Hereford Voice

At approximately 3pm on Friday the 10th of June Hereford Cathedral had a window smashed. This is the second incident that's happened in 10 days. If anyone has witnessed anything regarding this or if you have any information please contact the Police on 101 quoting this reference-22/57628/22. Any information will be greatly appreciated. 40508

The first piece of artwork is already displayed at the Railway Station end of Hereford College of Arts and NMiTE’s new student accommodation but will be officially launched on 15 June. From June 2022 to April 2023 German artist Lothar Götz will transform the area around No. 1 Station Approach next to Hereford Railway Station. Götz will make two monumental and vibrant geometric artworks that will be displayed on each end of Hereford College of Arts (HCA) and NMiTE’s new student accommodation. A number of dazzling flags designed by the artist will also be sited by No. 1 Station Approach. The artworks will mark the start of a new cultural gateway to Hereford, welcoming visitors and enriching residents’ experience of the city. UK-based Götz’s intervention will be the first of four new bold commissions of public artwork at the site over four years. The No. 1 Station Approach installation is one of fourteen projects in Hereford that have been made possible thanks to a successful £22.4million funding bid to the Stronger Towns Fund. Abigail Appleton Principal of Hereford College of Arts and #StrongerHereford Chair said: “Public art is a wonderful way to signal and celebrate the present and future creativity of our city. I am thrilled that we are kicking off the delivery of Hereford’s visionary Town Investment Plan with a work of such boldness and vibrancy.” #StrongerHereford Board member Lauren Rogers said: “I believe having such eye-catching public art in prominent place – a gateway into city – is inspirational, hopefully sparking creativity and more contemporary public art. Art helps us reflect on who we are and who we want to be. I am incredibly proud that Hereford towns Fund bid has been able to support this work.” An associated engagement programme will reach out to residents, visitors, students, artists as well as the wider community to stimulate debate and showcase Hereford as a cultural destination. Anne de Charmant, Artistic Director of Meadow Arts said: “Having Lothar Götz’s intervention to launch the Cultural Gateway commissions is a great honour and a wonderful opportunity for Hereford.” Götz’s work, typically large-scale paintings, drawings and installations that respond to existing structures have included commissions for South Bank Centre, London (2014); Leeds Art Gallery (2017) and most recently the Towner Art Gallery in Eastbourne (2019) to much acclaim. He is a master in the use of colours, and it is appropriate that his work, which celebrates the great Modernist tradition of the Bauhaus, the influential 1920-30s German art school, should be displayed on a building that hosts art students. The artworks will be officially launched on Wednesday 15 June including a talk with the artist at Hereford College of Arts’ College Road Campus. Free tickets can be booked via the Meadow Arts website.

Beryl has welcomed the latest announcement from the Government on the future of e-scooter legislation – which could see e-scooters become legal on the UK’s roads. The Government said that the Transport Bill, which was announced during the Queen’s Speech, will help them take the steps they need to make e-scooters safer and they will now consider how best to design future regulations. While riding a privately owned e-scooter on public land is currently illegal, there are a number of Department for Transport-sponsored trials including the Beryl trials in some cities in the UK. These were sanctioned to help the DfT to better understand the benefits of properly regulated, safety-tested e-scooters and their impact on public space. Currently, e-scooters sold for private use are unregulated and can only be used legally on private land with the landowner’s permission. Have you ever used E-Scooters?

Huge congratulations to The Royal National College for the Blind (RNC) football team on winning the FA Disability Cup final today on penalties but also commiserations Brighton for playing such a great game. Fabulous televised coverage from BT Sport, thank you for broadcasting these wonderful matches. Congratulations RNC!

♻️ Below shows us what we can and cannot recycle ♻️

The restaurant temporarily closed for the scheduled work to take place at the end of May and reopened their doors earlier today. There is a new car park layout with repainted lines, separate entrance for delivery drivers from Just Eat, Uber Eats and Deliveroo etc.. New touch screens and collection point, with fresh contemporary but subtle decor in the restaurant with new tables and chairs.

Asda object to Lidl planning application at the Three Counties Hotel on Belmont Road Hereford. Jigsaw planning wrote a letter on behalf of Asda Stores Limited to object to the planning application (P221090/O) submitted to Herefordshire Council. This objection is based on two main points, which are discussed in more detail below, and are summarised as follows: Loss of Community Facilities Retail Impact Loss of Trees Loss of Community Facilities The proposed development will see the demolition of the Three Counties Hotel which is a trading business. The applicants Planning Statement references policies from the Herefordshire Local Plan Core Strategy at section 5.8 onwards. One policy it refers to is Policy SCI which relates to social and community facilities. The Planning Statement dismisses this policy as not being relevant to the proposal as hotel does not fall within the list of facilities listed in the supporting text. It should be noted that the supporting texts states "social and community facilities can include:" (our emphasis). It does not therefore seek to provide an extensive list of facilities that can be covered by the policy. The hotel's website www.threecountieshotel.co.uk confirms that the hotel has a restaurant, bar and offers weddings as well as providing traditional accommodation. The website confirms that the bar facilities are for "residents and non-residents alike". It is clear from this that the hotel offers facilities for use by the local community through the bar and restaurant as well as hosting weddings and conferences. This is also confirmed by some of the representations to the application which confirm local residents opposition to the loss of the local facility. As such it is considered that the proposal should be assessed against policy SCI. The policy states: 'Policy SCI - Social and community facilities Development proposals which protect, retain or enhance existing social and community infrastructure or ensure that newfacilities are available as locally as possible will be supported. Such proposals should be in or close to settlements, have considered the potential for co-location of facilities and where possible be safely accessible by foot, by cycle and public transport. New development that creates a need for additional social and community facilities that cannot be met through existing social facilities -will be expected to meet the additional requirements through new, or extension of existing, provision or by developer contributions which meet the relevant tests of paragraph 204 of the NPPF. Proposals involving the provision or expansion of social and community facilities will be expected to provide publicly accessible toilets (including facilities for disabled people and baby changing). Existing facilities will be retained, unless it can be demonstrated that an appropriate alternative facility is available, or can be provided to meet the needs of the community affected; or it can be shown that the facility is no longer required, viable or is no longer fit for purpose; and where appropriate, it has been vacant and marketed for community use without success. Viable alternative facilities must be equivalent to those they replace. In terms ofsize, quality and accessibility." There is no information to indicate that the existing facilities are no longer required, viable or fit for purpose. The proposal is therefore contrary to this policy. Retail Impact Planning law requires that applications for planning permission be determined in accordance with the development plan, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. The National Planning Policy Framework 2021 ("NPPF") is a material consideration in planning decisions. NPPF carries a presumption in favour of sustainable development albeit this does not change the statutory status of the development plan as the starting point for decision making. Chapter 7 of the NPPF seeks to ensure the vitality of Town Centres. In terms of retail impact, the applicant suggests that Lidl's trading philosophies differs from a traditional supermarket by selling from a limited core range (compared to other supermarkets) of mainly exclusive own labels. Flowever, whilst this may have been the original philosophy of the 'deep discounter' it is evident that there has been a slow but steady change towards that of a traditional supermarket when considering store size, ranges on offer, proportion of comparison goods, and labelled goods. This would be reflective in the turnover being more akin to that of other foodstore operators. The applicant has overstated the difference between the proposed operator and the existing supermarkets in the area. The proposed will compete with the town centre stores and therefore the Council must set aside the 'discounter' case which the applicant relies so heavily on. The Council need to be content that they are approving a certain level of food retail floorspace which could ultimately be occupied by any retailer. The Council also need to be aware of the new Class E of the Use Classes Order which ultimately means that whilst they are focusing on a retail development, the proposed development could be utilised for other services within Class E. Loss of Trees Policies LDl 'Landscape and Townscape' and LD3 'Green Infrastructure' require development proposals to enhance green infrastructure through the preservation and delivery of new green infrastructure. We note that the Senior Landscape Officer and the Tree Officer both object to the proposal on the grounds that it does not accord with these policies or the aims of the NPPF paragraphs 126 and 130 on high quality design. Asda support the position of these officers. Given the concerns set out above, Asda consider that the application should be refused. We would be grateful if you could provide confirmation of receipt of this representation. 1061956723_RepsObj575846.pdf

Hereford's popular drive-thru restaurant on Belmont Road is currently closed for a substantial refurbishment, which is part of the companies 'Convenience of the Future' project which includes a huge £250M national programme spanning the next 4 years. The last time that this restaurant in South Wye was refurbished was back in January 2018. The drive-thru is scheduled to reopen in June once the work is complete.

Consultation to focus on Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) in St Owen's Street Herefordshire Council is encouraging local people to take part in a consultation around the details of improved measures for cyclists and pedestrians in St Owen's Street, Hereford. An earlier consultation on whether to introduce the contraflow proved that there is strong support for the proposed scheme. This consultation does not revisit that question but is a necessary next stage in the process where Herefordshire Council is legally required to consult on elements of the scheme. The St Owen's Street cycle contraflow scheme will create a safer cycle route from the east of the city, promoting sustainable and active travel, while at the same time improving safety for pedestrians and motorists. The scheme is part of ongoing improvements in Hereford city centre to create a more attractive environment for residents, visitors, shoppers, workers and local businesses, encouraging people into the city and ensuring they have a great experience when they are there. As part of the work to introduce the scheme, Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) are required, which in turn requires a statutory consultation. The changes to the TRO cover the permitting of cyclists to travel in both directions on the one-way street, adjustments to parking, loading and bus stop layouts to incorporate the physical features of the scheme, and the introduction of areas of raised carriageway on St Owen's St. Cllr John Harrington, cabinet member infrastructure and transport said: “In these difficult times it is more important than ever to support businesses with measures that will promote the economic success of the city. The proposed improvements in St Owen's Street will hopefully be a boost to our measures to allow people to use alternatives to the car to travel into and through the City. Contraflows can decrease journey times for cyclists compared to those travelling by car by providing more direct, safer, travel routes, and can also reduce inappropriate cycling on the pavement. “We are asking for the views of local people around the specific details of the Traffic Regulation Orders, which are vital components of the street layout that will allow us to implement the scheme in the most effective way.” The consultation starts on 19 May 2022, and runs to 16 June 2022. People can find full details and take part in the consultation via the Herefordshire Council website. Alternatively, if you are unable to complete the online form, you can post a written response to: BBLP St Owen's St Consultation, Balfour Beatty Living Places, Unit 3 Thorn Business Park, Rotherwas Industrial Estate, Hereford, HR2 6JT. Responses to this consultation must be received on or before 16 June 2022. If you require any further information on this scheme, please contact by email: StOwensSt@balfourbeatty.com.

An electrical mechanical engineer employee at the Ross on Wye Laundry firm 'Clean' that was recently destroyed by a devastating fire has just won his dream car and £20,000 cash. Presenter Christian Williams with lucky winner Jonathan Smith Jonathan Smith was shocked when the online competitions company BOTB Presenter Christian Williams surprised Mr Smith with his prize while he was at work. Jonathan won a brand new Ford Mustang and £20,000 in cash all for £2 entry. It is so nice to have a really positive story like this to start the day. More details - https://www.botb.com/winners/mw1722/

Further response to Panorama aired on May 16 from Herefordshire Council Statements from Paul Walker, Daryl Freeman, Cllr David Hitchiner and Cllr Toynbee May 17 Following the Panorama programme broadcast yesterday (Monday 16 May). I’d like to apologise again for the serious failings that have occurred in Herefordshire Children’s Services over many years. As a father, I was upset and saddened to hear of the ways we have let children and families in the county down, and as an incoming Chief Executive I made it my top priority to ensure we make the changes required, so that children and families in Herefordshire get the support they need and are entitled to. We took immediate action to address the serious issues highlighted by last year’s judgment and we are now one year into a three-year improvement plan, recognising that such significant changes take time and investment. We have undertaken a thorough analysis of all aspects of our children’s social care practice, which has informed our decision to significantly invest in Herefordshire Children’s Services. We know that our practice and processes still need improvement in some areas and we are committed to making the changes needed to provide better services for children and families in Herefordshire. Our Social Workers continue to do their best, often in very difficult circumstances, to support families and protect vulnerable children in our community. As we continue on our improvement journey, if you have any concerns about the way you or your family have been treated by Herefordshire Children’s Services, you can contact us at on our careconcerns webpage or or email careconcerns@herefordshire.gov.uk Paul Walker, Chief Executive Each day there are children in Herefordshire who need to be protected, and families who need our support. Alongside other agencies we want to be able to offer the right help at the right time, and families should be able to trust that we will get it right for them Through our improvement activity over the past year we have reduced caseloads for our social workers and now provide better managerial support and supervision. We are working hard to make improvements so that we support all children and young people and their families during their time of need. We will continue to listen to families and ensure our staff have the support they need as we make significant and lasting improvements to Herefordshire Children’s Services. Darryl Freeman, Corporate Director for Children and Young People No words of apology can put right the damage our failings have caused, and I want every resident in the county to know that I am deeply sorry that this council let down families so badly. We now have a new leadership team in place, a three-year improvement plan to deliver real change, and have pledged almost £22million of additional funding for the staff and resources we need to create a service we can all be proud of. We are determined to deliver the best possible outcomes for children and families in Herefordshire. We will be open, transparent and honest with you in reporting the progress we are making on this improvement journey. We know the journey will be far from smooth, but we will not shy away from the challenge. Councillor David Hitchiner Leader, Herefordshire Council I really feel for families who have been let down – it’s very distressing, and it’s crucial that we get things right. I am sorry that mistakes have been made by Herefordshire Council over the years. Some of the issues are long-standing, and I’m pleased we have new people in senior roles who understand the challenges and are building new ways of working. We are now an open, learning council - we encourage staff and families to let us know how they feel and how we can work better together. As well as improving our social work practice, Herefordshire Council is working positively with local partners to help families stay together, build strong social networks and enable our children to flourish. This job must be done thoroughly, so we can get to the root of what needs to change. It is about how systems work, not just individuals, and it takes time. Every day there are families in Herefordshire going through a crisis and needing help. I’m very proud of the compassionate, professional social workers working alongside them. Cllr Diana Toynbee Cabinet member – Children’s and Family Services May 16 I would like to apologise to children and families affected by the very serious failings in our Children’s Services. Since my arrival I have made it my top priority to ensure we make urgent changes so that children and families in Herefordshire get the quality of support they need. We are one year into our three-year plan to improve services for children and families, by reducing caseloads for Social Workers, recruiting more staff for home visits, providing better leadership and supervision for our staff, and by modernising our systems. We are committed to supporting families and protecting vulnerable children in our community. If you have any concerns about the way you or your family have been treated by Herefordshire Children’s Social Care Services, you can contact us at on our careconcerns webpage or or email careconcerns@herefordshire.gov.uk Paul Walker- Chief Executive, Herefordshire Council

BBC Panorama - Statement from Herefordshire Council following last night's programme which aired on BBC1 at 8pm. A statement from the Chief Executive of Herefordshire Council made to Panorama as part of last night's episode. I would like to apologise to children and families affected by the very serious failings in our Children’s Services. Since my arrival I have made it my top priority to ensure we make urgent changes so that children and families in Herefordshire get the quality of support they need. We are one year into our three-year plan to improve services for children and families, by reducing caseloads for Social Workers, recruiting more staff for home visits, providing better leadership and supervision for our staff, and by modernising our systems. We are committed to supporting families and protecting vulnerable children in our community. If you have any concerns about the way you or your family have been treated by Herefordshire Children’s Social Care Services, you can contact us at on our careconcerns webpage or or email careconcerns@herefordshire.gov.uk Paul Walker- Chief Executive, Herefordshire Council

There were 3 casualties in the RTC which involved 2 vehicles. Photographs courtesy of HWFRS Kingsland Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service crews from Kingsland fire station and Leintwardine Fire Station had to cut out casualties from one of the vehicles and Midlands Air Ambulance Charity arrived swiftly to give advanced medical treatment at the scene. West Mercia Police and Officialwmas were also in attendance. Photographs courtesy of HWFRS Kingsland A spokesperson from Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said; "This afternoon we attended a nasty RTC involving a car and a small sports car. We were joined by colleagues from Leintwardine fire station, police and ambulance, but most importantly the Air Ambulance, this arrived swiftly and as always gave the best advanced medical care to a casualty. We are so fortunate to have this service and save countless lives every year" #HerefordVoice | #HerefordNews | #HerefordshireNews

Congratulations to our 640th Mayor of Hereford, Cllr Mark Dykes! Taking over from the outgoing Mayor, Cllr Paul Stevens, Mark Dykes was yesterday (9th May) inaugurated into the historic role. Read more HERE

Featured Fire Station 🚒 | In our series, we are focusing on the very important work and training that Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service crews undergo on a regular basis. Today we look at the remarkable training that Kingsland fire station did yesterday evening. Last nights training was back to basics brushing up on ladder pitching skills for the crews who were kindly allowed by Vaughan farms of kingsland to use their yard and buildings for this essential training excercise. It’s always a benefit using different venues to practice 🚒👍🏽 🪜 'Thank You For Your Service' to the crews at Kingsland Fire Station and to all our emergency services for the vital work and support they provide to the community. 📸 HWFRS Kingsland

Glenda's funeral service is at 10:00 on the 16th May at St Martin's Church for those of you who would like to attend.

Below please find a few more news planning illustrations which are subject to planning and future revisions

Last night Hereford Voice attended a wonderful event at The Pavilion, Castle Green in Hereford, which we were kindly invited to join and celebrate very exciting plans for the regeneration of the historic Pavilion building as part of StrongerHereford. There were plenty local people at the event organised by our lovely Friends of Castle Green including the members of the StrongerHereford board, the building regeneration architect Oliver Steels from Errand Studio as well as Mayors from other towns, the manager of the Hereford Youth Canoe Club our MP Jesse Norman, local Councillors and the Bishop of Hereford to name just a few. The Friends of Castle Green director Mark Hubbard gave a fabulous opening speech explaining his long family history and connection with the Castle Green, The Pavilion and his home next door, which had also been occupied by many generations of his family, it was wonderful to hear his Infectious enthusiasm. Please find below a few photographs that we took during the evening together with some new exclusive illustrations (please be aware that they have only applied for planning permission, so there are likely to be some revisions to the plans submitted). Whilst respecting its Georgian heritage, the plans submitted recently aim to create a modern, accessible space and iconic visitor attraction in the heart of Hereford. The revitalised building will provide cafe facilities and flexible community meeting space, as well as the opportunity to celebrate local arts and heritage and a revived home for the Hereford Youth Canoe Club (HYCC). The once forgotten Pavilion will become a new and much needed thriving and sustainable community hub, a defining visitor attraction in the city and a source of pride for residents. The project has been made possible thanks to a successful £22.4million funding bid for the City of Hereford via the Stronger Towns Fund. The Pavilion project is one of fourteen projects elected for funding and FoCG has submitted a planning application for a £1.56 million regeneration of this historic building on the banks of the River Wye. (planning illustration subject to planning and revisions)

Two men have been arrested after police uncovered a significant amount of cannabis growing at a farm in Ross on Wye. A member of the public reported suspicious activity at the location, and the smell of cannabis, and when officers arrived on Wednesday 4 May, they found in excess of 1000 plants at various stages of growth. A 32-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of cultivation of cannabis and a 74-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of being involved in modern slavery. Anyone who has witnessed suspicious activity, or has concerns about drugs or drugs supply in their area, is asked to report it to police on 101 or visit https://www.westmercia.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/ quoting incident 144 of 4 May. 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 at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/ or 0800 555 111.

Councillors from the Belmont Rural Parish Council Overwhelmingly Objected to the Lidl Planning Application to Demolish the Three Counties Hotel and Build Supermarket. This evening we attended the Extraordinary Meeting of the Belmont Parish Council at The Kindle Centre. There were about 50-60 local residents many who gave their concerns, including employees of the Three Counties Hotel who pointed out that Lidl have given wrong information suggesting that there is only 18 people employed at the hotel, when in fact there are over 30 said one employee. The Parish Council agreed and will be sending their objections to the planning department before the end of the day tomorrow, which is the deadline for residents to submit any letters, whether in support or as an objection. (The Parish Council can only object or support as an advisory and they cannot actually reject the application itself, that is controlled by the Planning department). You can submit your comments in just a few minutes, simply be completing this form 👉 https://bit.ly/3vgx6jE Our petition 👉 https://chng.it/bWYtFHb78S is great and has over 980 signatures but the more INDIVIDUAL COMMENTS AND LETTERS submitted will carry much more weight in planning terms. Belmont Rural Parish Council Website | https://belmontrural-pc.gov.uk from

Over 100 individual letters of objection to demolishing Three Counties Hotel for another Lidl Supermarket in Hereford have been submitted on the Herefordshire Council planning portal with dozens more still not yet listed. One resident wrote; This is the general opinion from most people who have taken the time to send in their letters of objection, with only 2 letters supporting the planning application. Our Petition here https://chng.it/bWYtFHb78S has had over 960 signatures from people who feel the same. Many residents have said this is completely the wrong location and if Lidl want to pursue having yet another supermarket in Hereford they should seek alternative locations and well away from the Belmont Road (A465). Another local resident wrote; Belmont Rural Parish Council Extraordinary Meeting An Extraordinary Meeting of the Belmont Parish Council will be held at The Kindle Centre (Asda) on Thursday 5th May 2022 at 7.30pm (Tomorrow evening) Agenda; To discuss and agree a formal response to the Three Counties Hotel Hybrid application for demolition of existing hotel and build a Lidl Supermarket. Members of the public and press are invited to attend this important meeting. Web | https://belmontrural-pc.gov.uk

News Update | In the early hours of this morning 2 x crews from Ross on Wye Fire Station and 1 x crew from Whitchurch Fire Station were mobilised to a building fire in Ross. Good assertive Firefighting by the initial crews and good tactical plans enabled the fire to be contained to the main building and help protect other businesses around. With support from crews from around the County the fire was quickly brought under control. At its height there were 10 pumps at the scene, 2 Aerial ladder platforms, 2 water carriers, environmental protection unit, incident command support welfare team and a range of officers on site. The incident has now been scaled back however, crews and other teams will remain at this location for some time. Thank you to Ross on Wye Fire Station for providing these incredible images.

Dramatic drone images from Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service at the 10 pump factory fire at Overross Industrial Estate in Ross-on-Wye this morning. Good progress made through the early hours and now 4 appliances remain on scene damping down, with fire investigation officers working to establish the cause. Thankfully there are no reports of any casualties and fantastic team work from all the fire fighters and emergency services who attended. Photographs courtesy of Ade Farmer (Group Commander HWFRS)

Multiple fire crews are in attendance this morning at Large factory fire at Overross Industrial Est, Ross on Wye in #Herefordshire. Photograph courtesy of Ade Farmer (Group Commander HWFRS) Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service have 10 appliances on site with support from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service. Great effort from all crews especially the first pumps from Ross-on Wye-Fire Station who established a sound IC structure. Photograph courtesy of Ade Farmer (Group Commander HWFRS)