Hereford Voice

Sad To See But Some Excellent Progress By Wye Valley Demolition Half of the garden rooms have been demolished Boiler Room gone! Full demolition work is expected to be completed by late January 2025.

Herefordshire Council has sent a clear message that repeated anti-social behaviour and environmental crime will not be tolerated, with the successful prosecution of a fly-tipper for breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO). Mr Zackery Biddle was originally convicted of fly-tipping in 2022. Evidence presented in court showed that Bromyard Household Recycling Centre experienced repeated boundary fence damage between December 2023 and February 2024, allowing unauthorised entry. CCTV footage identified Mr. Biddle on-site with another individual carrying bolt cutters, a key factor in securing his conviction. Charles Yarnold, Herefordshire Council’s Head of Regulation and Technical Services, said: “This conviction sends a strong message that Herefordshire Council will not tolerate persistent offending or anti-social behaviour. Criminal Behaviour Orders are crucial in holding repeat offenders accountable and reinforcing our commitment to a safe and clean community for all residents.” Councillor Barry Durkin, Cabinet Member for Transport and Regulatory Services, added: “Our message is clear - persistent offenders who disregard the rules will face serious consequences. Herefordshire Council is fully committed to ensuring that anti-social and environmentally harmful behaviour is dealt with robustly. We will continue to take every step necessary to protect our communities and keep Herefordshire a safe place to live and work.” Herefordshire Council’s Community Protection Team works proactively to investigate fly-tipping incidents and hold individuals accountable for waste-related crimes. Residents are encouraged to report fly-tipping online at www.herefordshire.gov.uk/flytipping or by calling the council’s hotline 01432 261761

A man from Hereford who was jailed for producing cannabis has been ordered to pay back the proceeds of his crime or face more time in prison. On the 8 June 2023, officers executed a warrant at Hereford Coach and Commercial Refinishers at Glebe Farm and discovered cannabis being grown within the premises. 270 cannabis plants were recovered with a value of £93,700. The owner of the business, Andrew Mannion, of Orchard Meadow, Lower Eggleton, entered a guilty plea to 2 counts of being concerned in the production of cannabis and on the 25 August 2023, he was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment on count one and 6 months to run concurrently on count two. At a Proceeds of Crime hearing at Worcester Crown Court on Tuesday 19 November, the 62-year-old was instructed to payback the proceeds of his crime amounting to £97,009.44. If he doesn’t, he was told he would receive another 2-year custodial sentence. Detective Inspector Dan Fenn, from the Economic Crime and Cyber Unit, said: “I hope this is a strong message to those who think being involved in the production of drugs that we will be relentless in pursuing illicit funds that have been made from illegal activity. “I would like to commend the financial investigator who worked tirelessly on this investigation. It is a good example of how our team will not leave any stone unturned and will continue to protect our communities from further harm”.

We even managed a selfie! Can you pot yourself? Eternal girls with Sunshine Radio presenters The lights are on!

Thank you to Mark and all the team at Sunshine Radio and Hereford City Council for giving us full back stage access to today's fabulous show. Check out some of these fabulous photographs of the show, and all you lovely people who turned up in their thousands despite the rain! Can you spot yourself? Thank you to the girls from Eternal Group for your kindness and lovely hospitality, we even managed a selfie! What a great show!!

They are a nightmare and we have been campaigning for years to get them switched off

Christmas is coming! We know, it's just a coincidence right...

Matalan Has Confirmed To Hereford Voice That Their New Store In Hereford Opens On Saturday 23rd November.

The jobs of more than half of the workforce at the DIY chain Homebase are at risk after the retailer's owners called in administrators following a failed attempt at a sale. Homebase have a branch in Ledbury. Its owner Hilco had been looking to sell the struggling retailer, but has not managed to find an outright buyer. The owner of homeware chain The Range is buying up to 70 stores and the brand, safeguarding about 1,600 jobs. This leaves 49 stores without a buyer, and thousands of jobs at risk in the stores and head office. Administrators Teneo declined to say which stores were at risk of closing at this stage.

Three Counties Hotel Demolition Latest Images The demolition contractor is Wye Valley Demolition Ltd and the work is expected to be completed by late January 2025.

Yes, absolute nightmare

Lee Lauder (left) and Finley Phillips have been sentenced to a total of 54 months for burglary offences. Two men have been sentenced to a total of more than four years for burglary offences in the Hereford area. Lee Lauder, 19, of Paxton Drive, Bristol and Finley Phillips, 20, of Satchfield Court, Bristol, were sentenced to 27 months each on Tuesday 5 November at Worcester Crown Court. Lauder and Phillips were charged in relation to a series of burglaries at commercial premises on the Rotherwas industrial estate overnight of 3 and 4 September 2023. They also committed a burglary of a dwelling on 4 September when they were disturbed by the occupants of an address in Canon Frome, Hereford. They stole car keys, handbag, purse and money from that address. They were stopped by police a short time later and remanded in custody and charged for the other offences too. Lauder pled guilty to conspiracy to burglary for which he was given a 22-month sentence and dwelling house burglary for which he was given a 27-month sentence to run concurrently. Phillips also pled guilty to conspiracy to burglary for which he was given a 22-month sentence and dwelling house burglary for which he was given a 27-month sentence to run concurrently. Detective Constable Verity Farr of Hereford CID said: “Burglary and acquisitive crime offences cause great distress in our communities. “Breaking into someone’s home is immensely intrusive and distressing for those that are victims of these crimes. “We will always do all we can to pursue and prosecute those responsible for committing such offences.”

A Hereford drug dealer has been sentenced to 32 months for selling class A drugs into the city. Matthew Hayward, 36, of Charles Witts Avenue, Hereford, was sentenced at Worcester Crown Court yesterday (Tuesday 5 November). Hayward was arrested at his home address on 19 September 2024. A search of the vehicle he had been driving identified a large quantity of white powder - later confirmed as cocaine - was found in a bag in the boot. There were also a large quantity of clear unused deal bags and a set of scales. He did not hold a driving licence and was not insured to drive the vehicle he had been seen driving. Hayward was convicted of one count of possess with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class A - cocaine – in September as well as driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence and using a motor vehicle on a road/public place without third party insurance. He was sentenced to 32 months for the drug dealing offence, deprivation of any interest in a Mercedes car and disqualified from driving for 12 months plus a 16-month extension period, giving a total ban of 28 months for the motoring offences. Detective Constable Emily Holder of Hereford CID said: “We welcome this sentencing which demonstrates to the community that police will act swiftly and with the support of the public to disrupt the supply of controlled drugs which causes such harmful impact on our community. “We urge members of the public to contact us should they have any concerns over drug supply, and they will be taken seriously. You can report it to us online at Report a crime | West Mercia Police. Always call 999 in an emergency.” “Alternatively, if you have information but don’t feel comfortable speaking to police, you can speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers. It is 100% anonymous, they never ask your name, and they cannot trace your call or IP address. You can contact them online or by calling 0800 555 111.” This investigation forms part of Operation Target – West Mercia Police’s work to tackle serious and organised crime.

City businesses have voted a resounding 'YES' in a ballot that decides the future of the Hereford Business Improvement District Ltd (Hereford BID). Results released on Friday, 1st November, by Civica Electoral Services, who independently conducted the ballot, show that during the 28-day vote, 255 businesses voted with a total rateable value of £9,391,000. Of these, 232 (91%) voted in favour by number with a rateable value in favour of 91%. A majority in terms of votes cast & rateable value is legally required for a BID to be voted in. The results give the Hereford BID a strong mandate to deliver its projects and services as set out in its 2025-2030 Business Plan and secures over £1.7 million of investment in the city centre over the next five years. Paul Stevens, chairman of Hereford BID Ltd, said, "We are thrilled and humbled by the fantastic support that has been shown to us by local businesses who have been instrumental in shaping the BID's plans. The ballot results represent a bright future for Hereford, building on the 10 years of work we have already done and ensuring that we may continue to care, champion and develop projects and schemes that promote and support our member businesses who fund us. I want to thank everyone who has supported our proposals, as well as my fellow directors and the BID team who have put their heart and soul into supporting traders". Mike Truelove, Chief Executive, added, "It is wonderful to see the widespread and enthusiastic support for the exciting plans we will deliver, including the development of the Hereford Gift Card, more great events, including a new medieval festival, a 5-year tourism marketing campaign, and a daytime shop banning scheme to address store theft – to name but a few. None of this would be possible without the incredible support and positive relationships we have with businesses and city stakeholders. It is truly a team effort". The Hereford BID's third term starts on 1st April 2025 and runs for 5 years. It is incorporated as an independent company, limited by guarantee, and run by volunteer directors drawn from businesses in the Hereford BID area. For more information on the new business plan, please visit http://www.herefordcitylife.co.uk/hereford-bid/about/bid-3 Click here to view / download the official ballot report from CIVICA

Update Officers investigating a rape in Hereford have identified three key witnesses on CCTV. On Sunday 3 November, at around 4.30am, a rape was reported within the grounds of Hereford Cathedral. Officers are carrying out enquiries, including viewing CCTV and have identified three men who could be key witnesses. It’s believed they were in the area at the time and may be able to provide information which can help police with their enquiries. A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of rape and has been released on bail. Officers remain in the area providing reassurance to the local community. Inspector Ben Pearson of Hereford patrol unit said: “We are content that we are not looking to arrest or identify any other suspects. "We now are appealing directly to three men who have been seen on CCTV walking through the cathedral grounds and speaking to both people involved. “We do not think these men are involved but could be key witnesses to our investigation and may have information which can help with our enquiries. “Please contact Detective Sergeant Leah Lowe on 01432 347197 if you think this was yourself or someone you know. “Officers will remain in and around the cathedral as our enquiries continue, and I would encourage anyone who is concerned to speak to an officer on patrol." Alternatively, information can be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

There is currently an increased police presence in Hereford after officers received a report of a rape in the early hours of Sunday 3 November. Officers were on scene within the grounds of Hereford Cathedral after a report was received that a woman had been raped at around 4.30am. A 24-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of rape and remains in police custody. Detective Inspector Colin Berry said: “We understand that incidents like this can be unsettling for the community, and I want to provide reassurance that we believe there is no wider risk to the public. The victim is currently being supported by our specially trained officers. “Following the review of CCTV footage, there are people passing through the area around the time of the incident that we would like to speak with. You may have seen something suspicious or witnessed part of the incident, but any information you can provide could be valuable to our investigation, and we encourage you to come forward." If you were in the area around the time of the incident and have any information, please contact Detective Sergeant Leah Lowe on 101 quoting 092i of 3 November, or alternatively email leah.lowe@westmercia.police.uk. Alternatively, if you do not feel comfortable speaking with the police, information can be shared anonymously with the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by visiting their website.

Progress is being made on Hereford’s exciting new Transport Hub, with the project currently out for tender to find a construction partner. The £10m Hub will encourage a shift away from reliance on cars, providing an easy-to-use, reliable link to cycling, walking, bus and rail transport in the city. As well as covered cycle facilities and lockers to encourage commuter cycle parking, the Hub will provide new bus stands and layovers, taxi and car parking areas, including commuter and short term parking, and welfare facilities. Cllr Philip Price, Cabinet Member Transport and Infrastructure, said: “The development of the Transport Hub is out for tender. Once complete, the Hub is designed to improve travel experience for all, providing accessible, safe and green transport connections. “The station and its surrounding area is a key entry point to the city and not only will the Hub tie together public transportation, active travel and improved access, it will also help to revive the local heritage, and create an attractive environment for visitors and commuters. Greater opportunities for active travel are also good news for health and wellbeing, and will support the council’s environmental commitments by reducing congestion and improving air quality.” The council anticipates the appointment of a contractor in December, with the aim of works beginning on site early in the new year.

We have today received official notification that the demolition work will begin on Monday 4th November 2024 to demolish the former Three Counties Hotel on Belmont Road in Hereford. The demolition contractor is Wye Valley Demolition Ltd and the work is expected to be completed by late January 2025. 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗜𝘁 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁!

Ally from Golden Valley Funeral Services got in touch with Hereford Voice today to explain all about their community project. Golden Valley Funeral Services have sponsored Belmont Roundabout in conjunction with Hereford in Bloom for some time now. They realised that the roundabout isn't very 'bloomy' so they asked Hereford in Bloom how they could improve this. Hereford in Bloom very kindly purchased 6,500 bulbs however, they didn't have the volunteers to plant them, so Golden Valley Funeral Services took it upon themselves to plant them. Come the end of the winter, beginning of spring, our community can enjoy them as they are passing and we hope to brings a moment of joy and hope that better seasons are ahead. Ally's 90 year old Nan chose the selection of bulbs carefully and guided everyone on how to plant them correctly. She attended the whole planting session today and was quick to get stuck in. The whole team are so grateful for her guidance. It took 4 hours to plant all 6,500 bulbs and the weather today was perfect! Ally and Pete want to thank everyone who helped us today. Well done to everyone involved. Golden Valley Funeral Services are an independent family Funeral Directors, and provide personal support to communities in Hereford and all around Herefordshire.

This morning we shared this lovely Remembrance Parade below Then wait just a short time and others will follow... (of course they are not following us 😉)

The renovation of one of Hereford’s most historic buildings, the Shirehall, is now a step closer as design proposals are to be submitted soon that will transform the building into a new library and learning centre, and versatile community space. The exciting plans outline how the building’s heritage features will be preserved when the Shirehall becomes a vibrant community hub. The renovation will breathe new life into the building, offering a variety of spaces and services. In addition to being home to a modern library and learning centre, the Shirehall will feature: Meeting rooms Community skills development areas Heritage interpretation and tours Hireable courtroom spaces Offices for the Coroner and Registrars Temporary library relocation during Shirehall renovation While the Shirehall undergoes its two-year renovation, Hereford Library will temporarily relocate to the Town Hall. Following consultations with library users, Hereford Town Hall was chosen for its central location near High Town, ample parking, and greater space for programming and book stock. As part of the move, the current temporary Hereford Library at the Museum Resource and Learning Centre on Friars Street will close on Saturday 12 October 2024. The new library space at the Town Hall will open on Tuesday 22 October 2024, and officially launch over half term with a week-long programme featuring family-friendly activities, drop-in crafts, Storytime and Baby Sign sessions, and a performance by Sea Legs Puppet Theatre. Visitors will also have the opportunity to view the exciting design proposals for the Shirehall Library and Learning Centre and share their feedback. Looking Ahead to 2026 Shirehall is set to open its doors to the public in autumn 2026, providing a new community hub that celebrates Herefordshire’s heritage while fostering growth, learning, and connection for all.

Five people have been arrested for drug offences after police executed a warrant in Hereford yesterday (17 October), by the proactive team in Hereford. Four men aged 29, 27, 23 and 18 and a woman aged 22 were arrested at a property on Waterfield Road, on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of drugs. During the warrant, drugs believed to be cannabis was seized along with scales, cash and various weapons including a wooden bat with screws in the end. The 27 year old man remains in custody while enquiries are ongoing. The other four suspects have been released on bail pending further enquiries. Detective Sergeant Jim Moore said “Drug dealing causes an untold negative impact in our communities, often leading to other criminality and the exploitation of vulnerable people. "A number of instances of disorder have been reported in the area by local residents, yesterday’s warrant shows that we are taking clear action, to stop the supply of drugs and the harm to the public.”

Floods Keep School Closed For Remainder Of Week. School Statement: Unfortunately, due to the intense rainfall and substantial amount of water flowing from the fields into school, parts of our school building have been severely flooded, and a significant amount of damage has been caused. On advice from the Local Authority and after surveying the damage, the school will be closed for the next 2 days (Thursday and Friday) in order to keep pupils and staff safe and to make repairs to the affected areas. We will be working tirelessly over the next few days to find a solution to ensure that we can get back to normal as soon as possible, teachers will be uploading work online for pupils. This is not a decision that has been taken lightly and we will do all that we can to get the school back to a safe working order as soon as possible, we realise this is an inconvenience for some parents, but safety is a priority. A BIG thank you to Peterchurch Fire Station and all the staff who stayed and looked after the children at school, even the bus full of local High School children who were stuck. We are surrounded by a wonderful community and everyone's help is appreciated.

The Installation Of New LED Floodlights At Hereford FC Could Begin This Week Following Planning Approval. Photo courtesy of Air Vistas Hereford FC – Edgar St, Hereford HR4 9JU, United Kingdom Reference: Musco Lighting System and Design Musco Lighting has completed lighting designs and spill light calculations for the lighting assessment of the Hereford FC Stadium in Edgar St, Hereford (HR4 9JU). Based on consultation with the club and the lighting standards enforced by the Premier League Stadium Fund to assess the quality of the technical proposals, Musco has designed the pitch lighting to levels that are suitable for non-professional games in accordance with BS EN 12193 – Sports Lighting and the Football Foundation criteria. In addition, the system will be designed to be dimmable to allow lower lighting levels for training and underage matches, when the highest light level is not required. The club has asked that Musco’s lighting design would minimize the spill light and glare on the surrounding areas with particular consideration for the residences that are in the vicinity. Musco has proposed the appropriate number and height of columns to provide adequate downward aiming angles of the floodlights onto the pitch surface, thus minimizing glare and spill light. In addition, the Musco system is custom-designed with full cut-off visors and reflectors to control the light output from the floodlights and direct as much light as possible onto the pitch surface and away from surrounding areas. The following report details the proposed Musco system and design and how it has been developed to control light, maintain performance, and comply with the lighting requirements. Experience Musco Lighting has nearly 50 years of experience in the sports floodlighting industry worldwide. Musco has had a presence in the United Kingdom for over 25 years and has provided floodlighting solutions on hundreds of projects all over the country. This experience extends from grassroots clubs to professional training grounds to major stadiums. Some notable projects similar to the proposed development at the Crystal Palace FC Training Ground include Musco installations at training grounds for Manchester City FC, Arsenal FC, Liverpool FC, Leicester City FC, Burnley FC, Fulham FC, Brighton and Hove Albion FC, Manchester United FC, Tottenham Hotspur FC and many others. Each project involves unique locations that require very specific designs to accommodate the facility users as well as the surrounding residents and road networks. Musco has an extensive team of project engineers who design in accordance with specific codes and guidelines of each individual project location to provide the best possible floodlighting solution. In addition to actual project experience, Musco is consistently on the cutting edge of floodlighting technology in product design and performance. The Musco Total Light Control (TLC) LED system cuts operating costs by around 50%, significantly reduces off-site spill and glare, eliminates all maintenance for 10 years, and guarantees the actual performance of the system for 10 years – all covered by a comprehensive 10 Year Warranty. Our uniquely designed luminaire uses a system of optics and visors to control and re-direct light onto the pitch, thus significantly reducing the negative impact of the floodlights on nearby roadways and residences. Each luminaire is custom-designed and built according to its specific purpose for the pitch lighting. Another critical aspect when designing an environmentally friendly lighting system is the reduction of Sky Glow or Upward Light. Sky glow is the illumination of the night sky by an artificial light source. Musco’s luminaire is designed to redirect upward light back down to the pitch, using the custom design and patented visor and reflectors, in accordance with the international lighting guideline.