Hereford Voice

NEWS UPDATE | Following on from our incident in South Wye news article earlier this morning https://bit.ly/3dlVwDE We have spoken with West Mercia Police for an update and a spokesperson told Hereford Voice; "We attended a property together with crews from West Midlands Ambulance Services early this morning at a property on Belmont Road in Hereford after receiving a call about a person’s welfare. We can now confirm that no further enquiries are required'

Emergency services have been called to a property on Belmont Road (A465) in Hereford this morning. Multiple vehicles with officers from West Mercia Police and crews from West Midlands Ambulance Service (Officialwmas) are at the scene. More details as we receieve them later.

The National Moment of Reflection will take place at 8pm on Sun 18 Sept & be marked by a one-minute silence. This can be marked privately at home, with friends & family or at locally arranged community events & vigils. For details of larger public events: https://orlo.uk/8FrMS

Jamie and Lisa Turley used a false identity on Facebook to arrange waste removals and fly tipped waste in Bromyard On 23 August, Herefordshire Council won an enforcement case against a married couple who were found guilty of fly tipping waste at the Openfields Caravan site in Bromyard, Herefordshire. Over several hearings, the courts heard how in May 2020, officers discovered that Jamie Turley (33), currently serving a prison sentence, and Lisa Turley (34) of Openfields, Bromyard, used a false Facebook profile to advertise waste collections on local Facebook groups. Acting upon complaints, officers from Herefordshire Council’s Community Protection team visited Openfields caravan site in May 2020 and found large amounts of fly tipped waste across the site. Officers searched the waste and found evidence which led them back to customers who had paid Mr and Mrs Turley to take away waste, the arrangements having been made on Facebook. The courts also heard that the Fire Service had attended Openfields Caravan site to put out a large fire during the early hours of 31 May 2020. Council Officers promptly visited the site again and found that the fly tipped waste had been destroyed by the fire, but witnesses had seen Mrs Turley ignite the fire. Mr & Mrs Turley then failed to co-operate with Herefordshire Council officers, leading to a lengthy investigation. At the first hearing, held at Herefordshire Magistrates on Tuesday 14th December 2021, Jamie Turley pleaded guilty to three charges of fly tipping, two charges of failing in his duty of care by not obtaining waste transfer notes, disposing of waste in a manner likely to cause pollution to the environment and harm to human health and one count of obstructing an investigation. He received a six month custodial sentence and was ordered to pay £156 victim surcharge payable on release. Meanwhile Lisa Turley pleaded not guilty and was sent to a two day trial where she was found guilty of fly tipping charges and referred for sentencing. On Tuesday 23 August 2022 at Hereford Magistrates Court, Mrs Turley was given an eighteen month community order and ordered to pay fines and costs totalling £685. A Criminal Behaviour order was also issued to Mrs Turley which includes conditions to prevent her from collecting, carrying, treating and disposing of any controlled waste and will be applicable for three years. Marc Willimont, Head of Public Protection at Herefordshire Council said: “This case has taken a long time to get through the court system which has been extremely frustrating, although we are delighted with the final result. Most of these offences occurred on a council managed traveller site, so the cost of clearance has fallen on to the council tax payer. This therefore gives a strong message to any others who feel that is it ok to dump waste on council owned sites rather than pay for proper waste disposal like their competitor businesses. The officers should be congratulated for their thoroughness in this very long and protracted case”. The maximum penalty for fly tipping is a £50,000 fine and/or five years imprisonment. The six month imprisonment for Mr Turley is amongst the most severe ever awarded by a court in Herefordshire. The Community Protection Team regularly carry out spot checks on waste carriers and will investigate unlawful waste disposal and fly tipping cases that are reported via the Herefordshire Council website or by calling 01432 261761. Visit www.herefordshire.gov.uk/recycling for information about responsible waste disposal for residents and businesses.

This is the new state-of-the-art NMITE Campus at Rotherwas in Hereford. New NMITE campus buildings at Rotherwas in Hereford Local MP Jesse Norman the chance to visit the new NMITE university campus buildings at Rotherwas with Stuart Brisbane and Harriet Dearden of NMITE. Jesse said; "The new space is absolutely fantastic! Beautiful, superbly designed, highly sustainable. Perfect for students, and a fantastic new resource for local businesses and the community" We agree, the new facility for students is superb and is a welcome addition to the city.

The world’s fifth oldest zoo, Bristol Zoo Gardens, will close for good tomorrow - after 186 years. The animals are being moved to make way for a housing development before a new zoo opens at a different site in 2024. On Saturday 3 September, the historic Clifton attraction will shut at 5.30pm. Bristol Zoological Society, the charity which owns and operates Bristol Zoo Gardens, will create a new Bristol Zoo at its Wild Place Project site, just off Junction 17 of the M5. Simon Garrett, head of public engagement, said: “These last few days will mark a moment in the city’s history. Bristol Zoo Gardens has been a staple part of Bristol life for 186 years and recognised globally. Thousands of families will have memories dating back decades. For many the Zoo has been a significant part of their life. This week marks the end of a momentous chapter. In recognition of that, we want to give as many people as possible the chance to say their goodbyes before the gates close.” So it's goodbye to the Zoo’s famous occupants, including the penguins, seals, lions, tree kangaroo, meerkats, and Livingstone fruit bats, which will start moving onto their future homes once the Zoo has closed to the public. Some animals, such as the gorillas and red pandas, will stay at Bristol Zoo Gardens until their enclosures are built at the Wild Place Project site. Bristol Zoo Gardens has been working with Bristol-based Bakehouse Theatre on a summer programme to mark the final opening weeks. The BIG Summer Send-Off features Wilder, an enormous wooden interactive sculpture of a Western Lowland gorilla and her baby Monty-Alan, a Past, Present, Future exhibit showcasing the Zoo’s history and plans for the future and the Into The Wild theatre show. Since opening its gates to the public in 1836, it has been home to tens of thousands of animals and earned international acclaim for its conservation breeding programmes. More than 90 million people have visited over the 186 years – and introduced to the much-loved animals that have lived within the 12-acre landmark. Among them were Zebi the Asian elephant, who arrived in 1868 and became renowned for removing and eating straw hats. Rajah, who replaced Zebi, gave rides to children for many years. Rosie the elephant was also very popular, and many local people have fond memories of rides on Rosie during the 1950s. The Zoo’s more recent elephants, Wendy and Christina, were known for being taken for walks to Whiteladies Road during the 1960s. And Roger, a rare black rhino, was the first black rhino ever born in the UK, in 1958. Arguably Bristol Zoo Gardens’ most famous resident was Alfred the gorilla, who lived at the Zoo from 1930 to 1948. He was, at the time, the only gorilla in captivity in the country and was a very popular Bristol citizen. Now his taxidermic form stands in the Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery. As well as running the visitor attraction and its sister site Wild Place Project, Bristol Zoological Society focuses on breeding endangered species, conservation and scientific education, and working to protect wildlife in their natural habitats in four continents. The Society’s vision for the new Bristol Zoo highlights that focus, with 80 per cent of the species for the new Bristol Zoo linked to conservation breeding and conservation programmes around the world – a higher percentage than any other zoo in the UK. While Bristol Zoo Gardens will close to the public on Saturday 3 September, Wild Place Project will remain open as usual to visitors while the new Bristol Zoo is constructed. To find out more about the future plans and Bristol Zoological Society’s vision visit future.bristolzoo.org.uk We rarely publish news items from outside Herefordshire or our immediate surrounding counties but we are sure most local people will have visited Bristol Zoo, so worthy of this news article.

Congratulations to Leominster based business Leisure Depot who together with their entire team are proud winners of the Morris Biss Memorial Cup for the Best Trade Stand Entry 2022 at the Great Dorset Steam Fair this year. Web | https://www.leisuredepot.co.uk Always a pleasure to share "POSITIVE' business stories

Officers from West Mercia Police stopped in this 'cloned' car in Hereford during the early hours of this morning. The driver got quite a shock when Police from the Operations Patrol Unit together with their colleagues from the Police Dog Section suddenly surrounded the vehicle. The driver had purchased the vehicle believing it to be genuine. Enquiries are ongoing.

Good to see so many people enjoying the fabulous music, local produce, food and drinks on this warm Summer evening in our wonderful city of Hereford! Photo Credit: Jaymz G Chamberlain

Positive News from Hereford Cops 👇 (Sat 27 Aug 2022 - 23:29) "Just bumped into these three lovely people whilst out patrolling the Great Western Way. They are from Vennture and are also out patrolling most nights wanting to reassure the public. Whilst out patrolling they are connected to the Police and the CCTV via a radio so that they can call up for assistance at any time and be kept informed of what is going on in the area. They are all volunteers and a real help to the community. Great work" 👍

A partnership of five local authorities across the Midlands region, alongside Sub-National Transport Body Midlands Connect has led a successful bid for almost £1million of funding aimed at getting more electric vehicle chargers into areas with limited off-street parking. The bid, aiming to deliver hundreds of new electric vehicle charging points across the Midlands, was made in June focusing on the first tranche of money offered as part of Government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Pilot. A partnership of five local authorities across the Midlands region – Lincolnshire County Council, Herefordshire Council, Leicestershire County Council, Rutland County Council, and Stoke-on-Trent City Council - alongside Sub-National Transport Body Midlands Connect, submitted the bid. The resulting award of £935,355 is to be distributed between the five councils. It is expected that this support from Government will now attract an additional £2.8million of private sector investment, with the cumulative funds being used to install a total of 322 standard and 27 rapid public EV chargers across the Midlands. Analysis by Midlands Connect found that the Midlands needs 17,461 new public EV charging points by the end of 2025 to meet the needs of the growing EV market and it’s hoped that this latest good-news around the Government funding will spur on more region-wide installation of charging points. Estimates suggest that the installation and maintenance of electric vehicle charging points will also create an influx of jobs in the region with over 42,000 related roles set to be created in the Midlands by the end of 2032. At present, 93% of electric vehicle owners have access to off-road parking. It’s hoped that increasing the number of public charging stations will make it easier for those without a driveway to make the switch to an electric vehicle, while also increasing the ease of travel and charging for all EV users. Councillor John Harrington, Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Transport said: “I’m delighted that this successful bid means that we will be able to offer more electric charging facilities across the county which will support our residents and business to make the shift to ultra-low emission vehicles as part our strong commitment to addressing the climate and ecological emergency.”

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A police cordon is currently in place on the river path near Victoria Bridge in Hereford following a reported serious sexual offence at around 1.50am this morning (Sat 20 August). West Mercia Police have just confirmed that a man in his 30s has been arrested and remains in police custody.

Many local people including Councillors, the former Hereford Mayor and West Mercia Police joined us at the Herefordshire Women’s Equality Group Vigil last night to stand in unity with victims of sexual assault.

West Mercia Police have confirmed that they arrested a 48 year old man on suspicion of attempted rape in connection with a reported sex attack on the riverside close to the river Wye in Hereford. The alleged sexual assault happened between Hinton Road and King George V playing fields on the river path in Hereford on August 12 at around 10pm. A 48-year-old man from Hereford has since been arrested on suspicion of attempted rape, police said. “He has been bailed with conditions pending further enquiries," Last night the Herefordshire Women’s Equality Group held a vigil pledging support to sexual assault victims on the riverside close to the Victoria Bridge.

Councillor Gemma Davies has had to take leave from her council work due to constant threats and abuse. Councillor Gemma Davies Councillor Gemma Davies wrote; Hereford Voice comment; It is disgusting what has been happening and people should think about their actions before leaving nasty comments. Thank you Cllr. Gemma Davies for opening up and revealing how you feel and how this has had a huge impact on your life recently by some of the nasty threats you have been receiving, some of these people are just keyboard warriors and bullies. Keep doing what you are doing (which is all we can ask of you) because so many local residents including myself appreciate each and every councillor, often giving up their own free time. If people want change there is nothing stopping anyone becoming a councillor if they think that they can do better. Thank you Gemma 🧡

Farmers working togther with the Fire Service -uE7E61pVUFJIJTi.mp4 Meet ‘the league of extraordinary farmers’ who are helping firefighters protect homes, the countryside and food growing in fields. This is actually in Hertfordshire however, farmers across Herefordshire and our neighbouring counties have really gone that extra mile to assist Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, Gloucestershire fire and rescue service, Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, West Midlands Fire Service, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and MAWW Fire and Rescue Service Powys Community safety during the very hot and dry conditions so far this summer. Fantastic people and emergency the services all working together in communities to protect lives and businesses. We love to share so good news and positive stories! Thank you to the NFU Online for sharing this inspiring video with us.

A motorcyclist has sadly died in a road traffic collision in Shropshire overnight. West Midlands Ambulance Service received several 999 calls reporting a collision involving a motorcyclist and a lamppost on the A49 Shrewsbury Road in Craven Arms at 11.34pm (Wednesday). Two ambulances and a paramedic officer were sent to the scene. A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When ambulance staff arrived on scene, they found an off-duty police officer and two off duty nurses performing CPR and using a defibrillator on a man who had come off his motorcycle. “Crews quickly took over treatment but sadly, despite the best efforts of everyone at the scene, nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead a short time later.”

Today West Mercia Police have confirmed that a fourth riverside sexual assault in the city but have siad that they have arrested two people on suspicion of rape and indecent exposure. There are additional Police patrols along the riverside paths in the city as detectives continue to investigate four sexual offences reported in the past few weeks, a spokesperson for West Mercia Police has said. Police are now investigating two counts of rape, one indecent exposure and one sexual assault.

These are the words to describe the fire in Herefordshire this afternoon between near Marden by Malcolm Russell, founder of Prometheus Medical and a Mercia Accident Rescue Service doctor who kindly provided us with these images..

Would you feel safe walking along here after dark?? We have reported on three separate sexual attacks along the riverside on women in Hereford in the past few weeks. Sunday 31st July | A police cordon was in place on a riverside path all morning and into the afternoon after a rape was reported on Sunday, July 31. The attack happened on the opposite side of the rowing club between the Old Bridge and Great Western Way, close the the Hunderton bridge. Sunday 7th August | An investigation has been launched following a rape near Victoria Bridge in Hereford yesterday (Sunday 7 August). Police were called by the ambulance service shortly after 11pm when the victim disclosed to paramedics that she had been raped. It’s believed the incident took place on the river path between the tennis courts and Victoria Bridge between 9pm and 10pm on Sunday 7 August. Friday 12th August | A cordon is currently in place on the river path between Hinton Road and King George V playing fields in Hereford following a sexual assault at around 10pm last night (Friday 12 August). West Mercia Police were called after a man grabbed a women from behind and exposed himself. The incident took place on the river path between King George V playing fields and Hinton Road between 9.45pm and 10.15pm. West Mercia Police Statement; Superintendent Rebecca Love said: “I’m aware that there have been a number of incidents along the river path recently, and understandably this is causing concern within the local community. “I totally understand these concerns and would like to reiterate that we are investigating all reports and are using our specially trained officers in supporting the victims. “We have already increased patrols along the river paths, especially after dark, and these will continue. In addition, we are working closely with partners to discuss measures to increase the safety of these areas.” Hereford Voice succesfully campaigned to have CCTV installed on the Hunderton Bridge back in 2015 https://bit.ly/3pjMTM6 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙬𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣 𝙞𝙣 𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙙 ??

A cordon is currently in place on the river path between Hinton Road and King George V playing fields in Hereford following a sexual assault at around 10pm last night (Friday 12 August). West Mercia Police were called after a man grabbed a women from behind and exposed himself. The incident took place on the river path between King George V playing fields and Hinton Road between 9.45pm and 10.15pm. The suspect is described as a white male with a local accent, 5ft 7in tall, aged 35-40, with a dirty appearance, short light blonde hair and wearing square framed glasses. He was carrying a backpack and wearing black trousers and brown walking boots which were muddy. Officers are particularly keen to trace a man who was walking a large white Staffordshire Bull Terrier type dog along the path as it is believed may have seen the suspect in the moments following the incident. If you are this man, or you know who he may be, please get in touch. Investigations are continuing today with officers carrying house-to-house enquiries as well as reviewing available CCTV and video doorbell footage. Searches of the area will also continue. The cordon will remain in place for much of today while evidence gathering continues. Superintendent Rebecca Love, said: “I’m aware that there have been a number of incidents along the river path recently, and understandably this is causing concern within the local community. “I totally understand these concerns and would like to re-iterate that we are investigating all reports and are using our specially trained officers in supporting the victims. “We have already increased patrols along the river paths, especially after dark, and these will continue. In addition, we are working closely with partners to discuss measures to increase the safety of these areas.” “Lastly, we believe a man who was walking his white Staffordshire Bull Terrier along the river at the time could be a key witness and we would urge him, or anyone who may know who he is, to come forward.” Anyone who was in the area last night and saw anything suspicious or have any information which may help the investigation is asked to report it online at https://www.westmercia.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/ quoting reference 717i of 12 August. If you are unable to report online please call 101.

Investigation launched following rape in Hereford An investigation has been launched following a rape near Victoria Bridge in Hereford yesterday (Sunday 7 August). We were called by the ambulance service shortly after 11pm when the victim disclosed to paramedics that she had been raped. It’s believed the incident took place on the river path between the tennis courts and Victoria Bridge between 9pm and 10pm on Sunday 7 August. A cordon is currently in place on the river paths around Victoria Bridge while investigations take place. The cordon is likely to remain in place for most of today. Please avoid the area. Superintendent Edd Williams, local policing commander for Herefordshire, said: “I understand that this incident will cause significant concern within the local community, particularly as there have been a number of similar ones in recent weeks. “I’d like to reassure the public that we are taking these incidents incredibly seriously and thorough investigations are taking place. The victims are being supported by specially trained officers. “There is nothing evidentially to link the recent incidents, however we are keeping an open mind and pursuing all lines of enquiry. “There will be an increased police presence around the river paths over the coming weeks, particularly during the late evening and overnight.” Anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen anything or have information or dash-cam footage which may help with the investigation is asked to please report it online under the Tell Us About section of the West Mercia Police website quoting reference 22/78581/22. If you are unable to report this online please ring 101. 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.

A man from Hereford has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for non-recent sexual offences. Charles Taylor, 68, of Ross Road, Hereford, was sentenced to 12 years in prison at Hereford Magistrates' Court on 9 August for non-recent sexual offences against a male child and an adult female. The offences occurred between 1984 and 1998. Investigating office, Detective Constable Leah Lowe, spent 12 months gathering evidence which proved critical to convicting Taylor. It was a comprehensive and often distressing investigation and one that could not have been resolved without the strength and conviction of the victims and witnesses. DC Lowe said: “Whilst the sentence given can never make up for the pain and suffering Taylor has caused, I am hopeful it can provide some measure of solace to the victims and help them begin the road to recovery. "Taylor is a dangerous offender and the community is a safer place now he is beginning his sentence in prison. I hope this reassures the community that West Mercia Police will investigate all offences of this nature, regardless of when they occurred, in the pursuit of justice and the protection of our communities.” We would like to reassure anyone who has been the victim of sexual assault, whether recently or in the past, that they can report the crime at any time. More information on how to do this can be found here However, should you feel unable to report the assault yourself, someone can do this on your behalf.