Hereford Voice

Mother Nature's Goodies Opening Early November in High Town Hereford. (former Starbucks unit) The perfect place for natural pamper products, luxury soaps or that quirky gift for someone who has everything. Essential oils, bath bombs, salt lamps, aroma diffusers. They have it all!! So join the thousands of satisfied customers who already shop with them in their stores in Abergavenny, Cwmbran and Monmouth. Mother Nature's Goodies are also hiring! They are looking for team members who are bright, enthusiastic and share their passion for natural products. Previous retail experience helpful. Please email cv to Steve@mothernaturesgoodies.co.uk Steve got in touch with Hereford Voice recently and we would like to take this opportunity to wish Steve all the very best of luck and we look forward to welcoming Mother Nature's Goodies to our wonderful city of Hereford. Remember where you heard it first..

A consultation has been launched on proposed improvements to the streets and public spaces in Hereford’s historic Cathedral and River Wye Quarter. Changes are being proposed for the layout and use of the streets and public spaces in the historic core of Hereford, around the Cathedral and the River Wye area - Broad St, King St and Bridge St, and surrounding areas. The improvements aim to create an attractive, vibrant city centre to help support existing businesses and encourage people to stay longer when they visit, helping to boost the local economy. The proposals give more space for pedestrians and cyclists, with a new layout and design that gives motor vehicles reduced priority. There are areas for small events, activities and street dining with lots of attractive seating and planting. The unique character and history of the area is a key consideration in the designs, along with making the area safe and enjoyable for all users. To find out more about the proposals and to give your views, visit www.herefordshire.gov.uk/consultations. You can visit Hereford Library to view a map of the proposals and complete a questionnaire. The consultation closes on 8 November 2022. Councillor John Harrington, Cabinet member infrastructure and transport said: “It’s important that we continue to invest in our beautiful and historic City so that everyone who visits or works there has the best possible experience and enjoys spending time there. “We’ve been speaking with main stakeholders in the area to consider what improvements can be made in the Cathedral and River Wye Quarter of the City. “We want this area to be a vibrant, active place where people want to spend time and where businesses want to be based. This area is unique in its heritage and feel, so it’s vital we listen to the local business community and residents to identify the measures that would work best to enhance this area.” The cost of the design proposals is being met through the Hereford City Centre Improvement programme, which is jointly funded by Herefordshire Council and Marches LEP. Once the final designs are agreed the funding for implementation, such as from grants, will then be sought.

A man has been charged after an incident in Hereford. Raymond Long, 50, of Baysham Street, Hereford, has been charged with wounding with intent. He appeared at Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court today and has been remanded in custody to appear at Worcester Crown Court on 7 November. The charge is in relation to an incident in a house on Baysham Street in Hereford at around 3.30pm on Saturday 8 October where a woman in her 70s suffered a head injury.

A 22-year-old woman who died in the early hours of this morning following an incident in Oswestry has been named as Rebecca Steer. She was struck by a car at around 2.50am this morning after it mounted the kerb outside the Grill Out takeaway on Willow Street. Tragically, she died of her injuries shortly after arriving at hospital. Rebecca’s family have described her as ‘the most loving, talented and kind hearted person you could ever wish to know’. They went on to say: “We are all completely devastated by the loss of our beautiful girl Rebecca. “She always had a smile and a laugh that made everybody love her. “She will be greatly missed by her many friends and family. “She was the best daughter, sister, granddaughter and friend anyone could ask for. “Rest in Peace beautiful girl.“ A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder in relation to the incident and remains in police custody. The family have asked everyone to respect their privacy at this very difficult time. Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has information that could help is asked to please report this via the West Mercia Police website quoting reference 90 of 9 October. If you are unable to report this online please ring 101.

Congratulations to Sensory & Rye Tripadvisor Travellers Choice 2022 Award Winner! 👏 Web | https://www.sensoryandrye.co.uk

The famous Hasbro board game today launches their Winning Moves 'Hereford' themed edition and will be available to purchase from Philip Morris & Son from 10:00am this morning, also available from other retailers including Amazon.

A man from Hereford has been jailed for life for rape. 34-year-old Andrew Cooke-Edwards, of Aylestone Hill, was sentenced at Worcester Crown Court today (Monday 3 October). He will serve a minimum of nine years and nine months in prison. Around 1pm on 19 November 2020, he attacked a 23-year-old woman on the river bank in Hereford. He threatened to kill the woman unless she handed over her mobile phone. She did so but Cooke-Edwards orally and vaginally raped her. She was later found by members of the public. Later that day, Cooke-Edwards was arrested and later charged with two counts of rape, making threats to kill and robbery. He subsequently pleaded guilty. Detective Constable Lawrence Smith said: “This was a shocking attack on an innocent young girl. “We greatly admire her courage for helping to bring her attacker to justice and hope that this sentence might allow her to move on with her life. “We strive to prosecute anyone responsible for a sexual crime and urge anyone with any concerns about an incident, whether recently or in the past, to please get in touch. “You will be offered our full support and we will do everything we can to help you.” Anyone with any concerns about a sexual crime can report it by visiting https://www.westmercia.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us/ or calling 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency. You can also get help from the West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre. Visit wmrsasc.org.uk or call 03456 461188.

A man has been charged in connection with the death of a 39-year-old man in Ross-on-Wye yesterday (Sunday 2 October). Kestutis Lekunas of Bluebell Close in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire was charged with murder yesterday evening (Monday 3 October). The 35-year-old has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Worcester Magistrates Court later today (Tuesday 4 October). A 39-year-old woman who was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, in relation to the incident has been released and will face no further action.

A murder investigation has been launched following the death of a 39-year-old man in Ross-on-Wye. At around 9:30am this morning (Sunday 2 October) police were called to Bluebell Close following reports of an altercation. Officers attended along with colleagues from West Midlands Ambulance Service. On arrival it was found that the man had sustained serious injuries and he was pronounced dead at the scene. A 40-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and a 39-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, both individuals remain in police custody. Detective Inspector Stephen Cook said: “This is a shocking incident and our thoughts go out to the family of the man who lost his life. “I understand that incidents of this nature can be alarming, but would like to reassure the local community that this is an isolated incident and there is no wider risk to the public. “Our officers remain at the scene and you may see an increased police presence in the area over the coming days as our investigation continues.” We’d like to hear from anyone who saw the incident or captured it on dash-cam / CCTV. If you have any information that could help please report this online under the Tell Us About section of the West Mercia Police website quoting reference 184 of 2 October. 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 at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/ or 0800 555 111.

📣 POSITIVE HEREFORD | Hereford City Council have created a brilliant annual event in the heart of our beautiful city and yesterday marked the start of a few weeks of non-stop activities, markets, music and craft plus lots more besdides. The first day of the Hereford AppleFest ended with the headline act and the legendary #DoctorandtheMedics, live in Hereford High Town! uCZN4XkgOb_nj7Dc.mp4 Thank you to Hereford City Council and all the sponsors involved for presenting this wonderful festival to Hereford 👏👏👏 #HerefordVoice | #HerefordNews | #PositiveHereford | #YourHerefordshire | #HerefordCommunity | #EmbraceHereford | #HerefordEvents | #HerefordCity | #Hereford | #WhatsOnHerefordshire

Mayor of Hereford Mark Dykes officially opened the 16 days of apple-themed festivities, beginning with live music in High Town from 12pm until 9pm today! Don't miss out on the celebrations! Details 👉 https://herefordcitycouncil.gov.uk/hereford-applefest/ 📸 Hereford City Council #HerefordVoice | #HerefordNews | #HerefordshireNews | #PositiveHereford | #EmbraceHereford | #HerefordCommunity | #HerefordEvents | #HerefordCity | #Hereford | #WhatsOnHerefordshire

West Mercia Police statement : A man from Shropshire has been charged following an affray that occurred at Q club sports bar (formally Hereford Snooker Centre). Andrew Reading, of Allcroft Close in Onibury, Craven Arms has been charged with two counts of grievous bodily harm, one count of possessing an offensive weapon and one count of affray. The 33-year-old was remanded in custody and will appear at Worcester Magistrates’ Court on Monday 17 October 2022. The charges relate to an isolated incident that took place on Saturday 17 September just after 5pm at Q club sports bar (formally Hereford Snooker Centre). See the original article here

Initial repairs to the High Street monument were carried out in 2020 following a genourous £30,000 donation from former Lancaster bomber Stuart Heaton. Photo courtesy of Historic England However by early 2021, cracks started to appear on the memorial and green mould was clearly visible, particularly around the base. Ledbury Town Council said repairs would take place as soon as possible. Yesterday they issued the following statement; "Ledbury Town Council would like to provide residents of Ledbury with an update on the progress on the repairs to the War Memorial in High Street, Ledbury. The Council have appointed Caroe & Partners to act on their behalf and draw up a specification, apply for Listed Bulling Consent and to send out the specification to competent contractors At an extraordinary meeting of Council in July Members were advised that the Listed Building Consent application had been submitted and that Caroe had identified three companies who had expressed an interest in tendering for the works. The details of these three companies were provided to Councillors to enable them to undertake due diligence prior to the tenders being received. Members were also provided with a draft Preliminaries report for consideration and advised of questions that Caroe had raised prior to its completion. It had been hoped that work would start to the War Memorial in late August and completed prior to the Remembrance Service in November. However due to a delay in receiving the Listed Building Consent this unfortunately was not the case. This has now been received and three tenders for the works have also been received and will be considered at a meeting of Council on 6 October 2022. The Council are mindful that the Memorial is the centre point for the Service of Remembrance on Friday, 11 and Sunday, 13 November and as such should be available on these dates. Sadly, this does mean that the works to repair the War Memorial and paving will not now commence until after the Remembrance Service in November. The Council are working with Caroe & Partners to ensure the works are carried out as soon as possible, and on the appointment of the successful contractor will provide more information on the start date, and timescales for completion. The Council would like to apologise for the delays but hope that residents will understand that they want to make sure all necessary processes are followed to ensure the work to the War Memorial is carried out to a required standard. Thank you for your patience in this matter" Angela Price - Town Clerk On Behalf of Ledbury Town Council Contact details: Tel: 01531 632306 Email: clerk@ledburytowncouncil.gov.uk

There is an increased police presence in Hereford this evening. A spokesperson for West Mercia Police told Hereford Voice "Officers responded to a call at around 5pm today after a disturbance broke out at Hereford Snooker Centre in Coningsby Street. Police and ambulance services are in attendance. Two men have been arrested. One man has been taken by air ambulance to hospital. There are a number of other casualties, but the extent of their injuries is unknown. A police cordon will be in place around Coningsby Street, Widemarsh Street and the immediate vicinity. Please be reassured that the incident is contained and there is no threat to the wider public, however, please avoid the area to allow the police to continue with their work. Thank you"

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" 👍