There is a wide load stuck on the traffic lights on the A49 Ross Road (northbound) Hereford.

Hereford Police have a new toy in the form of an eco-friendly electric vehicle 

Photograph courtesy of West Mercia police 

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Here it is. Our all new 100% Electric vehicle. You'll see us out and about in the City from today!!

Today marks the 30th anniversary of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity first mission.

"A woman suffered a fall on the mountainside in Hay on Wye and needed emergency pre-hospital care. The flight crew rushed to the scene, and stabilised the patient before airlifting her to hospital in just six minutes!"

Photograph courtesy of Midlands Air ambulance Charity  

Congratulations on the 30th anniversary of your first of many life saving flights! Such a brilliant charity!

Donate Here 

Another vehicle seized by Hereford Cops (Hereford Rural North SNT), this time in Withington, Herefordshire

Photograph courtesy of West Mercia Police

Driver had no insurance and was a provisional licence holder.

This is the Second time police have seized a vehicle from same driver in a month!

Homes and businesses in Ross-on-Wye will soon benefit from gigabit capable broadband.

Wholesale broadband provider, Full Fibre Limited, will build new Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) network across the town, providing access to some of the fastest broadband in the country. 

Fibre to the Premise (FTTP) known as ‘full fibre’ is the newest form of fibre broadband and is considered more future proof as it can deliver gigabit download speeds (1,000Mbps). 

The rollout is thanks to a small grant project to connect businesses in the Alton Road area that still require a superfast connection. Fastershire’s Marches & Gloucestershire business broadband grant is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and has enabled Full Fibre Limited to establish a foothold in Ross-on-Wye from which they will expand their network into the rest of the town using their own investment.

Full Fibre Limited CEO, Oliver Helm, said

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“Full Fibre’s investment in Ross-on-Wye, enabled by Fastershire, will deliver world class, gigabit broadband across the town.  Ensuring that everyone in the town has access to fast, reliable broadband will fuel economic recovery, boost homeworking productivity, and level up communities.”

Market towns have previously been left behind, but within the next few months our teams will start to build this new infrastructure across Ross-on-Wye.  We’ll deliver connectivity to homes, business, community groups and schools, and provide the infrastructure to support better mobile networks.  Our ISPs will offer excellent, competitive services, that will ensure people never have to think about or be limited by their broadband connectivity again.”

Councillor Paul Symonds, said,

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“It is wonderful news, both for the businesses I’ve spoken to on the Alton Road that will soon have the broadband they need but also for the rest of Ross-On-Wye.

As our demand for the internet grows beyond superfast speeds, Full Fibre Limited’s rollout of gigabit capable broadband across the town will help ensure the long term viability for our local businesses and community.”

Over 93% of Herefordshire properties can access a superfast connection of 30mbps or greater, according to ThinkBroadband’s figures, with over 35% mainly in rural areas able to access a gigabit capable full fibre connection, well above the national average of only 21%. 

Councillor Ellie Chowns, the Cabinet member for environment, economy and skills at Herefordshire Council said,

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“Ross-On-Wye is a perfect example of how a council project can be used to stimulate commercial investment. 

Fastershire has been working to increase superfast access, but has been quick to promote new gigabit capable full fibre connections.  Supporting providers like Full Fibre Limited and others to provide gigabit capable access in our market towns and rural areas, Fastershire is helping to ensure that Herefordshire has the broadband infrastructure that can support our communities for years to come.”

To find out if your property can access faster broadband, visit www.fastershire.com.

Embrace Hereford | Fabulous news that Hayley at CULT Vintage opened her new store in Maylord Orchards yesterday!!

Most pubs, wine bars, hotels, and restaurants reopen to welcome customers back inside from tomorrow.

Saxtys Bar & Club is opening this month and they are taking bookings NOW!! www.saxtys.co.uk

If you're looking for some brilliant entertainment a visit to Matrix Hereford is an absolute must! Check out 'Mad Dogs' Axe Throwing 🪓

The Children's Bookshelf - Specialists in Children's Books have a new store also in Maylord Orchards and they have a provisional opening day of 29th May

Let us celebrate Hereford and all the good things that our wonderful city has to offer.

Hereford Voice will also be announcing some exciting news soon!

Please share our positivity it's become 'contagious'

Shop local and visit some of our fabulous local independent retailers including all those lovely shops, cafes and boutiques in The Independent Quarter and Hereford Butter Market

We have a new a nail salon, mobile phone shop and the new tasty Yorkshire wrap! A new pizza restaurant, as well as some fabulous coffee bars, take-aways, bistros, wine bars and pubs and the all new outside seating!

Outdoor markets and events in the city centre are very popular and bring vibrancy, together with some unique products and produce from many independent traders.

New eateries offering Korean BBQ at your table and Amazing Asia all coming soon to the Hereford Old Market Shopping Centre and we have some superb hotels too and let's not forget Saxtys Bar & Club which is reopening in this month!!

June brings Knife Angel Hereford to the Hereford Cathedral and Hereford Voice is proud to be a 'working partner' with this fabulous charity.

We also have some wonderful new planters with seats and trees in the city centre which will look beautiful once they fully blossom.

Take a walk along the River Wye and maybe enjoy a coffee by the Victoria Jubilee Bridge or just relax on the Castle Green.

We love our city and county and we like to shout about it and promote everything POSITIVE. It's all too easy to moan but we are truly privileged to live in such a beautiful part of the World.

Hereford Voice will continue to promote local business and encourage people to visit Hereford and Herefordshire.

Look out for our continuous and 'contagious' headlines

EMBRACE HEREFORD | POSITIVE HEREFORD | POSITIVE NEWS

The lockdown has been a very challenging time for people and businesses alike but there is light at the end of the tunnel..

Join us in our campaign and 'BE POSITIVE' about this fabulous city of ours. 'Positive Hereford' ❤️ 'Embrace Hereford'

Follow our latest hashtags #embracehereford #positivehereford 

Here is a great photograph from our Instagram page showing the new novelty Piaggio seats at The Coffee Cart Company, in the Old Market Shopping Centre Hereford.

How cool are these! 😎

Follow Us 👉 on Instagram

An online marketplace that provides an environmentally friendly, one-stop-shopping experience with independent businesses has won an award for its commitment to sustainability at the Small Awards.

Herefordshire e-commerce start-up Local e Sourced enables shoppers to choose from over 90 local suppliers with single local or national delivery. It won the inaugural national 'Net Hero Award' for its unique, environmentally friendly approach of storing stock from independent suppliers in its own warehouse, to reduce packaging waste and transportation emissions.

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"Our business was built with the intention to limit our carbon footprint and environmental impact as far as possible, so I am absolutely thrilled to have won this fantastic new award,"

said owner Hamish Light, who brought forward the planned launch of his business at the start of the pandemic to support local businesses and consumers.

Hamish Light

Hamish was surprised at his home with a trophy during the virtual Small Awards ceremony that increasingly stunned guests, as eleven businesses across the UK were crowned winners on their doorsteps.

Local e Sourced  impressed the Small Awards' panel of expert enterprise judges for its dedication to sustainable logistics. It utilises compostable WoolCool thermal insulation and recyclable packaging, as well as two courier services - one to reach areas outside of Herefordshire, and a bicycle courier within the county.

In its fifth year, the Small Awards is a nationwide search for the smallest and greatest firms in the UK, across all sectors. It is organised annually by Small Business Britain, which champions, inspires and accelerates small businesses in the UK.

The new 'Net Hero' award also follows the launch of its Small Business Planet campaign to engage and encourage entrepreneurs and small businesses to commit to reducing their carbon emissions to Net Zero before 2050, supporting the broader call to action and efforts in this area by the UK Government. 

"Congratulations to Hamish and the team at Local e Sourced – they really impressed our judges with their inspiring creativity and dedication to sustainability," said Michelle Ovens CBE, Founder of Small Business Britain, and the Small Awards.

"It has been a difficult year for the whole small business community, but it is so positive to celebrate the amazing contribution of small firms, especially when they are taking action on such crucial issues like protecting the environment. So many small businesses are hugely passionate about sustainability, and it's important to recognise and encourage this as they can play a vital role in tackling climate change and reducing the UK's carbon emissions." 

The Small Business Planet campaign will kick off with a series of special weekly events in the run up to COP26 on Small Business Britain's digital channels, including webinars, Facebook Lives, Power Hours, Drop-Ins and live streamed sessions on Instagram and LinkedIn.

AFC win the Buildbase FA Trophy with a 3-1 win Hereford FC today at Wembley.

Fantastic effort from our team! 

Eight men have received prison sentences for Courier Fraud offences they committed in Herefordshire, Shropshire and Sutton Coldfield in 2019.

The group of offenders based in London targeted elderly and vulnerable members of the public pretending to be police officers, encouraging them to help an investigation by withdrawing money from the bank.

Couriers would then be arranged, also pretending to be police officers, to attend the victims’ addresses and collect the money.

Two were arrested following a high speed pursuit in Hereford in which they rammed police cars and other vehicles before they were detained.

More than 200 victims were identified by police, with many more targeted by the and with over 1,000 unique and known landline numbers contacted.

The benefit amount of the conspiracy, for money stolen or attempted to have been stolen was just under £200,000.

Full details 👉 https://bit.ly/3442FQQ

We originally ran an article highlighting the fabulous Trust back last year 👉 https://hfd.news/8gw

Actor Ross Kemp officially opens new housing for military veterans

A military veteran housing scheme has been officially opened today by the well-known actor, author, presenter and investigative journalist, Ross Kemp, on behalf of The Buchanan Trust.

During the opening ceremony, Ross, a long-term supporter of the Armed Forces community, assisted in cutting the ribbon for the four new Almshouse cottages that have been built specifically to help ex-service personnel make a successful return to civilian life.  
Ross Kemp said:

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“It’s a great achievement for The Buchanan Trust to have built these stunning cottages during lockdown and it’s a pleasure to be here today to officially open these new homes for our veterans.”

“Robert Buchanan formed the Trust over 100 years ago and I wonder if he was looking down today would he wonder why there is still a need to provide housing for our veterans and what he would think about the fact that organisations still need to come together to offer this support to our ex service personnel.”

Funding from both Herefordshire Council and Homes England through the Almshouse Consortium has enabled The Buchanan Trust housing scheme to go ahead and has seen the construction of four properties on the rural 700 acre Bosbury Estate in Herefordshire. 

The Buchanan Trust is a not-for-profit charity set up to support ex-military personnel in 1918 in memory of Alan Buchanan who fell in the First World War.  Run by a board of voluntary trustees, the Trust still continues to this day with its vital work in supporting veterans with their transition from military to civilian life.

The Trust provides temporary residential accommodation for up to 40 former service men and women and their families, to help them readjust after their time in the forces has come to an end.  In addition to housing, the veterans are also provided with access to work experience, accredited training skills and employment opportunities in the rural and construction sectors.  

Councillor Barry Durkin, Herefordshire Council’s representative for the Armed Forces, said:

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“We are delighted to provide funding for these four new properties and also providing assistance and support for the important work of The Buchanan Trust in supporting military veterans and their families as they re-integrate into the local community.” 

Robert Buchanan, trustee and direct descendant of the original benefactor, added:

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“It’s remarkable that the trust today, supports our Armed Forces community as it was first intended back in 1918 when it first started.  The military has evolved over that time but the need to help those who have served our country still remains, so it is important we continue to raise awareness.” 

General Sir Adrian Bradshaw KCB OBE, Patron of The Buchanan Trust, said:

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"Since the end of the First World War a century ago The Buchanan Trust has been supporting former soldiers, sailors and airmen with homes, training and work experience to enable them to start new lives, mainly in agriculture and rural jobs, after leaving the Armed Services.  These four new cottages will provide fitting homes to add to our community of military veterans at Bosbury who are being helped by the Trust, and who support each other, in their transition to civilian life.  Should you wish to help the Trust, or simply wish to know more about us, look us up at www.buchanan-trust.org.uk or contact us on 07342 874385."

Sue Missin, Housing Development Manager, Saffer Cooper Consultancy, said:

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“The delivery of the latest development from The Buchanan Trust is very welcome. The Trustees have worked hard over a number of years with Herefordshire Council, Homes England and others to ensure that these crucial additional residential properties are delivered.”

Congratulations to Hereford Pegasus Ladies winning the Herefordshire FA Ladies County Cup with a dominating 4-1 win over Bartestree LFC at Edgar Street last night.

Photograph courtesy of Hereford Pegasus Football Club

7 cases of variant identified but contained within small work bubble

Herefordshire Council is working with Public Health England (PHE) Midlands to support a farm in the county following an outbreak of COVID-19 among a small number of their seasonal workforce.

The small number of workers affected had all been routinely tested during their period of isolation when arriving on the farm. Fourteen workers have been found to be COVID-19 positive, seven of which have been confirmed with the variant B.1.617.2 (Indian variant).

The farm involved has strict control measures in place to limit transmission, including a period of isolation for all workers on arrival who then live and work in small groups (bubbles).

Herefordshire’s Acting Director of Public Health, Dr Rebecca Howell Jones, said: 

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“We are working closely with a farm who have taken all the right steps when welcoming their valued seasonal workforce, including routine testing and a period of isolation. This has helped to limit transmission in their workforce and there is no evidence of onward spread outside of the household groups in which the workers were isolating.

“Because of the strict measures taken and very limited transmission to date we do not currently have plans to introduce surge testing locally, however we will continue to monitor the situation closely.

“I would like to reassure people that we are working closely with businesses in Herefordshire to prevent outbreaks and limit transmission when positive COVID-19 cases are identified. 

“As restrictions are lifted and people socialise more, it is vitally important for people to stay vigilant for signs and symptoms of COVID-19; self-isolate and request a test if they develop symptoms.”

 

If you have COVID symptoms, no matter how mild, you and your household should isolate and book a COVID test online or dial 119 from any phone to book.

Everyone should also take twice-weekly rapid lateral flow device (LFD) testing when symptom-free. There are a number of testing sites available for residents who live or work in Herefordshire, alternatively you can pick up a test from participating pharmacies or you can order tests for home delivery. More information can be found on the council website. 

To protect yourself and others, you must remember: Hands. Face. Space. Fresh Air.

Hands – wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water often, and as soon as you get home - use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.

Face – wear a face covering in indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult, and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet.

Space – stay at least 2 metres away from anyone you do not live with, or who is not in your support bubble.

Fresh Air – it is safest to meet outdoors. If you do meet friends or family indoors stick to guideline limits, keep the visit short and ensure good ventilation.

Vaccination – take up COVID-19 vaccination when you are invited to do so.

DfE issues non-statutory Improvement Notice following recent High Court judgment

Herefordshire Council has today (Tuesday 18 May 2021) received a non-statutory Improvement Notice from the Department for Education (DfE).

The notice follows significant concerns raised in a recent High Court judgement which led to an urgent and thorough external review of Herefordshire Children’s Social Care Services.

The Improvement Notice includes the appointment of Gladys Rhodes White OBE as an Improvement Adviser for a minimum of 12 months, and until such time that the Secretary of State is satisfied that she is no longer required. Mrs Rhodes White will provide advice to Children’s Social Care Services and Herefordshire Council, and she will chair the Improvement Board which is being established from the beginning of June 2021.

Paul Walker, newly appointed Chief Executive of Herefordshire Council said:

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“We welcome the appointment of Gladys Rhodes White OBE as Improvement Adviser following the Department for Education Improvement Notice. Mrs Rhodes White is an outstanding leader with substantial expertise and skills in transforming and improving services and outcomes for children and families. I will work closely with Gladys and Cath Knowles, our Interim Director of Children’s Services, to address the serious issues identified by the High Court judgement and Department for Education Improvement Notice and to deliver a sustainable and improved children’s services department.

“We take full accountability for the failings of our Children’s Social Care Services and we will make much-needed changes to our culture and practices. Our Interim Director of Children’s Services continues to lead the improvements to our Children’s Social Care Services. Our social workers continue to do their best, often in very difficult circumstances, to support families and protect vulnerable children in our community. Under the new leadership, we will strive to ensure we offer Herefordshire children, and their families, the highest level of care and support possible.” 

 

A review of Children’s Social Care services is underway to understand and address any failings and immediate actions are being taken to deal with any serious concerns. Herefordshire Council continues to offer residents the opportunity to report a concern following their experience with its Children’s Social Care services. A dedicated team, led by the Interim Director of Children’s Services, are working through these concerns and while we seek to understand the full extent of past decisions made within Children’s Services, we regret that we may find further instances that do not meet the required standards. 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 www.herefordshire.gov.uk/careconcerns  or email careconcerns@herefordshire.gov.uk

His family, friends and colleagues all paid tribute today in a fitting service for a true gentleman who was tragically killed in an accident last month.

Photographs courtesy of West Midlands Ambulance Service

Thank you to Dan Guerche and Steve for their very kind invitation to a private viewing of Saxtys Bar & Club last night.

Saxtys Bar & Club has undergone a very tasteful refurbishment as you will see from the photographs below.

We were fortunate to sample some of the delicious food. The starters were well presented and we had a variety of options to tease our taste buds. The main meal was a fabulous steak that arrived on a 🔥HOT STONE🔥 and slowly continues to cook at your table until it reaches your desired preference.

There is a superb choice of drinks and cocktails on offer and the service for their first night was impressive to say the least, the staff worked tirelessly throughout the evening and they all made us feel very welcome. 👏👏

We are looking forward to returning again over the coming weeks and months. We have missed Saxtys and are so pleased that this brilliant city centre venue is back open in Hereford!!

Saxtys Bar & Club is open from Thursday at 5pm till midnight.

Friday from 12 till late for food and cocktails.

Saturday from 12 till late for food and cocktails.

Sunday roast from midday till 5pm (last table at 4pm)

We would encourage you to book for food 👉 www.saxtys.co.uk

A new car parking charge structure that has been introduced across the county today (17 May) will make it easier than ever for you to make an informed decision about where best to park your car. 

The new structure, which divides the price of parking into bands relative to proximity to the City or town centre, gives you the option to balance spending less on parking with a short walk, and ensures there are plenty of spaces available in the centre for short term users.

Parking is now free in all market towns on Sundays and after 6pm every day, while in Hereford parking is now free after 8pm every day.

Prices have been frozen at Merton Meadow in Hereford which is our largest car park out of the town centre, while prices at St Martins (swimming pool) have been reduced from £1.20 to £1.00 per hour. The off-peak hours season ticket, which allows parking in any car park between 5pm and 9am for £75 per year or £25 per quarter, has also been extended to all Market towns.

The new structure, along with details of charges at each location can be found on the Herefordshire Council website.

Cllr John Harrington, Cabinet member for infrastructure and transport, said: 

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“Parking charges have not been increased since 2016, and we appreciate that bringing in rises is always a hot topic but they are increases we need to introduce for a variety of reasons. Effectively managing the demand for parking spaces allows us to ensure the turnover of spaces to help with availability, reduce congestion and improve air quality. We want our historic city and town centres to be clean, vibrant and busy centres where people can meet, shop, eat and work.

“We want people who come to shop or use our hospitality venues to be able to park for longer at a better price just outside the City Centre - like the Swimming Baths - walking into town with time to dwell and spend well locally. Those that want to come right into the City centre, where spaces are much more in demand, will pay a little extra. Motorists with disabilities will still have spaces reserved and the right to park in any parking space in the City centre for free.

“We have listened to key stakeholders around the county and considered the revised parking structure very carefully to try and attain a balance that encourages more active travel without deterring visitors. We really want people who come to shop or enjoy local hospitality to consider staying for longer by parking in one of our car parks that are a short walk from the centre so they don’t have to rush their day or evening out.

“The new banding structure means that parking slightly further from the city or town centre saves a bit of money on the price of parking while increasing footfall which supports local businesses. It also keeps spaces available in the centre of town for those who only need a short stay.”

Funds generated from parking charges are used to maintain local car parks, and any surplus funds provide vital contributions to other important services for local people, including school transport and public transport.

Some coronavirus restrictions are being lifted across England today, as Government move to Step 3 of roadmap.

Here’s what you need to know 👉 https://bit.ly/2QniMFJ