Hereford Voice has today come into possession of a document sent from the Home Office to Herefordshire Council requesting the resettlement of a minimum of 120 Asylum Seekers in Hereford's Three Counties Hotel.

In the letter sent from Ann Smith (MCIPS)Deputy Director | Resettlement, Asylum Support & Integration says;

"We have identified the Three Counties Hotel, Belmont Rd, Hereford HR2 7BP as a site to be used to accommodate asylum seekers and are therefore bringing this to your attention so that we can address any concerns you may have. Due to the demands on the system we intend to stand up this site in line with our new guidance, and would like to work with you to determine which cohort would best fit to this site and I can confirm it has a maximum bed space of 120"

Herefordshire Council would also be expected to pick up all the costs associated, including providing, healthcare, school, free schools dinners etc...

See all of the relevant documents attached below;

Resettlement of Asylunm Seekers 1.pdf

Resettlement of Asylunm Seekers 2.pdf

Health Protection For Migrants 1.pdf

Scabies.pdf

NHS Asylum Seekers.pdf

Emergency services responded to a single vehicle RTC last night in Hampton Bishop Hereford.

A spokesperson from Hereford Fire Station told Hereford Voice

"At 20:18 461 and 463 mobilised to a single vehicle RTC on the B4224, Hampton Bishop.

All persons self extricated but required trauma care, suffering from multiple injuries. Fire Service Personnel administered initial trauma care before being handed over to the ambulance service.

Crews then made the vehicle safe and assisted police with road clearance"

Hereford Voice - '𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲'

A 35 year old woman was found dead at a house at Hope-under-Dinmore. Police said the death is being treated as "unexplained", with further enquiries ongoing.

The community of Hereford Cathedral were delighted to welcome Their Royal Highnesses The Duke & Duchess of Gloucester to visit the cathedral on Monday 19 February 2024.

The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester began their visit in the cathedral nave where they were introduced to a host of civic guests including The High Sheriff of Herefordshire, The Bishop of Hereford and representatives of Herefordshire Council. After being introduced to The Dean of Hereford, The Very Reverend Sarah Brown, the visit continued into the cathedral quire where a brief performance of the Father Willis organ was given by assistant director of music, Peter Dyke. The group were also given a demonstration of the Chamber Organ by director of music, Geraint Bowen.

The group then separated into two with HRH the Duchess of Gloucester, who is Royal Patron of the Cathedral Music Trust, visiting the Song School in College Cloisters to meet the cathedral’s music scholars. HRH the Duke of Gloucester was taken around the cathedral by Chief Operating Officer Chris Milton to view some of the architectural highlights of the building.

The group reconvened in the Mappa Mundi and Chained Library where they were invited to view Illuminate, the latest exhibition curated by the Library and Archives team. After meeting volunteers and viewing artefacts selected by the cathedral archivist, TRH departed for Gloucester Cathedral where they were attending Evensong later in the day.

The Very Revd Sarah Brown said, “It was a pleasure to welcome TRH The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester to Hereford Cathedral. Known for their passionate support of cathedrals across the country, we were delighted to be able to share some of our musical and architectural treasures with the Duke and Duchess this afternoon. 

We are immensely grateful for their continuing celebration of cathedrals and their associated heritage; and for taking the time to visit us in Hereford.”

Source | Hereford Cathedral

Ross-on-Wye Town Council will be moving offices at the beginning of March from the Corn Exchange on High Street to the new Town Hall at the former Old Chapel on Cantilupe Road, a building which is owned by the Town Council.

It is hoped that the move will make the offices more accessible to members of the public with both location and facilities.

The Council office opening times will remain the same, Monday to Friday, 9.30am – 1pm. The address of the new office is:

Ross-On-Wye Town Council, Town Hall,
Cantilupe Road,
Ross-on-Wye,
HR9 7AN.

Due to the impending renovation works at the Market House, Made in Ross will be moving into the former Town Council offices on High Street from March. Their opening hours will remain the same, Monday to Sunday 10am-4pm.

The Tourist Information Point will remain at the Corn Exchange.

Photo courtesy of Saxon Hall Community Centre

AMH HEALTHCARE LTD have submitted a planning application to Herefordshire Council for 'change of use from F2 to Ee for proposed 'dentist surgery' for part of Saxon Hall'

Full details on planning application P240283/CD4 here

Hereford FC have confirmed that John Layton, who made over 200 playing appearances for The Bulls, as well as holding the positions of first team manager, assistant manager and youth team manager, has stepped into an ambassadorial role for the newly established Hereford United & Hereford FC Former Players’ Association.

With a career deeply intertwined with the club’s rich history, Layton’s appointment aims to help bring together former players of both Hereford United and Hereford FC.

c
Photo courtesy of Hereford FC

Layton, who still lives in the City, and whose father also played for Hereford United, expressed his enthusiasm for the position, “Hereford United holds a special place in my heart, and I am honoured to take on this role,” Layton said. “The history of Hereford United and Hereford FC is inextricably combined and both clubs’ legacies are not just about victories on the pitch, but about the bonds formed and the memories shared amongst players, staff and fans.”

Layton is excited by the prospect of connecting past-players with the fans “It will be great to get former players involved with the supporters whenever possible” he said.

Layton’s illustrious career at Hereford United spans decades, and is marked by stellar performances both as a player. His deep understanding of the club’s history, ethos and its impact on players’ lives uniquely positions him to spearhead the association’s initiatives. “I’ve experienced firsthand the impact this club can have on individuals,” Layton reflected. “It’s more than just a team; it’s a community. And I want every former player to know that they are an integral part of that community.”

One of Layton’s primary objectives in his new role is to help establish a support network for former players, ensuring they have a warm welcome when returning to Edgar Street.

“There’s nothing quite like the feeling of stepping onto the hallowed turf at Edgar Street,” Layton said. “It’s where dreams are born and memories are made. I look forward to sharing those moments with my fellow former players and reliving the glory days together.”

Hereford FC General Manager, Jamie Griffiths said: “John has a fantastic association with The Bulls that stretches back over the decades, having played and managed Hereford United.

“John has remained a regular attendee at Edgar Street over recent seasons and he was an obvious choice when we were looking to get someone on board. I have no doubt that his involvement will really help the Former Players’ Association to flourish and I’d like to thank him for agreeing to give his time and experience to the club once more.”

Full story https://hfd.news/16piQ 

Emergency services were mobilised to the scene on the A465 between Pontrilas and Llangua at around 4.05pm yesterday (Saturday).

  
📸 HWFRS

Emergency services included two air ambulances, four fire appliances land ambulances and police.

A spokesperson for Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said;

"We were mobilised to a serious RTC on the A465 between Pontrilas and Llangua. Supported by South Wales Fire and Rescue Service crews from Abergavenny and Ebbw Vale.

Two vehicles were involved, with one leaving the roadway and coming to a rest in the verge.

Crews used Holmatro cutting equipment to deal with the entrapment and release the casualty.

Working alongside Officialwmas (West Midlands Ambulance Service), the Midlands Air Ambulance and the Wales Air Ambulance multiple casualties were provided with trauma care before being conveyed to hospital.

The incident was left with Gwent Police and West Mercia Police for collision investigation"

The A465 remained closed for many hours following the incident.
 

Yesterday evening crews from Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service called to a fire in South Hereford.

A spokesperson from Hereford Fire Station said;

"461 and 462 mobilised to a “shed” fire in close proximity to a house in Belmont, Hereford.

Crews requested further assistance “make pumps four” due to a significant fire involving a wooden shed and garage, starting to affect the roof space of the property.

Firefighters deployed 2 x hose reel jets and a 45mm main jet to tackle the fire, stopping the fire entering the roof space itself.

Crews also responded from Ewyas Harold and Peterchurch. A further reinspection of the incident is scheduled to ensure no further hot spots"

📷 HWFRS

A gross misconduct hearing, which concluded today (Thursday 8 February 2024), found that a former West Mercia Police officer would have been dismissed from the force had he not already resigned.

The hearing upheld allegations that the conduct of former PC Richard Davis, 53, who was based in Herefordshire, breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour as set out in the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020.

An investigation by the anti-corruption unit (ACU) found that between December 2019 and January 2022, Davis had repeatedly been dishonest in communication with the vetting and ACU teams by knowingly providing false, misleading, or inaccurate verbal and written statements regarding his financial situation. He had seriously failed to manage his personal finances despite significant support from the force.

Today’s hearing found that Davis’s actions breached the standards of honesty and integrity, orders and instructions, and discreditable conduct.

Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Richard Cooper said: “Police officers and staff have a duty to disclose details of any financial difficulties to the force, both during initial vetting and throughout their career. This is essential to protect them from becoming vulnerable to blackmail or corruption, which can obviously have a detrimental impact on the public.

“Richard Davis not only failed to follow the correct procedures, despite extensive support from the force, but actively and knowingly provided false information. This isn’t acceptable.

“As a force we are realistic and compassionate and know that times are tough for many people at the moment. Support is readily available for officers who are open and honest about any financial difficulties they may be experiencing.

“As illustrated by today’s outcome, we will not let individual officers undermine the credibility of the force by acting dishonestly and fraudulently.”

Richard Davis will now be added to the College of Policing’s Barred List, banning him from working for a UK police service in the future.

The outcome of the hearing is subject to the normal appeals process.

Here is some more fabulous images captured so brilliantly as usual by our friend and regular Hereford Voice Photo Studio member Just Jon Simpson

Thanks Jon for showcasing our fabulous city in such a unique and positive way.

#HerefordVoice | #Herefordshire | #PositiveHereford | #FabulousHereford | #EmbraceHereford | #Hereford | #VisitHereford

Plans to redevelop St.Nicholas House have been approved with conditions.

The planning application was submitted to Herefordshire Council in September 2023 for St. Nicholas House, Berrington Street, Hereford for 'Proposed recladding envelope of existing building including new means of escape. New roof extension and boundary treatment'

The building has been empty for a number of years and was previously used and was previously the Job Centre.

We understand that St.Nicholas House was purchased by a local developer with plans to improve the aesthetics of the building as part of the redevelopment. Koda Architects were appointed to undertake this project and to develop and enhance the visual appearance of the building.

📸 Koda Architects | Oakfield Design

From 1 February 2024 it will be a criminal offence to own an XL Bully dog in England and Wales unless your dog has a valid Certificate of Exemption.

The first stage of the XL Bully ban came into force on 31 December 2023 meaning the breed was added to the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

This means it is now an offence to:

❗ Sell an XL Bully dog

❗ Abandon an XL Bully dog or let it stray

❗ Give away an XL Bully dog

❗ Breed from an XL Bully dog

❗ Have an XL Bully in public without a lead or muzzle

Since 31 December 2023, you can legally have your XL Bully in public provided that:

🔹 A muzzle is securely fitted, sufficient to prevent your dog from biting any person, and

🔹 The dog is on a lead being held securely by a person no less than sixteen years of age

Find out more about the ban - Prepare for the ban on XL Bully dogs - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Check if a dog is an XL Bully - Check if a dog is an XL Bully - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

During the early hours of Sunday morning these bikes were stolen from Wellington, Hereford.

• 1x GasGas 450
• 1x KTM 150
• 2x KX 80

If you any information please contact West Mercia Police on 101.

Alternatively, information can be shared anonymously with the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

Mums-to-be are to benefit from an expansion and refurbishment of the maternity triage unit at Hereford County Hospital, which opened this week.

Left to right: Anna Nash - midwife, Amie Symes - Associate Director of Midwifery and Annette Arnold - maternity inpatient matron at Wye Valley NHS Trust.

During the last month, building work has been underway in the old maternity triage unit knocking down walls and creating a much larger new maternity triage area.

The unit features a new entrance area, waiting area, reception, modern adjustable lighting, additional assessment beds, and new equipment. The unit also benefits from a separate entrance on the second floor, which means that women no longer need to enter the maternity ward to access the triage service.

The maternity triage unit provides assessment and care, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for women who have concerns regarding their pregnancy (from 18 weeks onwards) or their baby (up until they are 28 days old).

Amie Symes, Associate Director of Midwifery at Wye Valley NHS Trust, said: “We are delighted to be able to open our new expanded maternity triage unit, which provides additional space with modern facilities enabling our midwifery team to assess more women during their pregnancy. As a team, we are focused on continuing to improve our maternity services in Herefordshire and the new unit will help to enhance the experience of the women using this service.

“Our specialist team of midwives are on hand to provide expert care and offer advice both at the maternity triage unit and via the telephone helpline. It’s so important that women with pregnancy related concerns such as abdominal pain, leaking of fluid, or changes in their baby’s movements, seek the appropriate advice and follow up care as soon as possible. We recommend that women contact the maternity triage helpline on 07990 986517, available 24/7, before attending the hospital, so that our team can advise accordingly.”

To access information on the maternity triage unit visit www.wyevalley.nhs.uk and search maternity triage.

Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet is to discuss approval of the awarding of a new waste collection contract at their next meeting on 25 January.

Although this is a significant moment in the transformation of waste services in the county, there will be no immediate changes that residents or businesses need to be aware of.

The existing Waste Collection contract with FCC will be extended to 31 August 2024, with the new contract to commence on 1 September. The new contract will last for an initial 8 years, with an option to extend by up to a further 12 years.

Cllr Elissa Swinglehurst, Cabinet Member Environment, said: “The new waste collection service will help us to minimise waste and increase reuse, repair and recycling. It will also contribute to our investment in low carbon projects, and strengthen our stewardship of Herefordshire’s natural resources.

“Environmental impact has been key to the development of the service specification, which will include extensive requirements to minimise waste, reduce energy and carbon emissions and enhance biodiversity.

“As we have extended the existing contract until the end of August, residents and businesses will experience no changes to the current service, and we are committed to communicating clearly and in timely fashion with local people when any potential changes become clear.”

Friends of Castle Green (FoCG) has today (17th January 2024) taken over the lease of the former Bowling Club on Castle Green as a Community Asset Transfer from Herefordshire Council.

Chair of FoCG Paddy Nugent receiving the keys to the Castle Green Bowling Club from Joe Long of Herefordshire Council Estates team.

The former Bowling Club and bowling green, which was vacated in May 2023, will be rebranded The Club House at Castle Green and will be managed and refurbished by Friends of Castle Green CIC to provide a sustainable asset for the community.

The asset transfer will allow the community group to apply for grant funding to improve the building and surrounding area, making more use of the park for today's community and improving and protecting it for future generations. The group has an excellent record of success in grant applications and is currently undertaking a total refurbishment of the Pavilion on Castle Green with Stronger Towns funding of £1.56million*.

Paddy Nugent, Friends of Castle Green Chair, says, “We are excited to become custodians of the former Bowling Club on Castle Green. With the Pavilion and Club House stewarded by FoCG, all of Castle Green will be sympathetically connected, forming an inclusive campus of facilities for the community.

FoCG recognises that great public spaces strengthen communities so we look forward to consulting with the local community to provide a building that is fit for a number of purposes.

We are delighted that the Council has recognised the dedication of the local community and trusted us with the future of this building, the Pavilion and the surrounding area. We are now even further committed to realising some of the aspirations of the residents of Herefordshire for this beautiful park in the heart of the City.”

Councillor Bramer, Cabinet Member for Community Services and Assets says:

"We’re delighted to support the community asset transfer of the former bowling club on Castle Green to Friends of Castle Green. Community Asset Transfers allow local communities to manage facilities for the benefit of local people. The improvements planned by Friends of Castle Green promise to breathe new life into a building that has been unoccupied for some time, bringing it back into use for the benefit of the wider Hereford community."

Chair of FoCG Paddy Nugent receiving the keys to the Castle Green Bowling Club from Joe Long of Herefordshire Council Estates team.

𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗜𝘁 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁!

Had a good morning out last Thursday with the Hereford Walking Group. Meet at Drybridge House Day Centre every Thursday 10.30am to 12.30pm. Stay for refreshments (suggested £1 donation!) Good company walking and chatting along river to The Waterworks at Broomy Hill (open Tuesdays 11am to 4pm) and back to Drybridge House for warm bowl of soup and cup of tea/coffee. Worth calling in as other activities are being organised througout the week. Working in partnership with Herefordshire & Worcestershire Age UK.