Colin James

I have some good news and not so good news. The good news is, some of the bulbs have been replaced!! Except this one at the entrance, maybe the unit is totally broke? The not so good news is that where there are two bulbs in each unit only one of those bulbs have been replaced, maybe they are brighter or the other unit is not working or maybe the person replacing these bulbs is coming back at a later date... I also see that the bulb at the entrance at Greyfriars surgery end has been replaced and it is working as you can see. So we have a fairly rapid response in fairness but there is still some work to do. I would like to think parts have been ordered and someone will be coming back to complete the job, so time will tell. Great result all the same and all done within 10 days of when I first reported it, well down to Highways England for a fast response.

Another reason why I have suggested mirrors both ends, it will also show if anyone is stood there.

The fire in Rotherwas was a car repair workshop building apparently. Photo: Nick Stocker

Closure Update: Herefordshire Council would like to thank the public for their patience whilst it reviews the position relating to the unexpected discovery of asbestos at Hereford Library. The safety of users and staff of the services is our most important consideration, and the implications of managing asbestos at the building needs to be carefully considered. As traces of asbestos have been found at the venue, it is in the best safety interest to remove it completely, which will be started as soon as possible. As yet we have not been given a date as to when those works will be completed. We have seen considerable increase in the use of Belmont Library to compensate for the closure of Hereford Library, and a drop-off point is available at the Shirehall. In addition we plan to open a temporary provision at Hereford Town Hall as soon as we can. Options for temporary relocating the Museum and Arts Gallery are being explored. In addition to the public use PCs at Belmont library there are also public access PCs available at the new HARC building at Rotherwas and at the Courtyard, which are free to use. We will provide further updates on the library as soon as we have them. Though the risk from asbestos is minimal, if you have health concerns please contact your GP in the first instance. 16 September 2015 We have received a number of queries relating to the closure of Hereford Library and Museum and have developed some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help answer as many of these as possible. 14 September 2015 Please be advised that alternative library facilities, including computer access, are located at Belmont Library and during the temporary closure of Hereford Library will operate extended hours. Thank you to South Wye Community Association for its support. Belmont library has free parking for community centre visitors and is located on bus routes 39, 39A, 74, 74A, 75, 75A, 79A, 440, 447, 449 and X4. You can also renew your library books online or call 01432 383295. Alternative public computer access is available at The Courtyard in Hereford, please contact them directly for more information. Green bags for garden waste can be purchased from The Hereford Centre at Franklin House in Hereford. We will endeavour to find an alternative venue for the Spun Gold exhibition, but regret that the exhibition is currently closed. The Old House museum will extend its hours, as an alternative attraction. Herefordshire Council appreciate your patience during this time and will seek to provide other services as they become available. 11 September 2015 In the interest of public and staff safety, Herefordshire Council has made the decision to temporarily close Hereford Library and Museum with effect from today, due to the discovery of trace levels of asbestos found in the building as a result of planned building work due to take place at the site. The building will be closed for an initial 12 week period, while the remedial works and improvements to the site are conducted. Air samples had showed there were no airborne particles of asbestos, however trace amounts were found on surfaces near the oldest parts of the building's structure. Herefordshire Council would like to stress that the risk of contamination is minimal, however it is important we take risk seriously and take the appropriate action to safeguard our staff and customers. The Health and Safety Executive has been informed and the library service is assessing the impact on the wider library service and what actions can be taken to address and mitigate the impact of the closure in the best interest of customers. There is more information on asbestos on the Health and Safety Executive website.

What will our city look like, your thoughts... ​High Town Refurbishment The ‘High Town Refurbishment’ will create a consistent look and feel to help improve the city centre, which will attract shoppers, traders and businesses in to Hereford city. The Old Market development has improved the leisure experience in Hereford and has brought more people to Hereford city centre since it opened in May 2014. The refurbishment of Widemarsh Street in 2010 created a popular and attractive link between the old and new parts of the city and the High Town refurbishment will extend this area. The revamped Butter Market will provide a diverse space with a variety of businesses alongside retailers. Public consultation about this refurbishment project is scheduled for November 2015. Further details on how you can feedback on the scheme to follow. The High Town Refurbishment will be funded through the Herefordshire Council Local Transport Plan capital budget. Transport hub and refurbishment of Commercial Road, Newmarket Street and Blueschool Street Arriving in Hereford by bus or train, you are likely to walk from the station along Blueschool Street, Commercial Road and Newmarket Street. The refurbishment of these areas will make the walk or cycle into Hereford city centre more pleasurable, helping people lead healthier and more active lives. It will also be easier for visitors and residents to use buses and trains at a new ‘transport hub.’ Public consultation about this refurbishment project is scheduled for November 2015. Further details on how you can feedback on the scheme to follow. The area improvements and transport hub will be built as part of the ‘hereford city centre transport package’ with funding secured from the marches local enterprise partnership. Full details on the Hereford2020 Website

26th I believe is the new date but not long now.

Good to see. I think many more locations should have more of these devices. Is there one at the Old Market?

I would tend to agree, I cannot imagine people feeding wild rats to be honest. People should however, take their rubbish and food home because that is what will attract them.

To be honest LED lighting is so so much cheaper than previous lighting, this is all that is required in my opinion.

That is part of the Great Western Way Roger yes? I assume you are referring to under the bridge?

In fairness I had the very discussion tonight with a local Police Officer who was actually knocking on doors locally handing out the latest newsletter and asking if everything was good, which was great to see I must add. This particular underpass is nowhere near as dark as the other two in this debate and come under the jurisdiction of Highways England and not the council. I will try and grab some night photographs to show but from memory this underpass is a lot shorter and has a lot better lighting. I also recolect that the attack on this poor lad started on the street and continued in the underpass where he was followed. Original HT article and another article here

Belmont SNT October 2015 Newsletter BELMONT+SNT+NEWS+LETTER+Oct+2015..pdf

I am not surprised at all, I was quite shocked hence why I took these photographs.

I called Herefordshire Council and Balfour Beatty yesterday see post 15 above. These underpasses are the responsibility of Highways England (formally the Highways Agency) as it goes underneath the A49. On another note, they played my interview on Free Radio today about these but I missed it.

BBC Crimewatch link here The blade of the knife was recovered but police have never found the knife handle, despite extensive searches of the area and nearby river.

According to the programme that had received some interesting calls, lets hope they get a name.

I remember this pub in it's hay day, it is a real shame to see the sad decline and closure of this pub. We would often go in for a few pre-match beers. I remember back when Richard and his wife had it. I think Spaldy had it for a while too, he then went on a bought Manhattans in town.

Please see attached presentation regarding the Herefordshire Local Plan which was shown at the seminar briefing last week. Herefordshire Local Plan Members' Seminar 09-10-15.pptx

Only just got home so unfortunately missed this meeting but I am sure Glenda will give us the details.

I remember Mr Wilson, Mr Davies in the newsagent, and all the other places you mention. The cold meat shop and gents hairdressers where my neighbour Mr Ivan Bishop used to cut our hair.

Free Radio interviewed me on the telephone this morning about my concerns. I followed this up by reporting both of these subways having out of order bulbs and requested additional brighter lighting. I called Herefordshire Council and spoke with Julie on the switchboard who explained that this was either the responsibility of Balfour Beatty or Highways England. I then called and spoke with Paige at Balfour Beatty who took all of the details, she put me on hold and then came back to me explaining that this is not their responsibility but that of Highways England. I have now reported this to a gentleman named Chris (Birmingham) who took all of the details and told me that he would pass on this information to their local people to deal with.

BBC Crimewatch tonight at 9pm. The senior investigating officer (SIO) of the investigation, DCI Leighton Harding, said: We are offering this reward to encourage people to come forward with information to help us identify those responsible for Christians death. We firmly believe that someone has information which could lead us to those responsible for Christian's death but has not yet come forward. My appeal to them is to think about the impact Christians murder has had on his family, in particular his young daughter who faces a life without her father, and to do the right thing by contacting us. If you have any information it is imperative you come forward to police and allow Christians family the justice they deserve. #speakupforchristian

A REWARD of up to £10,000 is being offered in the hunt for the killer of Hereford dad, Christian Bagley, as police appeal for information on Crimewatch tonight. The 30-year-old died on June 21 this year in Hereford after he was stabbed in the back and arm. He was returning home after visiting his two-year-old daughter on Father's Day and was attacked as he walked under the Hunderton Bridge between 10.40pm and 10.50pm. The circumstances surrounding his death will be featured on Crimewatch tonight at 9pm on BBC1. His killer is yet to be found. Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Leighton Harding said: We are offering this reward to encourage people to come forward with information to help us identify those responsible for Christian's death. Christian's life ended in the most violent of circumstances and his family have suffered an unbearable loss. Their pain is prolonged and they will continue to suffer while those responsible continue their lives. We firmly believe that someone has information which could lead us to those responsible for Christian's death but has not yet come forward. "My appeal to them is to think about the impact Christian's murder has had on his family, in particular his young daughter who faces a life without her father, and to do the right thing by contacting us. If you have any information it is imperative you come forward to police and allow Christian's family the justice they deserve. Mr Bagley tried to raise the alarm but suffered significant blood loss before collapsing in Rogers Avenue. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Crimewatch incident room on 0800 0560944 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or go to www.crimestoppers-uk.org

I might pop in and have a look.