sleep over climate emergency

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

“I am absolutely thrilled with this. Not just that we’re introducing this environmentally-friendly collection service but also that we expect ours to be the very first council in the country to do so. How good it is to lead in the critical race to combat our climate emergency. Making these changes is a very useful way for us all to get involved in helping our environment. I’m grateful to all the members who supported this plan and I’m confident Herefordshire residents will also get behind it. The change will benefit us all.”

Getting it right

Residents are being encouraged and supported to make good choices to ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’ through the councils ‘Getting it right’ campaign. This encourages people to put the right items into the right bins. Reducing contamination (putting the wrong things into the wrong bins) will improve recycling rates.  

Other waste reduction measures include the incredibly successful reusable nappy scheme, which is helping residents with young families reduce nappy waste. Its popularity meant the scheme had to end just 30 days after its April launch date.  Herefordshire Council also recently announced funding grants for setting up or extending existing repair cafes to discourage people from throwing away repairable household items.

An investigation has been launched following the death of a 20-year-old woman in Hereford.

Shortly after 5am on Sunday morning (17 July) police were called to Green Street following a report of a concern for safety.

Officers attended along with colleagues from West Midlands Ambulance Service.

On arrival it was found that a 20-year-old woman had sustained unexplained injuries and sadly, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her next of kin has been informed.

A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder. He has since been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Detective Inspector Mark Walters, said:

“This is an incredibly sad incident and our thoughts go out to the family of the young woman who has lost her life.

“I understand that incidents of this nature can be alarming, but would like to reassure the local community that this is an isolated incident and there is no wider risk to the public.

“You may see an increased police presence in the area over the coming days as our investigation continues.”

The woman's family has asked for privacy at this time.

Herefordshire Council could be the first Council in the country to use cargo bikes to collect and dispose of food waste if a decision is given the green light later today.

It’s ground breaking innovation

Today Herefordshire Council will be making a decision on future waste collection procurement and part of that procurement will be about using cargo bikes on a few thousand houses in Hereford City.

It will mean that the household food waste will be collected by cargo bike, resulting in ZERO Carbon collection.

The waste that is collected can then be transformed into the highest quality compost, which can then be sold or even better used to enrich our Herefordshire soil ,which will be a small but 'significant' step to help with the phosphate issues we are experiencing in our beautiful rivers and support our farming communities.

With the warm temperatures each year do you think it would be good to open an Lido in Hereford or Herefordshire?

Lido Ponty in Pontypridd

There are a few really good Lido's across the UK and these were very popular in the 1930's many have been restored and are thriving!

Rhondda Cynon Taff council told Hereford Voice that more than 80,000 people visited the National Lido of Wales, Lido Ponty in Pontypridd since it was able to re-open last May following Covid restrictions up to September 2021. This year the numbers have almost doubled.

The grade II listed lido was refurbished in 2015 using National Lottery money and has heated pools while restored features include the 1920s turnstiles and wooden cubicles.

A new Lido could attract even more visitors to Hereford and would be a great day out for friends and families.

Have you visited a Lido?

Photograph courtesy of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council

The Hunderton Community Gardens Association mural is coming along nicely!

A lot of work from members of the community all working on this showcase wall which is brightening up the area big time!!

Well done to everyone involved, we can't wait to see the completed masterpiece

📸 Cllr Kevin Tillett

Midlands Air Ambulance

West Midlands Ambulance Service were called to a RTC which involved a collision between a motorcyclist and a bin lorry on the A44 in Bredenbury, Herefordshire just after 10am this morning (Wednesday 20th).

West Mercia Police advised that the A44 between Bredenbury and Bromyard was closed due to a serious RTC and that the road will be closed for some time.

Two ambulances, a paramedic officer, a BASICS emergency doctor and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham with a paramedic and doctor on board attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said:

“When ambulance staff arrived, they found the motorcyclist, a man, being given CPR by an off duty doctor and bystanders. The man was in a critical condition and ambulance staff commenced advanced life support on scene. Sadly, despite the best efforts of everyone, nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed deceased on scene a short time later.”