Councillor Gemma Davies has had to take leave from her council work due to constant threats and abuse.

Councillor Gemma Davies 

Councillor Gemma Davies wrote;

Quote

I’m currently taking some time away from council business. There are a whole host of reasons but one huge factor is the hatred that is on social media.

Over the past two days I have seen a number of clickbait articles that incite hatred. I call out this behaviour as a trade unionist and yet I’ve kept my mouth relatively shut about this. In my first year as a councillor I was told by fellow members that you need to be careful what you put on social media and to ‘play the game’. This has meant losing a huge part of me.

Last year Conservative MP, Sir David Ames’s was killed. In June 2016 Jo Cox was killed. Both were killed during their consistency surgeries.

I personally have had threats against me, had private messages telling me to fuck off and die (lovely) plus countless others telling me how I’m not qualified to be a councillor. Let’s not include the rape threats and comments about my personal life. I’ve had people I’ve considered to be friends tell me that maybe I’m not cut out for it because it’s something that ‘comes with the territory’.

Well it’s not. It’s time to hold people to account for the things that they put on social media. Your actions have consequences. One day something seriously bad will happen to a councillor or council worker and everyone will hold a vigil and say we didn’t think something like this could happen. Well it can, and it will if we carry on the witch-hunt that appears to be never ending.

You’ll never find a bigger advocate for free speech. I respect people have opinions even if I think they’re abhorrent. But inciting hatred and then just taking a step back and saying ‘it weren’t me gov’ just doesn’t cut it.

We are all responsible for the things that we put on social media be it at an organisational level or a personal.

Any person who puts anything on to me or others which I consider offensive I will be taking it through the police and their employer.

I will also be keeping this account ONLY for council business. I will be on my personal Facebook account for my friends and family where I can actually be myself and not have to put up with all the hate that comes with being a councillor.

And to everyone who’s been supporting me through the last three years through this I just want to say I love you so much, I’d 100% be under if it wasn’t for you. Even if it’s been people taking the piss like Stephen Grainger and Tom Quirk, you’ve made me laugh regardless.

Hereford Voice comment; 

It is disgusting what has been happening and people should think about their actions before leaving nasty comments.

Thank you Cllr. Gemma Davies for opening up and revealing how you feel and how this has had a huge impact on your life recently by some of the nasty threats you have been receiving, some of these people are just keyboard warriors and bullies.

Keep doing what you are doing (which is all we can ask of you) because so many local residents including myself appreciate each and every councillor, often giving up their own free time.

If people want change there is nothing stopping anyone becoming a councillor if they think that they can do better.

Thank you Gemma 🧡

A new price cap of £3,549 has been announced by Ofgem, the energy regulator, an 80% rise on the current cap.

The cap comes into effect on 1 October and will determine how much 24 million households pay for their energy.

Analysts at Cornwall Insight have said to expect further increases in January, when the price cap is due to be updated again. They predict the cap will rise to £4,650 a year.

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Meanwhile our MPs are still on holiday and won't return to parliament until 5th September. Maybe they should turn off the heating in the Commons and Lords as we head towards winter.

Hereford Voice understands that the new 'e-Bikes' will be coming to Hereford in the near future, would you also like to see the e-Scooters across the city?

The new e-Scooters are already being trialled across the UK and have been well received by the pubic.

In a news brief the company wrote;

Since the very beginning of our company, we've focused everything we do on getting more people in cities on bikes. Today, we're really excited to be bringing the Beryl e-Scooter to the streets, and opening up another micromobility option to even more people.

A new option in Beryl Bays

Our network of Beryl Bays across our operating areas make it easy for riders to find bikes and e-bikes, while keeping pavements clear of clutter. Now, there'll be another option available in the bays - the Beryl e-Scooter, which uses the same geo-fencing technology as our bikes and e-bikes.

Going for a longer trip with lots to carry? An e-bike might be the choice for you. Need to get somewhere quickly without breaking a sweat? Choose an e-scooter. Fancy an active journey around town? The classic Beryl pedal bike is there for you.

New ways to get around

With the COVID-19 pandemic restricting capacity on public transport such as buses, national and local governments have been working hard to find new ways to help people get around cities without getting in a car.

Beryl e-Scooters are being launched as part of a trial run by the Department for Transport, to understand how they can safely and efficiently add to existing transport networks. We're excited to learn how our riders use scooters to get around, and to develop the scheme in partnership with local authorities to make sure there are bays located where they're most needed.

We'll also be working closely with partners in the local community to educate users on how to safely and responsibly use scooters. Our operations team will be on hand to make sure scooters have batteries charged and ready to go, and to respond to reports from the community when scooters need to be moved or rebalanced to another location.

Designed for a nice ride

Since the beginning of Beryl (when we were still a small bike lights company called Blaze!) we've cared about good technology and good design. Our Beryl Bike has won many fans for being a quick and nimble ride, suitable for all type of riders. We wanted our e-scooter to be the same - a comfortable option to encourage everyone to choose micro-mobility over a car journey.

Our e-scooter has 12" front wheels and front suspension forks for a comfortable and stable ride. An extra wide standing board makes it easy to ride and the "always on" lights keep you visible whatever the time of day or the weather.

A truly multi-modal city

Today, we launch Beryl e-Scooters in Norwich. They'll join Beryl Bikes and Beryl e-Bikes that have already been warmly adopted by residents, students and visitors alike to get around. All three will be available to hire from the same app and account, making it easy and convenient to choose the best option for your trip.

We're looking forward to seeing the Beryl e-Scooter land in more cities throughout the UK and beyond - stay tuned for our next launch!

Phtoto | Beryl e-Scooters are parked in marked Beryl Bays and parklets, keeping pavements tidy for everyone

Photo | New Beryl e-Bike

#herefordvoice #herefordnews #hereford

Officers from West Mercia Police stopped in this 'cloned' car in Hereford during the early hours of this morning.

The driver got quite a shock when Police from the Operations Patrol Unit together with their colleagues from the Police Dog Section suddenly surrounded the vehicle.

The driver had purchased the vehicle believing it to be genuine. Enquiries are ongoing.

Good to see so many people enjoying the fabulous music, local produce, food and drinks on this warm Summer evening in our wonderful city of Hereford!

Photo Credit: Jaymz G Chamberlain 

Positive News from Hereford Cops 👇 (Sat 27 Aug 2022 - 23:29)

"Just bumped into these three lovely people whilst out patrolling the Great Western Way.

They are from Vennture and are also out patrolling most nights wanting to reassure the public. Whilst out patrolling they are connected to the Police and the CCTV via a radio so that they can call up for assistance at any time and be kept informed of what is going on in the area.

They are all volunteers and a real help to the community.

Great work" 👍

A partnership of five local authorities across the Midlands region, alongside Sub-National Transport Body Midlands Connect has led a successful bid for almost £1million of funding aimed at getting more electric vehicle chargers into areas with limited off-street parking.

The bid, aiming to deliver hundreds of new electric vehicle charging points across the Midlands, was made in June focusing on the first tranche of money offered as part of Government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Pilot.

A partnership of five local authorities across the Midlands region – Lincolnshire County Council, Herefordshire Council, Leicestershire County Council, Rutland County Council, and Stoke-on-Trent City Council - alongside Sub-National Transport Body Midlands Connect, submitted the bid. The resulting award of £935,355 is to be distributed between the five councils.

It is expected that this support from Government will now attract an additional £2.8million of private sector investment, with the cumulative funds being used to install a total of 322 standard and 27 rapid public EV chargers across the Midlands.

Analysis by Midlands Connect found that the Midlands needs 17,461 new public EV charging points by the end of 2025 to meet the needs of the growing EV market and it’s hoped that this latest good-news around the Government funding will spur on more region-wide installation of charging points.

Estimates suggest that the installation and maintenance of electric vehicle charging points will also create an influx of jobs in the region with over 42,000 related roles set to be created in the Midlands by the end of 2032.

At present, 93% of electric vehicle owners have access to off-road parking. It’s hoped that increasing the number of public charging stations will make it easier for those without a driveway to make the switch to an electric vehicle, while also increasing the ease of travel and charging for all EV users.

Councillor John Harrington, Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Transport said: “I’m delighted that this successful bid means that we will be able to offer more electric charging facilities across the county which will support our residents and business to make the shift to ultra-low emission vehicles as part our strong commitment to addressing the climate and ecological emergency.”

I can recommend the Over 50s for us old uns at The Kindle Centre on the 3rd Tuesday of each month that starts at 2pm.

The 20th September meeting has the return of the Singing Vicar - Steve Hollinghurst. An entertaining afternoon for all.

Other meetings to watch out for:

18th October 2022 - My work at Cadbury - Colin Bates

15th November 2022 - Hop picking in Herefordshire - Marsha O'Mahony

20th December 2022 - Christmas Special

17th January 2023 - Lunch at Burghill Valley Golf Club

Further information from Jeff Jones, Secretary, Telephone 01432 851029

Why not bring a friend or two along, I am sure you will enjoy it.

A police cordon is currently in place on the river path near Victoria Bridge in Hereford following a reported serious sexual offence at around 1.50am this morning (Sat 20 August).

West Mercia Police have just confirmed that a man in his 30s has been arrested and remains in police custody.

Many local people including Councillors, the former Hereford Mayor and West Mercia Police joined us at the Herefordshire Women’s Equality Group Vigil last night to stand in unity with victims of sexual assault.

West Mercia Police have confirmed that they arrested a 48 year old man on suspicion of attempted rape in connection with a reported sex attack on the riverside close to the river Wye in Hereford.

The alleged sexual assault happened between Hinton Road and King George V playing fields on the river path in Hereford on August 12 at around 10pm.

A 48-year-old man from Hereford has since been arrested on suspicion of attempted rape, police said.

“He has been bailed with conditions pending further enquiries,"

Last night the Herefordshire Women’s Equality Group held a vigil pledging support to sexual assault victims on the riverside close to the Victoria Bridge.

Farmers working togther with the Fire Service

Meet ‘the league of extraordinary farmers’ who are helping firefighters protect homes, the countryside and food growing in fields. This is actually in Hertfordshire however, farmers across Herefordshire and our neighbouring counties have really gone that extra mile to assist Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, Gloucestershire fire and rescue service, Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, West Midlands Fire Service, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and MAWW Fire and Rescue Service Powys Community safety during the very hot and dry conditions so far this summer.

Fantastic people and emergency the services all working together in communities to protect lives and businesses.

We love to share so good news and positive stories!

Thank you to the NFU Online for sharing this inspiring video with us.

A motorcyclist has sadly died in a road traffic collision in Shropshire overnight.

West Midlands Ambulance Service received several 999 calls reporting a collision involving a motorcyclist and a lamppost on the A49 Shrewsbury Road in Craven Arms at 11.34pm (Wednesday). Two ambulances and a paramedic officer were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When ambulance staff arrived on scene, they found an off-duty police officer and two off duty nurses performing CPR and using a defibrillator on a man who had come off his motorcycle.

“Crews quickly took over treatment but sadly, despite the best efforts of everyone at the scene, nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead a short time later.”

What's going to happen after Coronavirus

Where are we going when Coronavirus fades away and the government has run its course in keeping us at home.The sheer economic disaster coming and affecting everyone is already being discussed by some MPs. One remedy is to impose a one off wealth tax. The idea is that everyone – households and businesses, rich and poor – has to pay a sum equivalent to a chunk of their net assets. This would reverse taxation regimes across the world which tax income far more than the taxation of wealth.

Ed Conway, the economics editor at Sky News, writing in the Times, roughly calculates that a one-off 10 percent levy on all household net wealth in the UK would generate over £1 trillion ($1.24 trillion) of revenues. That would be enough to pay off all the costs of Covid-19. It would provide for the NHS for generations and reduce the national debt from wartime levels to something more like normality. 

The government reduction plans for local authority council funding on the basis that the shortfall can be made up with councils keeping the collection of business rates now looks a dead duck.

The desire to give us all an identity card accompanied with a vaccination certificate looks pretty certain. Get ready for all citizens to be given a free smartphone and be fined if not carried on one's person at all times to enable tracking at all times.

This quote says it all:

“The telephone was not his favorite object, and more than once he had considered getting rid of his. What he disliked most of all was its tyranny. Not only did it have the power to interrupt him against his will, but inevitably he would give in to its command.”
― Paul Auster, City of Glass

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.

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.

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..

Would you feel safe walking along here after dark??

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 ??

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

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.”