Residents will now know how to address their gritting lorry, thanks to the efforts of local children who worked to give every new gritter in the county a name.

Herefordshire Council ran the special competition for primary school pupils in October and received almost 100 entries.

The winners were invited to attend the Balfour Beatty Living Places depot to meet their gritters in person, along with some of the winter heroes who maintain and operate them. They were also presented with their own competition winner certificate to take home with them, and a mocked-up registration plate with their gritter name on.

Councillor Barry Durkin, Cabinet Member for Roads and Regulatory Services, who helped decide the winners and presented the certificates, said:

“This competition was a great opportunity for Herefordshire children to show their creativity at work, especially over their October half term. There were so many fantastic and imaginative names submitted, and we had a really difficult time deciding the winners. Almost every name gave us a chuckle and everybody who entered should be incredibly proud.”

The winning entries were:

• Snow-way! – named by Theo Bezant, Stretton Sugwas
• Ice-a-saurus Rex – named by Harry Attwood, Shobdon
• Sprinkle – named by Benji Rowlands, Whitecross Nursery
• Humpfreeze – named by Robyn Stevens, Kingsland C of E
• Sir Grit-a-Lot – named by Daisy Hardman-McCabe, Trinity Primary
• Julius Freezer – named by Lucy Harris, Luston Primary
• Ready Salted – named by Eli-Jacob Howard, Walford Primary
• Taylor Drift – named by Lottie Wooles, Sutton Academy
• Who Dares Grits – named by Sienna Stead, Trinity
• Lottie Wooles, who attends Sutton Primary School and won with Taylor Drift said:

“I was over the moon when I heard that my name had won! I like Taylor Swift, so thought about how I could create a name from that, and the word ‘drift’ came to me. I enjoyed the naming event, and especially the chance to sit in Taylor Drift and be shown around and find out how the gritting all works.”

Robyn Stevens who attends Kingsland Primary School said:

“I loved seeing the gritter lorries as I like the colour yellow and bright lights. They keep our roads safe for me to go to school and other nice places. When I grow up I hope to drive the quad or maybe a gritter. I enjoyed the hot chocolate, biscuits and the people were very nice to me. I will look out for Humpfreeze on cold days.”

Cllr Durkin continued:

“Gritting operations are just one part of the strong winter maintenance plan in place to maintain transport connections for local communities throughout the county. There are 959km of Primary Routes and 677km of Secondary Routes to keep safe and accessible, and the gritters will be on standby 24 hours a day, 7 days a week until the end of March 2025 to deal with whatever the winter weather throws at us.”

Mark Pearson, Contract Director for Balfour Beatty Living Places in Herefordshire said:

"We’re proud to play a key role in ensuring that Herefordshire’s roads remain safe and accessible throughout the winter season. Our teams are dedicated to keeping the roads clear and safe 24/7, and we look forward to seeing these unique and creatively named gritters in action as they help keep everyone moving, no matter the weather."

To find out the latest information about gritting in your area, make sure to follow the Highways team on Facebook at Herefordshire Highways

Here is one of our first drone images, capturing Hereford Cathedral during mist and fog, makes it look even more mystical!  

This is one of our favourite images and now time to buy a drone of our own! 

On Friday 13th DECEMBER 2024, Leominster Safer Neighbourhood Team, along with colleagues from Hereford Safer Neighbourhood Team, Immigration and Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service conducted a joint operation at a disused warehouse on the Croft Business Park in LEOMINSTER.

Immigration had been conducted enquiries that had raised concerns to suggest that renovation work taking place at the site was not conforming to Health and Safety Regulations, that working conditions were poor, working hours inappropriate, safety for workers poor and potential living conditions poor also. Furthermore, information suggested that those persons undertaking the work may not have full legal status to do so.

Officers from Immigration and police had to force entry onto the site before conducting a thorough search of the large warehouse and associated buildings.

Several workmen were located on the premise along with another person of interest suspected to be associated to them.

Enquiries made at scene by Immigration and Police resulted in 8 persons being arrested on suspicion of immigration offences and 1 person being arrested in connection with Modern-Day Slavery Offences. Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue conducted a detailed examination of the site in respects of Health and Safety Regulations and Fire Safety Regulations with their findings being forwarded onto the appropriate support agency to progress.

I want to remind the community how important it is to raise any concerns you may have to the police or joint partner agencies.

Though there are matters above that are being investigated, the key message that comes out of this, is about challenging those that seek to control vulnerable people that want to make a better life for themselves and about upholding the high standards of safety, work and living conditions that most are all accustom too but not all can achieve.

This operation will have offered several people, help, support, and a chance to talk to authority which previously they may not have had or not known how too. At this time, an investigation is ongoing by Police and Immigration into the matters found at the location and I am sure you will understand that the nature of this is complex. I am therefore unable to offer any further update currently.

A tractor driver has been arrested after being filmed driving through deep floodwater in Tenbury on Sunday, sending large waves crashing into businesses along Teme Street. The incident sparked outrage on social media. The 57-year-old driver was detained on suspicion of criminal damage and dangerous driving but has since been released on bail.

In the video, the tractor appears to strike something, causing it to jolt, to the surprise of onlookers. Reports suggest the waves created by the tractor damaged windows and compromised flood defences.

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said:

“I’d like to thank everyone who brought this incident to our attention, and to the local community for their co-operation and support yesterday while we carried our initial enquiries. I understand the upset and anger that the incident caused, and I hope that the arrest we made yesterday evening offers reassurance that we are actively investigating it. Officers will continue to be out and about in Tenbury in the coming days to assist the local community and our partner agencies with recovery efforts following the flooding.”

The Beefy Boys Are opening In Bath! This is their 4th restaurant.

This is fabulous news following the boys recent success in the USA their Dirty Boy Burger was judged the 4th Best Burger In The World! (Although we think it's the best burger in the World )

The boys wrote of the Facebook page:

"IT'S OFFICIAL! We're firing up the grills at our 4th location! The worst-kept secret since dipping fries in milkshakes became a thing

Stay tuned for opening day details and exclusive launch surprises!"

Looking for the ideal Christmas Gift? They have their brilliant Cook Book and lots of other goodies - https://thebeefyboys.com

Great to see the boys continued success, good luck with the new store opening in early 2025!

𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗥𝗘 𝗙𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗗𝗦 | Flood water across Herefordshire begins to subside after storm Bert.

BBLP crews are prioritising the clean-up effort.

One of the crews are in Orleton clearing mud and debris before the road can be safely opened to the public.

• Thank you to the staff and everyone involved in the challenging work clearing it all up. 👏

Sad To See But Some Excellent Progress By Wye Valley Demolition

Half of the garden rooms have been demolished

Boiler Room gone! 

Full demolition work is expected to be completed by late January 2025.

Herefordshire Council has sent a clear message that repeated anti-social behaviour and environmental crime will not be tolerated, with the successful prosecution of a fly-tipper for breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).

Mr Zackery Biddle was originally convicted of fly-tipping in 2022. Evidence presented in court showed that Bromyard Household Recycling Centre experienced repeated boundary fence damage between December 2023 and February 2024, allowing unauthorised entry. CCTV footage identified Mr. Biddle on-site with another individual carrying bolt cutters, a key factor in securing his conviction.

Charles Yarnold, Herefordshire Council’s Head of Regulation and Technical Services, said: “This conviction sends a strong message that Herefordshire Council will not tolerate persistent offending or anti-social behaviour. Criminal Behaviour Orders are crucial in holding repeat offenders accountable and reinforcing our commitment to a safe and clean community for all residents.”

Councillor Barry Durkin, Cabinet Member for Transport and Regulatory Services, added: “Our message is clear - persistent offenders who disregard the rules will face serious consequences. Herefordshire Council is fully committed to ensuring that anti-social and environmentally harmful behaviour is dealt with robustly. We will continue to take every step necessary to protect our communities and keep Herefordshire a safe place to live and work.”

Herefordshire Council’s Community Protection Team works proactively to investigate fly-tipping incidents and hold individuals accountable for waste-related crimes.

Residents are encouraged to report fly-tipping online at www.herefordshire.gov.uk/flytipping or by calling the council’s hotline 01432 261761

A man from Hereford who was jailed for producing cannabis has been ordered to pay back the proceeds of his crime or face more time in prison.

On the 8 June 2023, officers executed a warrant at Hereford Coach and Commercial Refinishers at Glebe Farm and discovered cannabis being grown within the premises. 270 cannabis plants were recovered with a value of £93,700.

The owner of the business, Andrew Mannion, of Orchard Meadow, Lower Eggleton, entered a guilty plea to 2 counts of being concerned in the production of cannabis and on the 25 August 2023, he was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment on count one and 6 months to run concurrently on count two.

At a Proceeds of Crime hearing at Worcester Crown Court on Tuesday 19 November, the 62-year-old was instructed to payback the proceeds of his crime amounting to £97,009.44. If he doesn’t, he was told he would receive another 2-year custodial sentence.

Detective Inspector Dan Fenn, from the Economic Crime and Cyber Unit, said: “I hope this is a strong message to those who think being involved in the production of drugs that we will be relentless in pursuing illicit funds that have been made from illegal activity.

“I would like to commend the financial investigator who worked tirelessly on this investigation. It is a good example of how our team will not leave any stone unturned and will continue to protect our communities from further harm”.

Thank you to Mark and all the team at Sunshine Radio and Hereford City Council for giving us full back stage access to today's fabulous show.

Check out some of these fabulous photographs of the show, and all you lovely people who turned up in their thousands despite the rain! Can you spot yourself?

Thank you to the girls from Eternal Group for your kindness and lovely hospitality, we even managed a selfie!

What a great show!!

Can someone please explain who planned out these traffic lights in Hereford they make no sense to be honest especially the pedestrian crossing near Asda they are going to cause traffic to plow in to traffic. The pedestrian lights should be either a pelican crossing or built further round the corner going towards Macdonald's. There are a few lights destinations take your pick very dangerous.

Hereford Voice understands that retailer Matalan will be opening a new store in the Old Market Hereford.

Re-fit works are planned to begin as soon as next week with the new store scheduled to open in October.

Matalan is a leading UK and international omnichannel fashion and homeware retailer, on a mission to be the first choice for outstanding family value.

With a large store network in excess of 270 UK and international stores and an integrated e-commerce platform, Matalan is a trusted brand which puts its customer at the heart of its business and delivers unrivalled product choice and exceptional style and quality to 11 million loyal shoppers every year.

Matalan is famously committed to offering a compelling value focused fashion and home offering, that continues to help millions of UK household budgets go further.

Matalan’s locations, late night openings, convenient parking, 'everything under one roof' offering and free click and collect service are just some of the reasons why our customers love shopping at Matalan.

𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗜𝘁 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁!

Companies are not connecting with their customers/clients at all on the phone. It so easy, just pick up the phone when it rings - No not some recorded message telling you are in a never ending queue or telling you to visit their website which doesn't contain the information you are looking for. Strange that when you need to make a payment you get straight through at once. Wait till we are connecting with AI robots when the local staff are sacked and offices closed and we are all floating around in the ether!

The jobs of more than half of the workforce at the DIY chain Homebase are at risk after the retailer's owners called in administrators following a failed attempt at a sale.

Homebase have a branch in Ledbury.

Its owner Hilco had been looking to sell the struggling retailer, but has not managed to find an outright buyer.

The owner of homeware chain The Range is buying up to 70 stores and the brand, safeguarding about 1,600 jobs.

This leaves 49 stores without a buyer, and thousands of jobs at risk in the stores and head office. Administrators Teneo declined to say which stores were at risk of closing at this stage.

Three Counties Hotel Demolition Latest Images

The demolition contractor is Wye Valley Demolition Ltd and the work is expected to be completed by late January 2025.

Admiral Taverns told me yesterday that the Broadleys is being sold. They wouldn't say any more. Does anyone know who to? I cannot find it listed for sale anywhere. It has now been removed from Admiral Taverns website.

Lee Lauder (left) and Finley Phillips have been sentenced to a total of 54 months for burglary offences.

Two men have been sentenced to a total of more than four years for burglary offences in the Hereford area.

Lee Lauder, 19, of Paxton Drive, Bristol and Finley Phillips, 20, of Satchfield Court, Bristol, were sentenced to 27 months each on Tuesday 5 November at Worcester Crown Court.

Lauder and Phillips were charged in relation to a series of burglaries at commercial premises on the Rotherwas industrial estate overnight of 3 and 4 September 2023.

They also committed a burglary of a dwelling on 4 September when they were disturbed by the occupants of an address in Canon Frome, Hereford.

They stole car keys, handbag, purse and money from that address. They were stopped by police a short time later and remanded in custody and charged for the other offences too.

Lauder pled guilty to conspiracy to burglary for which he was given a 22-month sentence and dwelling house burglary for which he was given a 27-month sentence to run concurrently.

Phillips also pled guilty to conspiracy to burglary for which he was given a 22-month sentence and dwelling house burglary for which he was given a 27-month sentence to run concurrently.

Detective Constable Verity Farr of Hereford CID said: “Burglary and acquisitive crime offences cause great distress in our communities.

“Breaking into someone’s home is immensely intrusive and distressing for those that are victims of these crimes.

“We will always do all we can to pursue and prosecute those responsible for committing such offences.”

A Hereford drug dealer has been sentenced to 32 months for selling class A drugs into the city.

Matthew Hayward, 36, of Charles Witts Avenue, Hereford, was sentenced at Worcester Crown Court yesterday (Tuesday 5 November).

Hayward was arrested at his home address on 19 September 2024. A search of the vehicle he had been driving identified a large quantity of white powder - later confirmed as cocaine - was found in a bag in the boot.

There were also a large quantity of clear unused deal bags and a set of scales. He did not hold a driving licence and was not insured to drive the vehicle he had been seen driving.

Hayward was convicted of one count of possess with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class A - cocaine – in September as well as driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence and using a motor vehicle on a road/public place without third party insurance.

He was sentenced to 32 months for the drug dealing offence, deprivation of any interest in a Mercedes car and disqualified from driving for 12 months plus a 16-month extension period, giving a total ban of 28 months for the motoring offences.

Detective Constable Emily Holder of Hereford CID said: “We welcome this sentencing which demonstrates to the community that police will act swiftly and with the support of the public to disrupt the supply of controlled drugs which causes such harmful impact on our community.

“We urge members of the public to contact us should they have any concerns over drug supply, and they will be taken seriously. You can report it to us online at Report a crime | West Mercia Police. Always call 999 in an emergency.”

“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.”

This investigation forms part of Operation Target – West Mercia Police’s work to tackle serious and organised crime.