Hereford Voice

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A spokesperson for Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service told Hereford Voice "Whites and Bravo mobilised to a RTC on the A417 near Isle of Rhea, Bodenham. Supported by crews from Leominster, Kingsland and Tenbury. One artic wagon carrying a large quantity of milk had left the road and came to a rest in a field. Crews used our environment agency grab pack to initially reduce the spillage before the Environmental Protection Unit from Tenbury arrived. Thankfully no serious injuries. Incident left with the police for investigation and recovery" 📷 HWFRS

So this topic has been online since yesterday, (15 hours ago) we decided to wait until this morning to publish the story on our network Then guess what happened just 14 minutes later... Of course you can now clearly see that 'We Lead Others Follow' nothing new here.

Toros FC wrote on their Facebook page; "Tonight, we’re pleased to report that most of the travellers have left our field at Belmont Abbey. We’re now awaiting the removal of the final two caravans, after which the field should be clear. Sadly, the damage left behind is extensive and heartbreaking, with thousands of pounds' worth of equipment to replace and rubbish and mess to clean up. This includes broken and stolen goalposts, paint thrown across our clubhouse and containers, smashed glass tables, sharp metal and other objects scattered everywhere, tyre marks on the grass, and rubbish strewn throughout. This is particularly tough for our young members and our dedicated volunteers, who give their time and energy freely to maintain our pitches and keep football thriving here. The club will have to bear the costs of these mindless acts of vandalism by individuals who do not care. Provided that the field is fully clear, we’ll begin the task of cleaning up tomorrow evening. A huge thank you to everyone who has lent their support over the last few days. Everyone at Toros FC really appreciates your kind messages and offers of help. We can’t wait to get Belmont Abbey back to its best and see football return as soon as possible"

Former Conservative Councillor Nick Mason who's address is listed as Milton on Stour, Gillingham, SP8 has charged by The Gambling Commission with offences under the Gambling Act 2005 following an investigation into alleged cheating related to bets placed on the timing of the 2024 General Election. Mr Mason is the Councillor for Weobley ward and the Parishes of Birley with Upper Hill; Brinsop and Wormsley; Canon Pyon; Dilwyn; Kings Pyon; Mansel Lacy; Weobley; Yazor. Mr Mason is also listed on the Herefordshire Council website as Party: Ungrouped Image courtesy Facebook Gambling Commission charges 15 with General Election betting offences The Gambling Commission has charged 15 people with offences under the Gambling Act 2005 following an investigation into alleged cheating related to bets placed on the timing of the 2024 General Election. The investigation, initiated in June 2024, focused on individuals suspected of using confidential information - specifically advance knowledge of the proposed election date - to gain an unfair advantage in betting markets. Such actions constitute an offence of cheating under Section 42 of the Gambling Act 2005, a criminal offence. Those charged are: Simon Chatfield, 51, (DOB: 19/03/1974), Lower Bourne, Farnham, GU10 Russell George, 50, (DOB: 27/04/1974), Newtown, Wales, SY16 Amy Hind, 34, (DOB: 13/07/1990), Loughton, Essex, IG10 Anthony Hind, 36, (DOB: 12/09/1988), Loughton, Essex, IG10 Jeremy Hunt, 55, (DOB: 08/04/1970), Horne, Horley, RH6, (former Police Officer) Thomas James, 38, (DOB: 15/09/1986), Brecon, Wales, LD3 Charlotte Lang, 36, (DOB: 15/02/1989), Brixton, SW9 Anthony Lee, 47, (DOB: 24/04/1977), Bristol, BS1 Iain Makepeace, 47, (DOB: 15/08/1977), Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE16 Nick Mason, 51, (DOB: 03/10/1973), Milton on Stour, Gillingham, SP8 Paul Place, 53, (DOB: 11/05/1971), Hammersmith, London, W6 Laura Saunders, 37, (DOB: 23/02/1988), Bristol, BS1 James Ward, 40, (DOB: 12/08/1984), London, E11 Craig Williams, 39, (DOB: 07/06/1985), Llanfair Caereinion, Welshpool, SY21 Jacob Willmer, 39, (DOB: 06/07/1985), Richmond, London, TW9 They are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court at 10am on Friday 13 June 2025. The Commission, as the independent regulator of gambling in Great Britain, is committed to protecting consumers and the public, ensuring confidence in the industry, and upholding high standards among licensees. Under Sections 27 and 28 of the Gambling Act, the Commission has the authority to investigate offences and bring criminal prosecutions where appropriate. The Commission is committed to upholding the law and will continue to take robust action against illegal betting practices, including investigating and prosecuting offences. The Gambling Commission cannot provide further details on ongoing criminal cases. This is an ongoing criminal matter led by the Gambling Commission. It is separate from the previous independent Met Police investigation, which was discontinued.

On Wednesday 9th April 2025, a two-day trial took place at Worcester Crown Court concerning Mr James BIDDLE an 87-year-old male from the LEOMINSTER, HEREFORDSHIRE area, after he was charged by police for sexually assaulting a child under the age of 13 years old. Mr BIDDLE had been attending his local COOP store in Leominster, to conduct some grocery shopping on Saturday 6th APRIL 2024 as part of his usual routine. Whilst in the store, Mr BIDDLE observed a 4-year-old girl with her parents also shopping in front of him and proceeded to make his way down the aisle, where he came to a stop directly behind them, both with their backs towards him. Mr BIDDLE, who is not known to the young girl or the family, then intentionally leant over his mobility chair and pinched the underneath of the bottom of the young girl, over her clothing. With little time to react, the girl started to turn and walk away with her father to leave the aisle, when Mr BIDDLE, removed the glove from his hand and pinched the young girl once again under her bottom. The girl notified her parents of what happened, and the police were called. PC Laura STOBBART, officer in the case, investigated the incident and successfully gained a charge after seeking advice from the Crown Prosecution Service. At Worcester Crown Court, the jury unanimously found Mr BIDDLE guilty of sexually assaulting a child under the age of 13 years old. The Judge sentenced Mr BIDDLE to 3 months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, to be placed on the sex offenders register and to pay costs of £500. After the trial, PC STOBBART commented “ I wish to commend the victim in this case who showed incredible tenacity, strength, and courage to speak up to her parents and police. We also must recognise the bravery of her parents who have worked closely with the police during this difficult process to help investigate and detect this case. During the incident, the defendant was located and arrested in a timely manner and we hope that this and the outcome at court will demonstrate to the public how seriously such a crime is taken by West Mercia Police and that we want to do everything in our power to bring offenders to justice and stop young women being subject to such a horrible crime”.

Different day and we're still leading the way... Took just 36 mins

A man has been sentenced to 16 years after he was found guilty of raping a woman in Ross-on-Wye. Mustafa Ogur, of Brookend Street in Ross-on-Wye, was found guilty after a trial at Worcester Crown Court and was sentenced on Monday (7 April). Following his sentence in prison, he will remain on extended licence for eight years and be subject to a lifetime sexual harm prevention order. An investigation was launched after a woman was raped near to Three Crosses Road and Springfield Road in the early hours of Sunday 21 July in 2024. CCTV showed the 24-year-old preying on potential victims before the attack and witnesses described how he used Google translate on his phone to tell them ‘I want to make love to you’. Ogur was arrested and charged with rape and sexual assault on 25 July 2024 and when officers entered his home they discovered him in the shower, having shaved his hair in an attempt to change his appearance and evade being recognised as the suspect. Herefordshire CID Detective Inspector, Ben Pearson, said: “It takes such bravery to first report and then talk about such a horrific experience, and I commend the victim, who has shown incredible strength and courage throughout the investigation and trial. I understand that nothing will ever take away the pain and suffering from such an experience. “I am pleased with the sentencing given to Ogur yesterday. I’m unsure if a person capable of such an evil crime would reflect on the harm he has caused an innocent person, but I do know Ogur is a dangerous individual who will thankfully no longer be amongst our community for some time. "It is never too late to report a sexual offence and if you have been a victim or you know someone who has been a victim of this crime, please know that we are here to listen to you and support you through every step of the process."

Flooding - Planning Statement: In recognition of the flood constraint, the ground floor of all units comprises an integral parking space and utility room, thereby ensuring no habitable accommodation at ground floor.

A planning application has been submitted by Garrock Ltd for the 'Proposed demolition of existing buildings and erection of 10 no. dwellings with associated landscaping and parking' in St Martins Street Hereford on the site of the former Wye Bridge Motors. The proposed dwellings are arranged in two identical blocks comprising five dwellings each in a terrace. The respective buildings are situated either side of a communal garden area, one block orientated to address St Martin’s Street, the other set into the site and parallel to the street-fronting block. The application site extends to 0.12ha and is located at the southern end of St Martin’s Street, Hereford. The site is bound by the U82345 St Martin’s Street to the east, from which vehicular access is taken. To the south is Drybridge House, a residential care home. To the north are properties fronting St Martin’s Street and their respective curtilages, including St Martin’s Place. Many of these properties are subdivided into apartments, with some still in commercial use at ground floor. Planning application P250805/F

A spokesperson for Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service told Hereford Voice 'Last night 472 were mobilised to reports of a large industrial unit fire, Wormbridge. Upon arrival, the front side of the building was quickly extinguished by initial crews, allowing entry to be gained with the use of RTC cutting tools. Crews in BA proceeded to fight a large internal fire into the early hours of the morning. Assistance from Hereford, Peterchurch, Fownhope, Hereford ALP and Leominster Water Carrier. Initial crews were relieved by supporting pumps from Bromyard, Whitchurch, Eardisley and Ross. No persons harmed' 📷 HWFRS Hereford Voice - '𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲'

Bryan Robson, aged 50 of Moorfield Street, Hereford appeared at Worcester Crown Court today (4 April) after pleading guilty to attempted murder. Police were called to Moorfield Street on the afternoon of Wednesday 9 October, and found a 42-year-old man with multiple stab wounds to his abdomen and arms. A three-inch bladed knife was found at the address. The victim’s injuries were potentially life-threatening and he was airlifted to hospital in a serious condition. He spent four weeks in hospital and required surgery. Robson was charged with the offences and remanded in custody. Detective Inspector Catherine Taylor said “This was a brutal attack which left a man critically injured. "The police officers acted swiftly on attendance to the scene. They were able to quickly apprehend Robson and provide first aid to the victim. Officers worked tirelessly to bring Robson to justice before the courts. "We would like to reassure our communities that violence like this is rare, and that this was an isolated incident.”

The Hereford Transport Hub project has taken a significant step forward as the council are pleased to announce McPhillips (Wellington) Ltd as the official construction partner. As well as new bus stands and layovers, taxi and car parking areas, including commuter and short term parking, the Hub will provide indoor welfare facilities for passengers and covered cycle facilities and lockers to encourage commuter cycle parking. The £10m Hub will enhance the area around the station while also encouraging a shift away from reliance on cars, providing an easy-to-use, reliable link to bus and rail, as well as cycling and walking in the city. Cllr Philip Price, Cabinet Member Transport and Infrastructure, said: “We are pleased to announce the appointment of McPhillips Wellington Ltd as the council’s official construction partner for the Transport Hub project. The station and its surrounding area is a key entry point to the city and the Hub will help deliver improvements to public transportation, active travel and greater access, while also enhancing the environment for commuters and visitors. “Once complete, the Hub will provide accessible, safe and green transport connections, boosting health and wellbeing, reducing congestion and improving air quality. We look forward to working with McPhillips Wellington Ltd to deliver a modern and truly outstanding Hub for Hereford.” Andrew Dunham, McPhillips Contracts Director, said the hub project was a great investment in the future of the city. “Having worked on significant public realm and transport projects over the years, we know how transformative these spaces can be for communities. Our team at McPhillips is genuinely excited to be awarded this contract and we’re looking forward to delivering a a hub which makes moving around the city easier for everyone.” The award-winning contractor prides itself on approach to working with a local supply chain and will be delivering significant social value in Herefordshire through the project. This scheme is part of the ‘Improving Transport in Hereford’ programme of works. It is part of a £20.5million investment from Levelling Up Funding offered by government for a package of transport and travel measures in and around Hereford city. For more information, please visit the Herefordshire Council website

It's been 3 months since the Three Counties Hotel was demolished. Today contractors have began initial work on the pond as construction of the new Lidl store slowly begins.

Agree, everything is so expensive! And yes the World is a weird place right now

A gang of drug dealers who flooded cocaine and cannabis into Worcestershire and Herefordshire have been sentenced to a total of 94 years and four months at crown court. Paul Bailey of Redditch was sentenced to 20 years at Worcester Crown Court yesterday (Monday 31 March). His sentence is the final one in a complex and lengthy investigation by the Regional Organised Crime Unit for the West Midlands Region (ROCUWM) called Operation Pyrogenic which has seen other gang members sentenced at earlier court appearances. Six of them were convicted of conspiracy to supply 10 kilograms of and cocaine 20 kilograms of cannabis and were dealt with as follows: - Paul Bailey, 56, of Jersey Close, Redditch was sentenced to 20 years. Jamie Worrall, 38, of Sandicliffe Close, Kidderminster, was previously sentenced to 17 years on Wednesday 6 November. Arron Adams, 39, of Boughton Avenue, Worcester was sentenced to 22 years on 6 November. Adam Nicholls, 42, of Weyburn Close, Worcester was sentenced to 23 years on 6 November. Nicola Everton, 37, of Cummins Farm, Hindlip, Worcester was sentenced to six years on 6 November. Phillip Smith, 57, of Gregorys Bank, Worcester was sentenced to 6 years 4 months on Friday 8 November. Another accomplice - Shaun Carr, 39, of Woodmancote, Worcester was given a 10-month sentence, suspended for 12 months after being found guilty of money laundering on 6 November. Operation Pyrogenic was a ROCUWM proactive operation into the large-scale supply of cocaine and cannabis into Worcestershire, Herefordshire and the West Midlands area. The operation took place between April 2020 and July 2021 revealing the gang operated a large-scale middle market drugs supply chain and were involved in the sourcing, distribution and selling of drugs which reached as far as Lincolnshire and Devon. This organised crime group used encrypted mobile phone devices on a platform based in France called ‘Encro-chat’ to organise the supply of cannabis and cocaine which were infiltrated and deciphered by the National Crime Agency (NCA). Bailey, Adams, Nicholls, Worrall, Everton, and Smith used these devices to orchestrate the multi-kilo supply of cannabis and cocaine into the region. They continued to operate after the Encro-chat network had been infiltrated by police using other encrypted communication applications. On July 9, 2020, Everton was arrested by police with a kilogram of cocaine in her vehicle on the M5 near junction 6. On January 6, 2021, police arrested Bailey, Adams, Nicholls and Smith at their home addresses. During searches of the addresses, imagery was found to assist in the attribution of the Encro-chat handles. Nicholls foolishly sent an image of his computer with his reflection on it over the Encro-chat under one of the user handles. On 27 October 2020, Carr was arrested by officers at junction 2 on the M5 with £17,000 in a plastic shopping bag. They found one of Nicholls’ fingerprints on this bag. Police seized numerous mobile phones after the conspirators had been arrested. On Smith’s mobile phone, police found evidence of drug supply and conversations between him and other conspirators about the movement of drugs. Carr, Smith, Bailey, Everton and Worrall all pleaded guilty prior to trial. After a three-week trial at Worcester Crown Court a jury took less than six hours of deliberation to find Adams and Nicholls guilty of the conspiracy on 6 November. Some of the evidence from the case. Detective Chief Inspector Peter Cooke from ROCUWM, said: “This is a fantastic result following a complex investigation. The team have successfully taken a large number of drugs off the streets and put this group who caused misery in our communities behind bars for a very long time. “Drugs ruin lives and poison communities and we remain dedicated to breaking supply lines through our region. “These offenders are ruthless and think nothing of exploiting vulnerable people, putting them at risk of serious harm, while they sit back and count the money. “These sentences send a strong message that drug dealers will be caught, and they face many years in prison. “We will continue to strive to keep drugs off our streets and protect vulnerable people.”

Ross-on-Wye has helped to fund two new CCTV cameras in the town with additional funding coming from round 5 of the Home Office Safer Streets fund. The new cameras have been installed and are now live on Wye Street, covering the Bandstand area and on the Ropewalk. Ross-on-Wye Town Council invested £10,500 to the scheme with further funding from the Safer Streets Fund which aims to tackle neighbourhood crime, violence against women and girls and anti-social behaviour. The Safer Streets Fund also funded a new CCTV camera on Pig’s Alley.

Herefordshire Museums & Galleries are excited to introduce their new identity for the county’s museum service! 👀 Notice the Herefordshire Museums & Galleries logo, featuring the name in bold uppercase letters with the words stacked across three lines. But this isn’t just a name change—it’s about creating a stronger, more connected museum experience for everyone. Why the change? To better reflect the full scope of our museums, galleries & collections To make it easier to explore & engage with everything we offer To celebrate Herefordshire’s incredible heritage in fresh, exciting ways From The Old House Hereford to The History Store and the soon-to-be-redeveloped Hereford Museum & Art Gallery, this marks the start of something bigger, bolder, and more inspiring for our visitors. Discover more: https://orlo.uk/hmsXj

Today is a very special day at St Michael's Hospice - Hereford It’s exactly ten years since their beautiful, welcoming Inpatient Unit opened. The building marked the biggest expansion, at that point, of their care since the first welcomed patients back in 1984. 📷 St Michael's Hospice - Hereford Hereford Voice - Well done to everyone at St Michael's Hospice - Hereford for the wonderful, caring, professional and compassionate services that you provide to our community.

Herefordshire Museum Service is being revitalised, thanks to a grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The grant was made following a successful application by Herefordshire Museum Service Support Group. Their successful application means that the museum service has been able to make changes and create new and more engaging opportunities for visitors than ever before. Herefordshire Museum Service has unveiled a fresh new identity, ‘Herefordshire Museums & Galleries’, marking an exciting new chapter for the county’s cultural landscape. More than just a collection of historical sites, the rebranded service reflects a commitment to art, heritage, and creativity, ensuring that Herefordshire’s rich cultural offering is accessible and inspiring for all. Two key sites have been renamed to better reflect their cultural and historical significance, making it easier for visitors to connect with them. The Black and White House Museum has returned to its original museum name, Old House Hereford, reinforcing its identity as a beautifully preserved historic home at the heart of High Town. The Museum Resource and Learning Centre has become The History Store, a name that highlights its role as a treasure trove of local heritage, research, and discovery. The rebrand is part of a wider initiative called ‘Heritage Reimagined – Revitalising Hereford’s Heritage’, made possible through a £4,500 grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Alongside the new names, visitors will notice fresh signage and branding, enhancing the look and feel of these important heritage spaces and making them more welcoming and accessible. To mark the relaunch, special celebratory events were held this week, giving the public a chance to experience the new identity first hand. Damian Etheraads, Museum and Art Gallery Lead at Herefordshire Council, said: We are sure that visitors will notice and embrace the changes we have made, thanks to this funding. We are incredibly grateful to the Herefordshire Museum Service Support Group and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund for making this possible. We want visitors to get to know and really engage with their local history and heritage - but also with the wider world of art and creativity. Our museums and galleries are places where stories come alive, creativity flourishes, and every visitor leaves feeling inspired, connected, and part of Herefordshire’s thriving future. To coincide with the rebrand, Herefordshire Museums & Galleries has released a new spring and summer ‘What’s On’ guide, detailing upcoming events at Old House Hereford and The History Store, as well as in Ross, Ledbury, and Leominster. The guide includes a mix of family-friendly activities, school holiday events, and seasonal programming, ensuring that visitors can engage with art, history, and heritage in new and dynamic ways. Copies of the guide are available at Old House Hereford, History Store, libraries, and tourist information centres. The rebrand comes as Hereford Museum and Art Gallery undergoes an ambitious redevelopment to transform it into a modern, engaging space for art, history, and culture. While the main museum is being renovated, the newly rebranded sites will continue to host events, exhibitions, and community activities, ensuring visitors remain connected to Herefordshire’s heritage.

Disgusting vandals! Even though we needed to spread the word for our friends at the Club House... it's clear that we are someone else's go to place for the latest news...😉 Just 16 minutes..

As part of efforts to improve flooding resilience in the county, the council is pleased to welcome the ‘Floodpod’ to Herefordshire on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 March. The innovative FloodPod showcases lots of examples of property flood resilience to help people understand the various ways they can protect their home or business from flooding to minimise disruption and damage. Flooding advisor Mary Long-Dhonau OBE (also known as ‘Flood Mary’) will be on hand to answer any questions and give advice. The ‘Floodpod’ will be open to all local people in the following times and locations: Friday 28 March, 9.30am-1pm: Leominster, Etnam Street car park Friday 28 March, 3-6pm: Peterchurch, village hall Saturday 29 March, 9.30am-1pm: Ledbury, St Katherine’s Street car park Saturday 29 March, 3-6pm: Ross-on-Wye, Red Meadow car park Councillor Nick Mason, Cabinet Support Member, said: “We’re delighted to welcome the ‘Floodpod’ to the county. It is a valuable source of information to help people improve the flooding resilience of their property and a great opportunity to ask questions of Mary Long-Dhonau OBE, a distinguished expert in flooding advice.” The council’s flooding web pages have also been revamped, with the improved section now hosting live information about flood warnings and river levels. The new feature is a perfect resource for people to keep an eye on current and upcoming flooding risks, and will help to boost preparedness across the county. Cllr Mason added: “ Herefordshire Council is committed to improving our county’s flood preparedness, response and resilience. We will be investing an additional £2 million over the next two years in flood resilience and response capacity. “The ‘Floodpod’ and new web features are only part of the effort, but their value could be immense. I would encourage local people to visit the ‘Floodpod’ and take a look at our online resources to reflect on how we can all work to improve flooding resilience in Herefordshire.” For more information, please visit herefordshire.gov.uk/flooding

Application to build on land to the east of the A40 and south of Starling Road, Ross-on-Wye. 3D illustration 'Proposed erection of a residential care home (Use Class C2), with associated access arrangements, car parking, amenity space, landscaping, drainage and all other associated works' Full details HERE

A 63-year-old man was yesterday (Thursday 20 March) jailed for two residential burglaries in Herefordshire. Martin Bradley, of Austin Road in Bromsgrove, was handed a 16-month prison sentence for the burglaries which he committed in 2023. Bradley forced entry into a property in Ullingswick on 23 May, causing damage to the house, and stole household items and taxidermy poultry. A week later, on 30 May, Bradley broke into a second property in Dinedor. On this occasion cash, jewellery and garden tools were amongst the items stolen. He used two different vehicles in the burglary – using one to flee the scene in and then switched to another shortly after. He was charged with two counts of burglary dwelling and theft on 31 May 2023 and pleaded guilty to the offences earlier this year on 18 February. Bradley was sentenced to 16-months imprisonment for both charges which will run concurrently. DC Simon Caine of Proactive CID in Hereford said: “Despite Bradley switching vehicles after fleeing from the Dinedor burglary to evade police, he was stopped by officers in Bromyard later the same day, and items from the break-in were located stashed under his drivers’ seat. “We were able to identify Bradley’s vehicle at the Ullingswick address through CCTV footage. He was seen at the property 11 days before the offence and then again on the day he broke in. “We will continue to pursue offenders like Bradley whose actions cause financial loss and emotional distress to victims.”