Beryl has welcomed the latest announcement from the Government on the future of e-scooter legislation – which could see e-scooters become legal on the UK’s roads.

The Government said that the Transport Bill, which was announced during the Queen’s Speech, will help them take the steps they need to make e-scooters safer and they will now consider how best to design future regulations.

While riding a privately owned e-scooter on public land is currently illegal, there are a number of Department for Transport-sponsored trials including the Beryl trials in some cities in the UK.

These were sanctioned to help the DfT to better understand the benefits of properly regulated, safety-tested e-scooters and their impact on public space.

Currently, e-scooters sold for private use are unregulated and can only be used legally on private land with the landowner’s permission.

Have you ever used E-Scooters?

Huge congratulations to The Royal National College for the Blind (RNC) football team on winning the FA Disability Cup final today on penalties but also commiserations Brighton for playing such a great game.

Fabulous televised coverage from BT Sport, thank you for broadcasting these wonderful matches.

Congratulations RNC!

♻️ Below shows us what we can and cannot recycle ♻️

https://www.herefordtimes.com/news/20198864.drivers-targeted-raise-money-local-services/
 

now I don’t have a problem with people who contravene the Highway Code being fined but where I do have a problem is bring in unnecessary parking charges to raise revenue it’s tantamount to racketeering in my opinion 

Councilor Harrington 

“A further £100,000 will go on plans to extend Hereford’s on-street pay-and-display parking areas, both in the areas covered and the rates charged.

This will be used to develop a business case, draft the legal measures, and potentially install new ticket machines. The council expects the plan to yield £41,000 over two years.

But the council insists the parking measures will be to “manage demand”, with income from the scheme “a consequence and not the purpose”.

Coun Harrington said extending parking zones “will prevent residential streets from being clogged with commuter parking”.

sorry John that’s absolutely boloney & you know it it’s a scam….so tell me when did Herefordshire council becoming a mafia organisation?

So my opinion is I totally disagree with this & find it disappointing that you are even considering milking the almost empty udders of the cash cow paying Herefordshire taxpayers once again

maybe if you didn’t go wasting our money in the first place you’d have no need to treat us with utter contempt by rinsing us the populace of this fair county out of or own hard earned earnings time & time again to waste time & time again!

The restaurant temporarily closed for the scheduled work to take place at the end of May and reopened their doors earlier today.

There is a new car park layout with repainted lines, separate entrance for delivery drivers from Just Eat, Uber Eats and Deliveroo etc..

New touch screens and collection point, with fresh contemporary but subtle decor in the restaurant with new tables and chairs.

Hereford Times 4th June 2022

Sign of the Times?

Not a suitable site for advertising at a busy road junction. People trying to get into the right lane, reading directional signs, changing traffic lights all addto the confusion. Plus those motorists trying to read their smart phones. All in all a complete no no.

Two previous applications were quite rightly refused at 

Land adjacent 22 Belmont Road Hereford HR2 7JW

and

69-71 Edgar Street Hereford Herefordshire HR4 9JP

Congratulations to our 640th Mayor of Hereford, Cllr Mark Dykes!

Taking over from the outgoing Mayor, Cllr Paul Stevens, Mark Dykes was yesterday (9th May) inaugurated into the historic role.

Read more HERE

Hereford's popular drive-thru restaurant on Belmont Road is currently closed for a substantial refurbishment, which is part of the companies 'Convenience of the Future' project which includes a huge £250M national programme spanning the next 4 years.

The last time that this restaurant in South Wye was refurbished was back in January 2018.

The drive-thru is scheduled to reopen in June once the work is complete.

Another example of overseas seasonal workers being exploited to pick fruit and vegetables - not by the farms, but recruitment companies.
 

The Guardian 27th May 2022

Migrant fruit pickers charged thousands in illegal fees to work on UK farms, investigation shows
Evidence appears to show illicit payments taken from workers harvesting produce for M&S, Tesco and Waitrose

(extracts)

Ditya, a single mother from Nepal, is used to travelling abroad for work. For years she has made a living as a migrant farm worker, where she can earn several times what she would in her home country. Last year she applied to become part of the UK government’s seasonal worker visa scheme, picking fruit and vegetables on a farm in Herefordshire that supplies fresh produce to Marks & Spencer (M&S), Tesco and Waitrose.

Ditya got the job, but it came at a huge cost. In order to secure it, she says she had to pay more than £3,000 – almost a third of what she earned during the six-month post – to recruitment agents.

Some of that money covered the cost of her flight and visa application. The rest appears to include illegal fees that labour rights experts describe as “exploitative and extortionate”.

A joint investigation by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ) and the Guardian can reveal that as many as 150 Nepali workers who came to work at Cobrey Farms in Herefordshire as part of the government scheme may have paid similar amounts, many of them claiming they paid agents working for a UK-licensed recruitment company.

The UK government launched the seasonal workers pilot scheme in 2019 to address concerns that the withdrawal from the EU would cause a shortage of labour for harvesting jobs on farms. Its rules state that workers should only pay a visa application fee of £259 (£244 until April this year) and travel costs. Any additional recruitment fees are illegal under UK law and can result in a labour provider being stripped of its licence.

Changing South Wye, Changing the World!

At this time of political and economic turmoil, our communities are facing challenges which will affect so many of us.

In 1844 the Rochdale Pioneers used their earnings to found their community co-operative.  This was to provide what was required by the people.

A democratic process had begun and life improved over time for many.  At the heart of this was communities.  They worked hard for one another, with each other and the times, not unlike today, were challenging.  To tackle today’s problems, we will require that same level of commitment from communities.

Fresh Start, in partnership with the Robert Owen Society, are realistic about what can be achieved and that the roots of our solutions are in identifying what the communities require.

We are creating models for problems and identifying strategies.  We are moving quickly now behind the scenes. This has been hard work but Fresh Start is confident that by bringing communities together, we can create with the people, a way forward.

Our interviews with those who could help us begin this Thursday 26th May 2022. If you feel that your skill or knowledge could contribute to helping South Wye in any way, then we would like to hear from you. 

Please contact us at freshstart@robertowen.org

_____________________________________________________________

Seems like a good idea and would work well together with the The Southside Project a groundbreaking initiative which will transform 35 acres of green space south of the river in Hereford. It will open up a wide range of opportunities for local residents of all ages and will be a space where the community can connect.

A political row has broken out after plans to improve England’s most expensive piece of tarmac with tree planters was linked to council tax increases.

Conservative Herefordshire councillor Ann-Marie Probert has slammed the proposals to install tree planters along Hereford’s City Link Road as ‘disgusting’, arguing that the money should be used for other purposes, including lowering council tax but Independent for Herefordshire's Cllr John Harrington said: ‘The City Link Road, which Coun Probert criticises, perhaps not realising was a Conservative led scheme, was badly designed and badly thought out and has cost £30 million for less than a mile of tarmac, with no segregated cycle path and a huge ugly central reservation.’

‘We have managed to secure funding to put tree planters along the road that can be re-used when we are able to put in a proper tree planting system. This is not money raised through council tax, this is capital funding, raised and ring-fenced, that can only be used for this purpose - I know Ann-Marie is a relatively new councillor but she needs to get her basic facts right.’

The furore has been caused by calls from the Conservative councillor to ‘help residents first’. Defending the decision Coun Harrington said: ‘We have done exactly that. We have trebled the support for anyone who is struggling with council tax, but we cannot divert money from capital projects specifically for identified works, into revenue pots for running services. If Ann-Marie wants to help residents first then she should lobby her political masters in Westminster who have told councils they must ‘wash their own faces’ and ensure that services are funded by local taxes.’

‘We've lost £100 million a year in revenue coming in when you compare 2022 to 2010 and both her Conservative MPs voted for those devastating cuts - has she expressed her disgust towards them? This is not our decision; this is Conservative Party policy. We know how hard increased cost of living will be for many and therefore set aside wide-ranging support for anyone struggling.’

Coun Harrington said that deadlines for spending £6 million budget, half of which was from a grant from the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership, for the city centre improvement scheme were looming. ‘I took the decision not to dig up High Town, as planned by the previous Conservative administration, because I couldn’t justify two years of disruption to traders as a building site moved around High Town simply to replace a surface, that needs minimal repair, with a complete excavation and relaying with several millions pounds worth of Chinese granite.’

Coun Harrington said he had instructed that some of the funds were diverted instead to make improvements to the Widemarsh pavements which ‘have long been overdue and which the Conservatives refused to address’. The funds also ensure the Cycle Contraflow proposals for St Owens Street go ahead and improve the street scene around Hereford. Tree planters were chosen as they could be moved for the May Fair in the City and would give planners time to consider where to plant the planned increase of trees in the ground.

‘This has nothing to do with council tax’ said Coun Harrington, adding: ‘every councillor should know that. This is about spending funds ring-fenced for specific jobs that are important to Hereford, have been identified as needing attention for many years, and will start the process of improving air quality and the aesthetics of the county’s important mother city.’

An electrical mechanical engineer employee at the Ross on Wye Laundry firm 'Clean' that was recently destroyed by a devastating fire has just won his dream car and £20,000 cash.

Presenter Christian Williams with lucky winner Jonathan Smith 

Jonathan Smith was shocked when the online competitions company BOTB Presenter Christian Williams surprised Mr Smith with his prize while he was at work.

Jonathan won a brand new Ford Mustang and £20,000 in cash all for £2 entry.

It is so nice to have a really positive story like this to start the day.

More details - https://www.botb.com/winners/mw1722/

BBC Panorama - Statement from Herefordshire Council following last night's programme which aired on BBC1 at 8pm.

A statement from the Chief Executive of Herefordshire Council made to Panorama as part of last night's episode.

I would like to apologise to children and families affected by the very serious failings in our Children’s Services.

Since my arrival I have made it my top priority to ensure we make urgent changes so that children and families in Herefordshire get the quality of support they need.

We are one year into our three-year plan to improve services for children and families, by reducing caseloads for Social Workers, recruiting more staff for home visits, providing better leadership and supervision for our staff, and by modernising our systems.

We are committed to supporting families and protecting vulnerable children in our community.

If you have any concerns about the way you or your family have been treated by Herefordshire Children’s Social Care Services, you can contact us at on our careconcerns webpage or or email careconcerns@herefordshire.gov.uk

Paul Walker- Chief Executive, Herefordshire Council

ExploreStation immersive virtual reality Hereford (Shell Store) Rotherwas today 16th and I believe 17th May 2022. Went down and had my first experience of virtual reality with a journey on the train and walk around a station. Felt very dizzy and one person couldn't cope with it. Well organised with places available I was told on the 17th May 10am to 6pm. I would just turn up and fit in. There is a first class cafe and the building is interesting. A very good conversion and easy to get to on the bike.

It is with sad news that we inform you that Glenda Vaughan-Powell passed away last Saturday.

Glenda Vaughan-Powell

Glenda was an active member on our forum for many years and although sometimes she could be a difficult person, in fairness, she also did a lot of very good things when she was a local councillor in Newton Farm. She campaigned hard to save the Asda Walk-In centre as well as other good projects locally.

Glenda Vaughan-Powell served as a District Councillor of Herefordshire Council and a Hereford City Parish Councillor until May 2015, elected as an Independent, serving Belmont Ward for 12 years.

In 2003 she won £744,000 for the Wyes Moves community bus company plus a further £126,000 from the South Wye regeneration Fund, to serve the people of South Wye.

During her time as a councillor she successfully led a campaign to keep the post office open in South Wye, was responsible for keeping the South Wye police station open and led a campaign to maintain the GP walk-in centre at on the Asda site, as well as acting as a member on the following council advisory groups:-

• Safer and stronger communities,
• South Wye Regeneration Partnership.
• Healthier communities and older people group
• Children and young people advisory group.
• Member of the community safety group
• Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator for Newton Farm.
• Member of Herefordshire Housing Steering group for redevelopment of the Oval.

She was formally Chair of the Herefordshire Neighbourhood Watch Association for Hereford and Belmont, as well as chair of the Friends of Belmont Haywood Country Park.

In June 2011, as a councillor, Glenda was appointed as a member of the Wye Valley NHS Trust and in April 2012 was invited to become a member of the All Party Parliamentary Group representing Herefordshire Independents at the House of Commons, which she accepted.

In 2014, again as a councillor, Glenda became a member of the Local Government Association (LGA) Executive group representing all Herefordshire Independents in Hereford and West Midlands.

Rest in peace and thank your for all the good things you accomplished locally.

There were 3 casualties in the RTC which involved 2 vehicles.

 
Photographs courtesy of HWFRS Kingsland 

Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service crews from Kingsland fire station and Leintwardine Fire Station had to cut out casualties from one of the vehicles and Midlands Air Ambulance Charity arrived swiftly to give advanced medical treatment at the scene. West Mercia Police and Officialwmas were also in attendance.

 
Photographs courtesy of HWFRS Kingsland 

A spokesperson from Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said; "This afternoon we attended a nasty RTC involving a car and a small sports car. We were joined by colleagues from Leintwardine fire station, police and ambulance, but most importantly the Air Ambulance, this arrived swiftly and as always gave the best advanced medical care to a casualty. We are so fortunate to have this service and save countless lives every year"

#HerefordVoice | #HerefordNews | #HerefordshireNews

Over 100 individual letters of objection to demolishing Three Counties Hotel for another Lidl Supermarket in Hereford have been submitted on the Herefordshire Council planning portal with dozens more still not yet listed.

One resident wrote;

Quote

"An absolutely inappropriate location, Belmont road is a traffic nightmare at the best of times. Tesco traffic, McDonald’s traffic, school traffic, Asda traffic, usual everyday traffic.

If this proposal for Lidl's is approved it will create even more traffic on Belmont road and feeder roads, it can’t cope with the volume of traffic now, more pollution in that area and blight the lives of those who live along the route"

This is the general opinion from most people who have taken the time to send in their letters of objection, with only 2 letters supporting the planning application.

Our Petition here https://chng.it/bWYtFHb78S has had over 960 signatures from people who feel the same. Many residents have said this is completely the wrong location and if Lidl want to pursue having yet another supermarket in Hereford they should seek alternative locations and well away from the Belmont Road (A465).

Another local resident wrote;

Quote

"The proposed planning to build a LidI on the current Three Counties site is utter madness!

The proposed supermarket and drive through restaurant would cause so much more volume of traffic it would cause Belmont Road to halt to a standstill.

The road could not cope with even more traffic this would bring. If there was a relief Road that went from the Madley/Clehonger turning across to the Rotherwas relief road/roundabout that would take 70% of traffic away from Belmont and would be fine to give this project the green light. But as it stands I think this proposal is ridiculous.

Also a small buisness/retail park would benefit the area more with a nursery, shops, eateries. 1 huge LidI to me is a waste of the land, especially with an Asda and Tesco in earshot of it"

Belmont Rural Parish Council Extraordinary Meeting

An Extraordinary Meeting of the Belmont Parish Council will be held at The Kindle Centre (Asda) on Thursday 5th May 2022 at 7.30pm (Tomorrow evening)

Agenda;

To discuss and agree a formal response to the Three Counties Hotel Hybrid application for demolition of existing hotel and build a Lidl Supermarket.

Members of the public and press are invited to attend this important meeting.

Web | https://belmontrural-pc.gov.uk

Last night Hereford Voice attended a wonderful event at The Pavilion, Castle Green in Hereford, which we were kindly invited to join and celebrate very exciting plans for the regeneration of the historic Pavilion building as part of StrongerHereford.

There were plenty local people at the event organised by our lovely Friends of Castle Green including the members of the StrongerHereford board, the building regeneration architect Oliver Steels from Errand Studio as well as Mayors from other towns, the manager of the Hereford Youth Canoe Club our MP Jesse Norman, local Councillors and the Bishop of Hereford to name just a few.

The Friends of Castle Green director Mark Hubbard gave a fabulous opening speech explaining his long family history and connection with the Castle Green, The Pavilion and his home next door, which had also been occupied by many generations of his family, it was wonderful to hear his Infectious enthusiasm.

Please find below a few photographs that we took during the evening together with some new exclusive illustrations (please be aware that they have only applied for planning permission, so there are likely to be some revisions to the plans submitted).

Whilst respecting its Georgian heritage, the plans submitted recently aim to create a modern, accessible space and iconic visitor attraction in the heart of Hereford.

The revitalised building will provide cafe facilities and flexible community meeting space, as well as the opportunity to celebrate local arts and heritage and a revived home for the Hereford Youth Canoe Club (HYCC).

The once forgotten Pavilion will become a new and much needed thriving and sustainable community hub, a defining visitor attraction in the city and a source of pride for residents.

The project has been made possible thanks to a successful £22.4million funding bid for the City of Hereford via the Stronger Towns Fund.

The Pavilion project is one of fourteen projects elected for funding and FoCG has submitted a planning application for a £1.56 million regeneration of this historic building on the banks of the River Wye.

(planning illustration subject to planning and revisions)