Hereford Voice

Agree, this would be a nightmare and cause even more traffic problems on the Belmont Road.

𝗟𝗶𝗱𝗹 𝗥𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝗣𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝗔𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝗔𝘁 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐇𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐥 𝗧𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻, 𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟮𝘁𝗵 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰. Due to the constant delays and new determination dates surrounding this controversial planning application, Lidl may try for a 'Non Determination' which could force approval, maybe that's the plan...🤔 (Non-determination is when the Local Planning Authority, in this case Herefordshire Council, fails to determine the application within the statutory period. Very occasionally the Secretary of State will take the decision). 'Demolition of existing hotel and associated structures and erection of Class E food store with associated access, parking, servicing, drainage and landscaping' 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 - 𝗣𝟮𝟯𝟭𝟳𝟬𝟯/𝗙 - https://hfd.news/VqbT 𝗔𝗻𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗼𝗯𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲-𝘀𝘂𝗯𝗺𝗶𝘁 𝗮 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝘄𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘃𝗲 The original hybrid planning application has been withdrawn. Our original 'Breaking News' article https://hfd.news/DjES

Local MP Jesse Norman has welcomed his election last week by fellow MPs to the House of Commons Defence Select Committee. Commenting, he said: "It is a great honour to have been elected by my colleagues to the Committee. "When I left the government three weeks ago it was in part so that I could speak louder in public on the things that matter most to my constituents. There is nothing that matters more than our national defence, and especially in Herefordshire, which has a glorious tradition of commitment to and support of our armed forces. "The Defence Committee is already making a significant impact by pressing the government to do more in areas such as military readiness, the welfare and training of the armed forces, procurement and the nature of future warfare. "I will hope to draw on my own experience, especially in technology, in supporting and extending the committee's work in future, for the benefit of our county and our country."

An additional £10million for the county’s roads, and £3million towards the refurbishment of Hereford’s Shirehall has been secured following Council agreement to a reviewed capital budget Further improvements to roads across the county and the refurbishment of Hereford’s landmark Shirehall are now set to go ahead following agreement to a reviewed capital budget at a Council meeting held on Friday 8 December. The investments were among several proposed changes to the way Herefordshire Council’s 2023/24 capital budget will now be spent. Other changes include a new £2million Community Capital Grants Scheme to support the valuable work local community organisations, and funding identified towards the development of Hereford’s road network. Significant further investment in road repair An additional £10million investment has been identified towards bringing roads across the county back to a good condition. The funding, which is in addition to the £13million already identified for resurfacing C and U roads and fixing potholes, will be used to resurface those roads most in need of repair. Hereford’s new library one step closer The additional £3million towards the refurbishment of Hereford’s historic Shirehall will enable work to progress on bringing the building back into use after being closed to the public since 2020 following a ceiling collapse. It will also make it possible for the building to be the new home of Hereford library following its relocation to make way for the redeveloped museum in Broad Street. This is subject to funding agreement from Stronger Hereford. Councillor Pete Stoddart, Cabinet member for finance and corporate services, said: “We’re delighted that Council have agreed to our capital budget reviews for this year (2023/24), as this means we’re able to invest in two things that residents have highlighted are important to them – our road network and our heritage buildings. “Residents are consistently telling us that the poor condition of road surfaces across the county is a prime concern for them. This significant investment we’re making will bring roads that are most in need of repair back to good condition, improving travel for local people, businesses and visitors. This, along with funding we already announced in the autumn for road repair and an additional £3.6m from the cancellation of the northern leg of HS2, means that there will be an additional £23m being invested in our roads over the next two years. “Hereford’s Shirehall is a landmark building, and while we recognise the new library proposals are still subject to funding agreements, this decision will help bring this historic building back to life after years of neglect and it is another step towards the creation of a modern library in the heart of our City.”

Four men have been arrested following a warrant executed last Friday (1 December) at the Crown & Sceptre, Marketplace in Ross-On-Wye. twittervid.com_RossonWyeCops_56fa83.mp4 Three of the men, aged 35, 39 and 25, were arrested on suspicion of the supply in Class A and B drugs. Another man, aged 43, was arrested on suspicion of possession of Cannabis. PS Alice Bennett said: “Friday's proactive warrant was based on good intelligence around the illegal supply of drugs from this establishment. I hope this shows we will continue to work hard to keep drugs off our streets and reduce crime that brings misery to the people of our community.“I urge anyone with concerns about the supply of drugs to please get in touch, we act on all reports that we receive”. Following the warrant and arrests the licence of the pub has been suspended pending a review. The local community can help us by continuing to report any signs of criminal activity – the easiest way to do this is on our website. Any bit of information, no matter how small it may seem, could help make a big difference. You can report online under the Tell Us About section at West Mercia Police. If you have information about drugs and drugs supply and don’t want to speak to police, you can report information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-org.uk

The SNP Government say Scotland will finally be the first UK nation to introduce a ban on the practice which endangers pedestrians From today (11 December 2023), local authorities can begin enforcing the law. This means drivers could be fined £100 for these parking behaviours; reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days. There will be some exceptions such as parking by emergency vehicles or delivery drivers. The Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 bans pavement parking, double parking and parking at dropped kerbs, with certain exemptions designated by local authorities - for example to ensure safe access for emergency vehicles. Minister for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: “The message here is clear: pavement parking is unsafe, unfair and illegal, and you could be fined up to £100 for it. “Local authorities can begin to issue fines from 11 December, so this campaign is really important to make sure everyone in Scotland is aware that enforcement is coming. “We’re highlighting the danger that illegal pavement parking poses to pavement users, and in particular those with mobility issues or visual impairments, or parents pushing prams and buggies. “Scotland is the first of the four nations to make pavement parking illegal nationwide. This change in legislation is a step towards developing communities that are better able to support active travel, building on the work that is already underway to reduce emissions and helping us meet our world-leading climate change targets.” See our original topic on the subject here - https://hfd.news/WdWO4

The Archbishop also visit this fella

The Most Reverend Justin Welby visited churches across the Diocese of Hereford today to support a project led by the Bishop of Hereford. The Right Reverend Richard Jackson has called for a "year of prayer" in the area during 2023. The Archbishop said prayers and read a poem by Sasha, a Ukrainian girl living and studying in the city at Hereford Cathedral. Following the service he took a walk down to the The Left Bank Village and said prayers 12:15 on the ground floor balcony facing the river Wye. He shook hands and spoke with head of security and the owner. Photocredit: Lewis Markey, Hereford Diocese

The fabulous team at Hereford Lions Club will be helping Santa on his journey across Herefordshire starting this weekend! 🎅 SATURDAY 9th DECEMBER - START 4.45pm at Belmont Avenue HUNDERTON / REDHILL Belmont Ave. Springfield Ave. Hunderton Ave. Hunderton Rd. Charles Witts Ave. Rogers Ave. Wallis Ave. into Hunderton Rd. Beatie Ave. Blackmarston Rd. Merryhill Cres. Haylease Cres. into Blackmarston Rd. Belmont Rd. Walnut Tree Ave. Home Lane. Stanberrow Rd. Laysters Ave. Marlbrook Rd. Beaufort Ave. Falstaff Rd. Rtn. Marlbrook Rd. Mayberry Ave. Hillside Ave. Pentwyn Ave. Hazel Grove. Walnut Tree Ave. MONDAY 11th DECEMBER - START 4.45pm at Moreton Stores MORETON / MARDEN / SUTTON ST NICHOLAS / COLLEGE ESTATE, ROMAN ROAD. Moreton Stores, Marden School, Sutton School. Moreland Ave. Penn Grove Rd. College Rd. Kingsway. College Green. Frederick Ave. Kingsway. Old School Lane. Roman Road. Furlongs. Glenthorn Rd. The Point. TUESDAY 12th DECEMBER - START 4.15pm at Holme Lacey Hall HOLME LACEY / FOWNHOPE / BARTESTREE Holme Lacey Village Hall / Fownhope (Noverwood Drive) Bartestree Mordiford (The Moon). Bartestree (Most Areas). Lugwardine WEDNESDAY 13th DECEMBER Start in HIGH TOWN. 10.30am - 5.30pm When finished in High Town, the sleigh will then be taken straight out to CLEHONGER. WEDNESDAY 5th DECEMBER MEET AT CLEHONGER STORES FOR 6.00pm START Clehonger Stores, Kingstone Coldstone, Kingstone Village, Madley THURSDAY 14th DECEMBER - START 5.15pm at Whittern Way TUPSLEY / ST JAMES Whittern Way. Winchester Ave. Salisbury Ave. Church Rd. Gorsty Lane. Harvey Rd Siddons Rd. Gorsty Lane. Sudbury Ave. Hampton Park Rd. Old Eign Hill. Hampton Dene Rd. Church Rd. Quarry Rd. Pilley Rd. Chartwell Rd. Lower Ledbury Rd. St Owen St. Green St. Harold St. Eign Rd. Turner St. St Guthlac St. FRIDAY 15th DECEMBER - START 5.15pm at Oak Crescent HINTON / LOWER BULLINGHAM / SAXON GATE Oak Crescent. Laburnham Grove. Hinton Crescent. Hinton Ave. Chestnut Drive. Hinton Crescent. Hinton Rd. Putson Ave. Goodwin Way. St Claires Court. Winston Rd. Longmeadow. Manor Rd. Ridgeway Ave. Aconbury Ave. Franks Ave. Woodhouse Way. Hoarwithy Rd. The Pastures. Rtn to Webtree Ave. Dinedor Ave. Ross Rd to Bullingham Lane. Waggoners Way. Staddlestone Circle. Orchard Ave. Mayflower Drive. The Hawthornes. Oakfield Rd. SATURDAY 16th DECEMBER - START 4.30pm at Woodward Ave NEWTON FARM / ABBOTSFIELD Woodward Ave. Kilvert Rd. Charlton Ave. Ethelston Cres. Trilleck Ave. Masefield Ave. Waterfield Rd. Brampton Rd. Treago Grove. Waterfield Rd. South - Holme Rd. Westholme Rd. Mulberry Close. Sycamore Ave. Wheatridge Rd. Eastholme. Yarlington Mill. Goodrich Grove. Northolme Rd. Stanbrook Rd. Oulton Ave. Dorchester Way. Shellinham Way. Abbotsmead Rd Wyedean Rise. Whitefriars Rd. Tavistock Drive. Sydwall Rd. SUNDAY 17th DECEMBER - START 415pm at Stretton Sugwas STRETTON SUGWAS / CREDENHILL Sretton Sugwas, Credenhill, Jellicoe Rd. Guildford Rd, Salisbury Rd, Waterside, Glebe Close, Mill Lane, Ecroyd Park, Meadow Drive, Trenchard Ave, Halton Way. Cranwell Drive, Elm Rd, Oak Rd, Dovecote Lane, Centurian Way, Burghill to include Manor Fields, Redstone, Tillingto Bell Inn. MONDAY 18th DECEMBER - START 5.15pm at Sandown Drive BOBBLESTOCK / WESTFIELDS / KINGS ACRE Sandown Drive. Kempton Ave. Grandstand Rd. Westfield St. Highmore St. Yazor Rd. Sheridan Rd. Three Elms Rd. Bonnington Drive. Hillary Drive. Kings Acre Rd. Wordsworth Rd. Westfaling St. Barrie Rd. Langland Drive. Return to Kings Acre Rd. Cotswold Drive.

Part-time assistant general manager Neil Leighton, from Hereford, thought he was being scammed when he received a message while “aimlessly” playing the Cash Bolt Christmas Millionaire game on his phone saying: “Congratulations you’ve won £1M.” Mr Leighton, who was on an evening call with friends from the UK and the US at the time, said he told them he had won £1 million – and promptly left the chat. The 24-year-old tried to call the National Lottery to confirm his win but with the phone lines not open at that time of night, decided to hop back onto his earlier call, announcing to his friends: “I think I have won on The National Lottery by accident.” He said: “They were so happy for me, although there was plenty of joking that only I could have won £1 million by accident. “We stayed up into the early hours discussing the crazy turn of events and having a little browse on the internet looking at houses and holidays I could now afford.” After confirming the win with the lottery officials the next day, he told his family the news. “I walked into the house and my mum and dad both jokingly said I looked far too happy, what had I been buying? “When I told them I’d bought something, a National Lottery instant win game, and I’d won £1 million, mum screamed, used some colourful language and then was convinced it was a scam.” He said he is not rushing into spending his winnings, but as a fan of trains he may consider buying his own steam train one day. “Ever since my grandad took me to see my first steam train when I was three, I have been fascinated. “Now, if I’m not visiting a railway, I’m busy writing and filming my own take on Thomas the Tank Engine storylines which I share online, or collaborating with Thomas fans around the world on future projects. “So, top of the list is buying my own home, where I can have a train room, an entire space dedicated to trains, and another room for filming and editing my Thomas content. “Maybe, one day, if I’m wise with this win, I’ll swap the train room for my very own steam train.” He is not planning to give up his job but wants to travel, take driving lessons and treat his family. “It started with Thomas the Tank Engine and, to be honest, I never grew out of it.

𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗗! Here's the latest look, courtesy of the nice people at JRNVisuals. twittervid.com_StrongerHerefo1_b71e63.mp4 The snake run is almost complete and there is a whole host of new features in place. Another fabulous StrongerHereford project offering a positive, social space and supportive community, Hereford Skatepark is also one of the UK’s most successful free outdoor facilities. The expansion will upgrade facilities and enable the skatepark to welcome more users. Are you looking forward to the complete project?

A new diagnostic system which uses Artificial Intelligence to help doctors make quick decisions after a patient has had a stroke has been used for the first time at Hereford County Hospital. Members of WVT’s stroke and radiology teams which are now using AI to help inform decision about the best treatment for stroke patients. The software allows the speedy analysis of brain scan images which can be viewed on computers or via an app which runs on mobile phones The new RapidAI software, which analyses brain images of stroke patients to help determine whether a patient is a suitable candidate for either an operation or drugs to remove a blood clot, only went live at the hospital yesterday. “The new software does this by automatically identifying the presence of Large Vessel Occlusions – a blockage in one of the main arteries in the brain - to a high accuracy, as well as highlighting any possible intracranial haemorrhages – areas of bleeding - and giving a rating which is used to determine critical changes in the level of blood flow on CT brain scans in acute strokes.” said Jenny Vernel senior radiographer and PACS manager at the Trust. “The results and images are immediately available to us within the Trust, on our existing Picture Archiving Computer System (PACS) as well as the Stroke Team and Neuroradiologists in Birmingham to assist in rapid assessment of the imaging to decide on the best treatment for the patient in the shortest time possible to maximise the reversal of stroke symptoms and vastly improve patient recovery.” The software assists clinicians to make a quick decision as to whether a patient requires either a Thrombectomy (to remove the clot through an operation) or Thrombolysis (using drugs to remove the clot),” added Jenny. “AI will never replace the clinical expertise that our doctors and consultants have, but harnessing this latest technology is allowing us to make very quick decisions based on the experiences of thousands of other stroke patients. “The system is linked to the Comprehensive Stroke Centre at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, meaning that clinical teams and experts at both sites can make faster and more informed clinical decisions – this is essential when treating stroke patients.” Wye Valley NHS Trust is the first Trust in the West Midlands to roll out RapidAI as a satellite hospital to University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust which is acting as the hub for the region.

The Razbari restaurant in the city's Eign Street, had their alcohol and late food licence suspended following a multi-agency swoop which found it employing staff illegally. Police arrested a Bangladeshi man in during the joint agency operation. See our original news article 👉 https://hfd.news/UrxUH A meeting of Herefordshire Council’s licensing subcommittee on Wednesday (November 22) had been called to rule on the licence of Razbari restaurant. The committee chair, Cllr. Polly Andrews, stated that the discussion was primarily held in closed session since it was anticipated that personal details would be discussed. Later, she declared that the council had decided to immediately suspend the premises licence as an interim measure in advance of a full review of the case, which will be considered on December 14, after hearing "compelling and credible" representation from West Mercia Police and a representative of the licence holder. Though it was under different management, the restaurant had previously lost its licence due to a similar problem.

Proposed siting of two pods to accommodate rough sleepers between 4th December 2023 to 30th April 2024. Permission is also sought for a further 5 years between 1st November and 30th April. Provision of Emergency Living Pods as part of Winter Provision of Accommodation to Rough Sleepers. As part of Herefordshire Councils response and provision of emergency winter accommodation for rough sleepers in the county, the council will be purchasing emergency accommodation pods to augment the provision of a dormitory shelter at Symonds Street Hereford. Initial plans had been to site four pods, in pairs, on land owned by Voluntary Sector partners. Due to leasehold agreements this is not now possible. Initial discussion with Mr James Hughes (Herefordshire Council Parking Service’s Manager) have taken place to seek his support to place four of these pods, in pairs, on Council owned car park spaces. Mr Hughes has provided his support to place these pods in the following locations, subject to Herefordshire Council’s Property Services permission being granted. This paper is to seek that approval and support for the submission of planning applications to secure temporary planning permission in order for Herefordshire Council to deliver this statutory provision of accommodation at the two locations set out below. The locations are: - 1. Venn’s Close Car Park. 2. Hereford Bus Station Car Park. The following maps and images depict the exact locations identified by Mr Hughes as the most suitable positions to site the pods. The pods would occupy an area equivalent to three parking spaces. The pods obtain power via with a PV Panel that stores energy in a battery to power an internal light and USB port. They have a single bed and a chemical toilet (which will be emptied by contractual arrangement). It is proposed to use the pods to accommodate people sleeping rough, between early December and late April 2024. At the end of this period a review of arrangements will take place and these pods may be relocated, this will be reviewed according to demand. The option to leave them sited and/or to remove and relocate them back to the same location for the winter of 24/25 and beyond is requested. A range of support options are in place from the statutory sector through the BRAVE pathway and the Rough Sleeping Outreach Team staff. These are augmented by the Community, Faith and Voluntary Sector to deliver food, provisions, clothing and ability to attend to personal hygiene and clothes washing. Planning Permission is being sought for the Symonds Street Acorn building to change its use temporarily and to site four pods within the curtilage of the buildings boundary. This is being progressed jointly by colleagues from the PMO and Property Services already. Herefordshire Councils plans for the provision of Winter Emergency Accommodation have the support of Councillor’s Gandy, Gennard and Milne, Hilary Hall and D.L.T. Appendix 1 – Pod schematics. Venn’s Close Car Park Map 1 – area with spaces marked Image 2 – depicting space for pods Hereford Bus Station Car Park Map 2 – area with spaces marked Image 2 – depicting space for pods Misc.docx

Next week is the first 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗟𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 from the lovely people at St Martin's FoodShare and everyone is welcome 𝗦𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝟭𝟬𝘁𝗵 𝟭𝟮𝗡𝗼𝗼𝗻 - 𝟮𝗣𝗠 St Martins Church Hall, Ross Road, Hereford. 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗥𝗢𝗔𝗦𝗧 𝗟𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗛 - 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗥𝗢𝗔𝗦𝗧 𝗟𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗛

Firefighters from Leominster Fire Station supported with crews from Kingsland Fire Station were mobilised early this morning. A spokesperson from Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service told Hereford Voice; "Just before 0830 this morning, 2 crews manning a pump and the water carrier from Leominster (assisted by a crew from Kingsland Fire Station) were turned out to a Large Goods Vehicle that had caught fire on the A49 going north out of Leominster. Thankfully, the lorry driver managed to get his load containing 7 tonnes of toilet paper off the carriageway into a lay-by. Crews tackled the blaze with the freezing conditions proving challenging. The Environmental Agency and Highway Agency were also in attendance, to assist with the fuel, oil and water run off. The A49 lay-by coming out of Leominster will be closed for 48hrs, to enable recovery and the clean up of this incident" 📸 Leominster Fire Station

This afternoon (30 November) officers in Hereford have arrested two men, both 20, on suspicion of supplying drugs and carrying offensive weapons. Following intelligence, officers attended Widemarsh Street in the town centre around 2.30pm to find two men carrying drugs. When officers attempted to arrest the two men, they attempted to escape from police, during which officers sustained injuries and several weapons were recovered. Detective Sergeant James Moore said: “Firstly, I would like to thank the public who supported our officers whilst they attempted to arrest the two men. I appreciate it may have been alarming to some people and please be rest assured this was an isolated incident. “Drugs ruin lives with the consequences far-reaching and we will not hesitate to disrupt the criminal behaviour of those suspected of being involved”. Both men are now in police custody.

Hereford City Zipper Bus Names

New Buses All three buses Apples and Pears! That's the theme Disabled seats and easy access ramp Drivers view Battery compartment Apples and Pears just for Hereford!

Hereford City Zipper Keep an eye open for these guys as you will see them driving the new buses around the city centre. The new service begins tomorrow! (Sat 25th Nov). These all new electric buses purchased by Hereford City Council really are state-of-the art, with free WiFi, phone charging points on each seat and a superb heating system to name just a few of the features. The range on a single charge is about 300 miles so these will only need to be charged every 3 days or so. We have attached plenty of images below from today's official launch.

Hereford Voice was invited by Hereford City Council to join them at the launch of this new FREE bus service that will be operating across the city centre. 10000000_1412096089343560_1566005066288808912_n.mp4 Thank you to Cllr. Cat Hornsey - City Cllr Hinton and Hunderton at Herefordshire Council, and Cllr. Paul Stevens who both kindly gave us an interview this morning and showed us around the new buses.

Hereford City Council has purchased three electric buses, this fabulous initiative is one of 15 trailblazing Stronger Hereford projects for the city. The new free bus service run daily across Hereford City Centre every 15 minutes Monday – Saturday and every 30 minutes on Sundays. Hereford company Yeomans Travel won the tender to operate this exciting new service for Hereford City Centre. The Hereford City Zipper Buses will stop at various locations including The County Hospital, Country Bus Stations, Hereford Railway Station, Shire Hall, St Owen Street, Maylord Orchards, Broad Street, The Left Bank Village, Friar Street, Hereford Leisure Pool, Newmarket Street, Station Medical Centre, Hereford Leisure Pool,The Courtyard Theatre and Asda Supermarket in South Wye. More information is attached.

Scheme will ensure vulnerable children are looked after in safe and high quality homes Cabinet has today approved an investment of up to £6.3 million across five years, to commission registered residential homes for children and young people in the care of the local authority. The project will see the provision of two two-bedroom properties in Herefordshire, expected to open in early 2025. The smaller homes will provide a family-based environment for up to four children and young people aged 11 - 18 with a range of needs. In comparison to other care provision options the scheme is expected to provide better value for money over the five year period and is one of a range of initiatives to increase the availability and type of provision for children in the care of the council. Councillor Ivan Powell, Cabinet member for Children and Young People, said: “Today’s decision means Herefordshire Council will be able to provide care and support for up to four children and young people in the county. Not only will this ensure that our vulnerable children are looked after in safe and high quality family style homes but it will also mean that they can benefit from remaining close to their local community.” The council will now begin the process of contracting a single supplier for the service.

This brand new electric city bus services launches this weekend with the first official service running from Saturday! The official launch is tomorrow, showcasing the new buses with a soft launch in the afternoon. We are excited to see this new free service running.