Diners will be able to claim 50% off food and drinks at participating restaurants during August.

Between 3 and 31 August, diners will get a 50% discount on food and non-alcoholic drinks at participating restaurants, cafes and pubs.

The offer is only available from Mondays to Wednesdays and people will receive a maximum discount of £10 per head.

Therefore if two people spend £50, they can only receive a discount of £20.

Will you be taking full advantage of this new scheme which has never been tried in the UK before?

Please find below list of participating venues, please advise if we have missed any and we will add them to our list 

• The Cafe at All Saints Church
• The Glass Tandoori, Commercial Road
• The Bookshop, Aubrey Street
• Ascari’s Cafe, West Street
• The Loft Cinema , West Street
• The Beefy Boys, Old Market
• Meze, West Street
• The Coffee Cart, Old Market and High Town
• The Oxford Arms, Widemarsh Street
• Pikadish Canteen, Netherwood Road Rotherwas Ind Est
• Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas
• Moka Bar Church Street
• Nutters, Capuchin Yard (Church Street)
• Queens Arms, Broad Street
• Green Dragon Hotel, Broad Street,
• The Spread Eagle, Kings Street
• The Den, Bridge Street,
• JJ and Little Dots, Bridge Street
• The Herdsman, Widemarsh Street
• Cookies Cafe, Bewell Square
• The Wellington, Widemarsh Street
• The Kerry, Commercial Square
• Subway, Commercial Street
• Pepes Piri Piri, Commercial Street
• En Sushi, Widemarsh Street
• The Grapes, East Street
• Jalsagor, St Owen Street
• Taste of Raj, St Owen Street
• The Venue, Goal Street
• Brewers Arms, Eign Road
• Planet Buffet, Commercial Road,
• Sensory and Rye, Union Street 
• Babar Cafe, Union Street
• Gilbies Bar, St Peters CloseThe Wye Inn, Holme Lacy Road

#HerefordVoice #Hereford #Herefordshire

Another busy day in Hereford! It's great to see so many people about again.

We took all of these photographs within the last hour (15.30-1600), the shops including the Hereford Butter Market are all busy which is great to see. 

We walked into the City Centre and virtually every street was busy with people as you can see from all the various photographs we have taken. Lots of people all walking or relaxing and enjoying the patchy but warm weather.

Have a wonderful weekend 🌞 😎

#HerefordVoice #Hereford #PositiveHereford

A different perspective ....

We have acquired an email sent from Cllr Paul Rone to the 'Independent Group' who hold the largest coalition majority at Herefordshire Council.

As you will see in the email he sent on the 28th of July below Councillor Rone says 👉"Closing The Old Bridge Is Fine" 👈 in Hereford however, just a few days later on August 1st in this video published by our friends at Your Herefordshire, he says something completely different...

Cllr Paul Rone owns several businesses in Hereford including the Saracens Head Pub where the footpath running along the side of the river remains closed to the public, he also owns his own city taxi.

As you know Hereford Voice are very supportive of our local businesses and it’s great to see the recent reports showing footfall has increased in the city. The statement signed by some businesses today about a vote of no confidence, talk about years worth of vanity projects, so is it really fair to blame everything on an administration who have only been in for less than a year.

In recent days this story 👉 https://hfd.news/vdo of a road project hit with procurement snag was published by our friends at Sunshine Radio - Herefordshire Council leaders have revealed a procurement failure meant they would not have been able to award the contract to build the £27m southern link road in Hereford.

People might not like these new temporary changes which the Government have asked all councils to look at it but at least Herefordshire Council are being honest and transparent about their projects.

Online shopping has increased massively across the UK and as a result shops all over the country are closing, it’s not about people not being able to get into the city, it is that many people feel safer shopping online.

So regardless of the emergency measures currently in place in Hereford, footfall is increasing, so clearly people can get into the city.

What are these businesses and others going to do to attract people into their shops? You simply can’t just blame the council, who to be fair, cannot force people go into shops.

 

#HerefordVoice #HerefordNews

Grange Heating have agreed to sponsor the Hereford FC Media Backdrop for the upcoming season extending their long-standing relationship with the Football Club, as the Bulls prepare for the upcoming 2020/2021 season.

Grange Heating who are a specialist heating and plumbing company from Hereford and experts in domestic and commercial heating have committed to sponsor the Club once again.

Grange Heating Managing Director, Ewen Grange, said: “I want to continue to support the local Football Club for another season to build on the success it has had since it was first formed. The Football Club gives so much pleasure to the local community and that is something we want to be a part of for the Club’s future success”

Hereford FC General Manager James Watts said: “We are delighted that Grange Heating have, once again, sponsored Hereford FC for another season with their sponsorship of our Media Backdrop and I look forward to working with them during the 2020/2021 campaign and beyond.”.

For more information on Grange Heating, visit www.grangeheating.co.uk

Exclusive Breaking News: We rang Cllr Harrington this afternoon to get an update on the Emergency Active Travel Measures and to ask him if there were any changes in the pipeline. 

He said that following on meeting with City and County Cllrs that was agreed at Full Council and after feedback from the BiD, businesses and taxi drivers he made the following changes last week. These orders were agreed last week but take 8 days to make and will take effect from this Saturday. 

🔹The Old Bridge will be open northbound from Saturday to licensed Hackney Carriages like it is for buses because the taxi association members made very valid comments about access and their role within the public transport service.

🔹Extra parking bays have been re-introduced on Broad Street.

🔹Newmarket and Blueschool Street will not go ahead at present because Highways England who control the A49 and the Tesco/Steels roundabout have not planned any safety changes to the junction and so instead they will proceed with a contra-flow up St.Owens Street, down Offa St, St.John's Street and across Cathedral Green to cross the A49 by the New Bridge instead (via underpass or across a much easier junction to navigate - onto Barton Road)

🔹There will be special 'food and other goods' collection bays put in on King Street to help the temporary takeaway operations of restaurants and other traders, like the florists. The utility barriers will continue to be replaced with planters (started yesterday) 

🔹Aylestone Hill - going towards the colleges - will be considered for a wider safer cycle lane uphill only.

🔹Ledbury Road will be getting lanes put in along its length up to the Cock of Tupsley (probably uphill only again for now after Cllr feedback)

🔹Commercial Road's lanes will be removed, hopefully by the end of the next weekend, as the scheme is not proving helpful but is actually, in his opinion and many others, counterproductive

He said he and the administration do take feedback from specific sectors seriously but they have a duty as Cllrs to respond to the request from government to implement these measures and to listen to all views - responding to valid concerns when raised. 

He appreciates all the feedback and questions put to him and supports all groups, regardless of agenda, who wish to best express their views in a clear and rational manner. 

He will keep us updated of any further changes or additions. 

#HerefordVoice #HerefordNews #Hereford

Making more space to move around Hereford safely – we’re listening

 

As the shops re-opened, people returned to work and visitor numbers increased, temporary measures were introduced in Hereford and the market towns to give pedestrians and cyclists the space they need to maintain social distancing and travel safely. 

The measures, which include temporary barriers and signage to widen footways, partial road closures and dedicated cycle lanes, allow more space to walk and cycle in busy areas, helping pedestrians and cyclists feel safer where space is shared.

Following feedback from businesses and individuals on the initial measures in Hereford, a number of revisions have been made: 

·       The temporary barriers to widen footways on Bridge St, King St and Broad St are being replaced with planters to enhance the appearance of the measures in these historic streets

·       Parking bays have been reintroduced in Broad street as parallel bays (disabled and pay and display bays) 

·       Temporary advisory pickup bays have been introduced in King St, which traders have identified as important in current conditions

·       Taxis will be able to travel northbound across the Old Wye Bridge from Saturday 22 August to support this alternative to private car use

·       The proposed bus and cycle lanes on Newmarket St and Blueschool St will not be implemented. 

Cllr John Harrington, Cabinet member infrastructure and transport, explains: 

Quote

 

“We want to provide as much space to cyclists and pedestrians as possible to encourage people to use alternatives to the car to travel around the city, and to free up pavements for safe queuing and distancing. 

“When we first introduced the temporary measures we promised we would listen to feedback from traders and residents on the impact on their journey and business, and respond. This is exactly what we have done with the revisions we have made.

“We want people to feel relaxed when they come into town and to spend more time and money within our towns and the City. Figures recently released by Hereford BID show an increase of 25% in footfall in Hereford, demonstrating the strength of our city’s appeal to residents and visitors. We would encourage feedback on the temporary measures in Hereford and the market towns so that we can continue to ensure they support pedestrians and cyclists to travel around the busiest areas safely.”

 

 

Traffic Lights: We have campaigned for many years to 'trial' turning off some of the traffic lights in Hereford. The main problem we have witnessed is the Asda junction where the A465 Belmont Road meets the A49 Ross Road.

As we have always said, when these lights are out of action and you will of heard our slogan many times - 'THE TRAFFIC JUST FLOWS' when the lights are out however, while we wait in anticipation for a possible trial, they could at least change some of the traffic lights to 'Part-Time' between say 7pm-7am, similar to those that have been successful for years in Gloucester. 

(Pedestrian lights would clearly remain in full operation activated by pressing the button in the usual manner)

How many times have you found yourself sat waiting on the traffic lights when there are hardly any vehicles around, especially during the early hours.

We have several campaigns about traffic lights and documented details and videos can be accessed via our website here 👉https://hfd.news/a4m👈

✅ Sign our Part-Time Lights petition 👉 https://bit.ly/3WKVNlB

✅ Sign our 'Lights Out' trial petition 👉 https://bit.ly/3DFrgfY

#HerefordVoice #HerefordNews #Hereford

 

The footbridge on footpath BM5 which links St Michaels’ church to Bodenham Loop Walk has now been completed and it is now fully accessible for all users.

The man who sadly died after being involved in a collision in Whitney on Wye has been named as Peter Lamb aged 42, from Hereford.

The collision happened on the A438 at around 12.50am on Sunday 9 August and involved a Skoda and Honda.

Peter’s family have paid tribute to him:

Quote

"Peter was an outgoing lad, living life to the full, who enjoyed going fishing and was a talented footballer. He was a hard worker and nothing would phase him. He would do anything to help. Peter will be sorely missed by his family and friends"

Police are still appealing for witnesses and anyone with information is urged to contact police on 101 quoting incident 65 of 9 August or call Crimstoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. Alternatively information can be reported on the West Mercia Police website under the section Tell Us About https://www.westmercia.police.uk/

The company had warned at the start of August that it was considering such a move, but had not given precise details.

The closures come as the company formally launched a CVA in a bid to restructure the Group and keep it afloat.

The company, which currently has around 454 restaurants in the UK, said on Tuesday it has finalised a proposal to reduce its restaurant and rental costs via a company voluntary arrangement (CVA).

It said that although the majority of its restaurants were profitable before lockdown was imposed, earnings had been declining across the Pizza Express estate for the last three years.

It added that the reduction in revenue caused by the enforced closure of all restaurants, the cost of reopening and the UK’s uncertain economic future meant its rental costs were no longer sustainable.

Pizza Express, which is majority owned by Chinese firm Hony Capital, also confirmed it had hired advisers from Lazard to lead a sale process for the business.

Here is the full list:

Aberdeen - Belmont Street

Aylesbury

Barnstaple - Three Tuns

Biggleswade

Billericay

Birmingham - Corporation Street

Birmingham - Mailbox

Bournemouth - Post Office Road

Bramhall

Bristol - Berkeley Square

Bristol - Regent Street

Bromsgrove

Bruton Place

Charlotte Street

Chippenham

Dalton Park

Darlington

Dudley - Merry Hill

Earls Court - Earls Court Road

Edinburgh - Holyrood

Formby

Fulham Palace Road

Glasgow – Princes Square

Glossop

Gosforth

Grantham

Halifax

Hampstead

Hatch End

Hereford

Heswall

Ipswich - Lloyds Avenue

Leeds - Crown Street

Leeds - Horsforth

Ludlow

Lymington

Melton Mowbray

Midhurst

Milton Keynes 

Moseley

New Brighton

Newcastle

Newport - Isle of Wight

Newport - South Wales

Northallerton

Nottingham - Goosegate

O2 Finchley

Orpington

Oxford - Oxford Castle

Poole

Port Solent

Ramsgate

Reading - St Mary's Butts

Scarborough

Sheffield - Devonshire Street

Sheffield The Moor

Shirley

Southport - Old Bank

Stafford

Staines

Stoke

Stourbridge

Sudbury

Torquay

Uxbridge

Wakefield

Walsall

Wapping

Wardour Street

Weston-super-Mare

Whiteley Village

Whitstable

Wrexham

This is disgusting and getting out of hand and another clear intent to harm cyclists riding along the trail as well as people and animals.

 

Photographs taken at Little Drybook in the Forest of Dean.

Police have asked the riders to call 101 if any further evidence of this is found or if anyone has information regarding who the culprit (s) are.

Leominster Fire Station crews extinguished a large vehicle which was well alight on arrival, stopping the fire spreading to surrounding trees and overgrowth. A49, Dinmore Hill over the weekend.

#HerefordVoice #Leominster #Herefordshire

Debenhams is teetering on the brink and the economic forecast for this large retail group looks exceedingly precarious. If it goes, and it just might, then the Old Market Development that drained Council funds and destroyed High Town, that so many of us desperately argued and advised against building will rapidly go into decline.

If it goes it’s not just the jobs that go with it. The loss of the big retail name Debenhams will have a hugely negative impact upon those businesses that still trade there. The footfall will be reduced resulting in other dependent traders considering their trading location and whether or not they can withstand the economic hit.

What we all saw at Maylord Orchards, we will see again. Perhaps High Town could benefit. Perhaps not. One thing is for certain. If the Debenhams space does become available then the Council have got to give some serious consideration of how they can mend the past Tory Council mistake and make the Old Market relevant and viable for the future. They will not be able to replace Debenhams with another similar retailer. Nobody of that commercial size will ever take the risk and trade in Hereford. So, as far as I can see, the only way the Council can deal with this is to avoid a quick fix solution.

By that I mean filling the retail space with anyone just to collect some short term revenue. Charity Shops and low spend end commercial traders ain’t going to do it. That won’t stave off the possible decline of The Old Market. The only area that I can think of that provides large spending from peoples disposable income is the Leisure Industry. That’s about the only thing that they can do.

Quite simply, because of a mistake made many years ago when the then Council allowed us and theselves to be asset stripped by sharp suits that took all our money, our current Council will have to think very carefully about how they proceed. Through no fault of their own making they’ve been forced to do something about the dead Maylord Orchards which I personally fully understand. If Debenhams does go, and I worry it just might, then they’ll have to apply themselves and their strategic planning to the Old Market development and how it’s going to survive and prosper in an age of huge economic uncertainty.

 

 

Local Business: CN Trophies have a fabulous stall in the Hereford Butter Market.

Offering a comprehensive range of quality trophies, medals, plaques, ribbons, shields awards, pet tags all complete with a first class engraving service enabling the buyer to personalise their own purchase. 🥇🏆🎗🎖

CN Trophies have a team of qualified professionals who work efficiently and to the highest standards. They pride themselves on an outstanding customer service experience and offer quality products at keen prices.

Website 👉 https://www.herefordcntrophies.co.uk  Email: contact@herefordcntrophies.co.uk

📞 01432 357737

#HerefordVoice #HfdLocal #HVLocal

Hereford Mayor Kath Hey attended the commemoration of VJ Day in St Peters Square yesterday

#LestWeForget #VJDay75

Prime Minister Boris Johnson visited Hereford County Hospital this week, one of the twenty hospitals getting a major new upgrade thanks to a boost in NHS funding. 

In a letter to sent to our member Megilleland Jesse Norman said:

Quote

Dear Martin,

As you may have seen, I was delighted to welcome the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, to Hereford yesterday as he visited the County Hospital and the site of the new Hereford Medical Centre. 

It was fantastic for him to see the work being done to replace the old hutted wards with new builds, with the PM even getting his hands dirty with some plastering work in the new units. But I was also extremely pleased to show him the site of the new Medical Centre, which will bring five GP services across Hereford city under one roof with some brilliant new facilities.

The centrepiece of his visit was the announcement of £2 million in new funding for the Hospital A&E Department, alongside the previous £23 million for the new build. This, combined with the £9 million for the new Medical Centre, will make a huge difference to healthcare in the County. 

Finally, it was great that he was able to make the time to meet lots of staff, and to recognise all their hard work to keep us safe in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. He got a terrific reception from everyone, and was clearly delighted by the visit.

A big day for Herefordshire!

With all good wishes, as ever,

Jesse

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and local MP Jesse Norman

The PM also pledged making sure A&Es are ready for winter with a £300m package.

Mr Johnson was accompanied by local MP Jesse Norman, they also visited the new Station Medical Centre to witness how they are progressing with this project and to see some of the new facilities on site.

Even though it is now compulsory not everyone can wear one. Be mindful not to challenge anyone as not all disabilities or health conditions are visible.

This information relates to the use of face coverings in public spaces where social distancing is not always possible. It is important to follow all the other government advice on coronavirus (COVID-19) including staying safe outside your home.

What a face covering is

In the context of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, a face covering is something which safely covers the nose and mouth. You can buy reusable or single-use face coverings. You may also use a scarf, bandana, religious garment or hand-made cloth covering but these must securely fit round the side of the face.

Face coverings are not classified as PPE (personal protective equipment) which is used in a limited number of settings to protect wearers against hazards and risks, such as surgical masks or respirators used in medical and industrial settings.

Face coverings are instead largely intended to protect others, not the wearer, against the spread of infection because they cover the nose and mouth, which are the main confirmed sources of transmission of virus that causes coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

If you wish to find out more about the differences between surgical face masks, PPE face masks, and face coverings see the MHRA’s (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) regulatory status of equipment being used to help prevent coronavirus (COVID-19).

When to wear a face covering

In England, you must wear a face covering in the following indoor settings (a list of examples for each is included in the brackets):

public transport (aeroplanes, trains, trams and buses)

transport hubs (airports, rail and tram stations and terminals, maritime ports and terminals, bus and coach stations and terminals)

shops and supermarkets (places which offer goods or services for retail sale or hire)

shopping centres (malls and indoor markets)

auction houses

premises providing professional, legal or financial services (post offices, banks, building societies, high-street solicitors and accountants, credit unions, short-term loan providers, savings clubs and money service businesses)

premises providing personal care and beauty treatments (hair salons, barbers, nail salons, massage centres, tattoo and piercing parlours)

premises providing veterinary services

visitor attractions and entertainment venues (museums, galleries, cinemas, theatres, concert halls, cultural and heritage sites, aquariums, indoor zoos and visitor farms, bingo halls, amusement arcades, adventure activity centres, funfairs, theme parks, casinos, skating rinks, bowling alleys, indoor play areas including soft-play areas)

libraries and public reading rooms

places of worship

funeral service providers (funeral homes, crematoria and burial ground chapels)

community centres, youth centres and social clubs

exhibition halls and conference centres

public areas in hotels and hostels

storage and distribution facilities

You are expected to wear a face covering before entering any of these settings and must keep it on until you leave unless there is a reasonable excuse for removing it. More detailed advice on the application of these requirements in different settings can be found in the Government’s guidance for working safely.

You should also wear a face covering in indoor places not listed here where social distancing may be difficult and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet.

Face coverings are needed in NHS settings, including hospitals and primary or community care settings, such as GP surgeries. They are also advised to be worn in care homes.

Enforcement measures for failing to comply with this law

Premises where face coverings are required should take reasonable steps to promote compliance with the law.

The police can take measures if members of the public do not comply with this law without a valid exemption and transport operators can deny access to their public transport services if a passenger is not wearing a face covering, or direct them to wear one or leave a service.

If necessary, the police and Transport for London (TfL) officers have enforcement powers including issuing fines of £100 (halving to £50 if paid within 14 days). As announced we will bring forward changes which mean fines for repeat offenders will double at each offence, up to a maximum value of £3,200.

Cont..

West Mercia Police are asking people in the Eign Gate, Whitecross Road area of Hereford, to be vigilant after two reports of sexual assaults on Whitecross Road in the early hours of the morning.

The first was on Sunday 26 July 2020 at 00:30 when a woman was walking home after a night out with friends. She was approached by a man offering her money before he attempted to assault her. She was able to run to a nearby house and raise the alarm. She described him as white, aged approx. 21 years old, possibly Eastern European, with dark hair and a slim build. He was wearing a hooded top.

The second assault was on Monday 10 August, 2020 again at approximately 00:30. Another woman walking home after a night out was approached by a man who offered to walk her home and then is believed to have assaulted her. She described him as white with a skinny build and wearing a baseball cap.Det Insp Mark Peters said:

Quote

 

"These incidents are very concerning and we are conducting numerous enquiries to trace the offender or offenders. Part of this is appealing to the public for information if anyone saw anything or has any information that might aid the investigation.

“At this stage we are keeping an open mind but there is a possibility these assaults could be committed by the same person.

“We want people to be alert to and aware of these incidents to keep themselves safe, and to work with us to identify the person or persons involved. As per our normal advice, try to avoid walking home alone or book a taxi if possible; and if you do walk home alone then avoid headphones and stick to well-lit roads. However I do want to reassure people that incidents such as this are rare in this area.

"We have officers working to provide support to the victims who have, understandably, been left extremely shaken.“

 

Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to call police on 101 quoting reference: 0040_i_100820. Or you can report it online via the West Mercia website. If a crime is in progress or someone is in danger always call 999.

“If you don’t wish to speak to police, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111. They never ask your name or trace your call and you could help prevent a crime and keep your community safe.”