Hereford Voice

Despite local objections, a new bull statue is set to be erected in the Old Market Shopping Centre in Hereford. Mitchells and Butlers, applied for planning permission back in July to place the metal statue in front of its Miller & Carter steakhouse in the city. The proposal has faced opposition, with 17 objections to its appropriateness, design, and choice of materials, and none were in support of the statue. The aluminium sculpture, designed by Warwick-based Elegant Clutter, will stand 1.1 metres high in the outdoor seating area. See our original topic - https://hfd.news/RMO8f

Two women have been fined more than £2500 after they assaulted two police officers. Carolynn Quinn aged 44 of Bridge Street, Hereford and Robynn Quinn aged 22 of Court Orchard, Fownhope, Hereford were both found guilty of two counts assaulting an emergency worker at Hereford Magistrates’ Court earlier today (Thursday 5 September). The pair were arrested and charged after two female police officers were assaulted in Union Street in Hereford in the early hours of Saturday 30 March. The officers suffered slight injuries. Carolynn Quinn was fined £1780 and Robynn Quinn was fined £780. Both fines include compensation to one of the officers. Detective Constable Jeffrey Dube said “No one should expect to come to work and be assaulted. We welcome this result from the courts which sends a clear message that any kind of assault on any emergency worker is unacceptable.”

K15 – the product 22.3 K15 was first manufactured at Kingspan’s Pembridge site in Herefordshire inNovember 2002.422 At that time, the foam was produced with a pentane blowing agent.423 The foil facers of the product were unperforated, with a thickness of 7.6 microns.424 22.4 Following its acquisition of a Dutch company in 2003,425 Kingspan began to introduce a number of changes to its phenolic foam range. They included physical changes to the structure of the foam and the introduction of different chemical ingredients and manufacturing processes to achieve better thermal performance and rates of productivity.426 In particular, Kingspan introduced the use of a mixture of pentane and isopropyl chloride as a blowing agent 427 and perforations were introduced to the aluminium foil facers. 428 The new version of K15 came to be known within Kingspan as “new technology” or “Kesteren technology”429 K15 and the previous version as “old technology”K15.430 Dr Rochefort said that by September 2006 the K15 available to the market was the “new technology” version of the product.431 Ivor Meredith, who had been a Project Leader in the Technical Projects team,432 and his line manager, Philip Heath, Technical Manager until 2010,433 both agreed, although they thought that production of “old technology” K15 had ceased in about August 2007. 434 22.5 Phenolic foam is an organic polymer, so whatever blowing agents or methods are used to produce it, it is not a material of limited combustibility as defined in Approved Document B.435 With the exception of Dr Rochefort, who professed not to have been aware at the time of the fire performance of K15 or the existence of a definition of limited combustibility in Approved Document B,436 all the Kingspan witnesses from whom we heard confirmed that they had been aware throughout their employment at Kingspan that K15 was not, and never could be, a material of limited combustibility. 437 23.9 Herefordshire County Council agreed to undertake the assessment of K15 and prepare any resulting certificate. The work was given to David Jones, who was a Senior Building Control Surveyor from June 2005 until November 2011 and thereafter a Building Control Team Manager until July 2014.942 Mr Jones told us that Herefordshire was selected to undertake the assessment not for any reasons of technical expertise but due to its proximity to Kingspan’s Pembridge site.943 He had never previously been involved in the Type Approval process944 and believed that the work had been delegated to him because he had a specific role in the department for marketing activity. The Type Approval scheme was viewed as a way of raising the profile of the LABC brand. 945 23.10 Mr Jones was reluctant to undertake the assessment of K15. He could see that it involved testing and certification, which he knew were not matters within his experience or within the experience of any other members of his department.946 He had not undergone any specific training on the reaction of materials to fire, the testing and certification of construction products, or on the use of materials in buildings over 18 metres in height. There were no buildings over 18 metres in height in Herefordshire, so he had not had to consider the guidance relating to them in the course of his work. 947 23.11 Mr Jones spoke to someone at LABC, probably Philip Harrison,948 to explain his concern about undertaking the assessment but was told that it would be fairly limited in scope and should involve an initial meeting with the client and a review of the information provided by it. He was also told that if third party certification was considered to be reliable, it could be accepted at face value and that he need not go behind it.949 23.12 The reliability of third party certification was a matter for LABC rather than the assessing authority and the BBA was regarded as the leading organisation accredited by UKAS and therefore treated with a high degree of trust.950 Mr Jones specifically remembered being told during the call that he could rely on the existence of a BBA certificate for K15, which he regarded as significant.951 It provided him with reassurance that he was not expected to delve into complex matters of fire testing.952 He explained that he was specifically told that his assessment should be based on the BBA certificate and that because the BBA would already have examined all the test information,953 he need not verify any part of its contents.954 23.13 LABC did not accept Mr Jones’ account of the telephone call, which it said was contrary to its practice both then and now.955 However, none of its witnesses was able to tell us who had spoken to him or to provide us with any other information about the call he described. David Jones, on the other hand, was a straightforward, candid and credible witness who gave a clear and detailed account of it. We have no doubt that Mr Jones was assured by LABC that there was little to be done beyond checking the BBA certificate (which broadly reflects what a building control officer would have done) and that it was on the basis of that assurance, and the knowledge that there would be a second check,956 that he agreed to take on the task. 957 23.14 Mr Jones’ evidence about what was said during the call is consistent with the terms of LABC’s Service Manual in relation to BBA certificates958 and with Barry Turner’s evidence that when carrying out the second level review959 he would probably not have looked beyond the BBA certificate.960 That all supported Mr Jones’ understanding that in practice LABC did place complete reliance on BBA certificates and expected any authority carrying out an assessment to do the same. Publication of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry phase 2 report The Inquiry published its final report on 4 September 2024. The Government will carefully consider its recommendations, to ensure that such a tragedy can never occur again.

Cracking down on illegal tobacco Herefordshire Council’s trading standards team are continuing their fight against both illegal tobacco and illegal vapes in the county by organised criminal groups. Illegal vapes and cigarettes can contain various harmful substances and have been previously found to contain weedkiller, lead and animal faeces. The products sold are very often counterfeit and have an adverse impact on legitimate local businesses. The council’s trading standards team carry out targeted enforcement operations and pursue prosecutions and other legal action against offenders. Anyone concerned about the sale of tobacco or vapes, including sales to children in the county, should report the matter to Trading Standards on 01432 261761 or via ethelpline@herefordshire.gov.uk Latest successful court action The Mini Market vape shop at 49 Broad Street, Ross-on-Wye has been issued with a court order forcing it to close for a full three month period, ending on 19 November this year, after the council’s trading standards team discovered illegal tobacco products during a raid. Hereford Magistrates heard that on 4 enforcement visits since June 2023, 592 illegal vapes, 581 packs of illegal cigarettes, and 5.75 kg of counterfeit hand rolling tobacco have been seized. There had also been two sales of vape devices to under 18’s, as well as the sale of two illegal oversize vapes to a Trading Standards operative. A secret stash of illegal vapes was also found in an outside toilet at the back of shop. Appearing by video link, the current business owner Akar Dyer Hassan of Gloucester, denied any connection with any of the seized items, but admitted being the owner of the shop premises on that date. Magistrates ordered that the shop remain closed until midnight on 19 November 2024, commenting that the issuing of the order was important to protect children of the Ross area, along with the prevention of further crimes. Hassan was also ordered to pay £1050 costs. Charles Yarnold, Head of Regulation and Technical Services said: “The use of these emergency closure powers by Herefordshire Council, with the assistance of West Mercia Police, is a proven method for successfully tackling this major criminal activity. The sale of illegal tobacco, even from a relatively small shop can lead to half-a-million pounds tax evasion per year and some of the illegal vapes seized from this shop contain up to an astonishing 25 times the legal limit of nicotine. The imposition of the maximum three months closure shows the courts take such matters extremely seriously.” Cllr Barry Durkin, Cabinet Member for Roads and Regulatory Services, who has accompanied officers on a number of raids, commented: “It was very interesting and educational to watch our trading standards officers do what they do best – conduct targeted operations to help protect the community. It was surprising to see the amount of illegal tobacco and vape products seized from a relatively modest size premises, and it emphasises the importance of constant vigilance and the dedication of our officers. I’d like to encourage anyone with information on the trade in illegal tobacco to contact our trading standards team immediately.”

The redevelopment of the Hereford Museum and Art Gallery has reached a key milestone, with agreement to progress with the final design and construction. Following planning permission and listed building consent being granted in July, the redevelopment of the Hereford museum and art gallery is taking an exciting next step as it progresses to the final design and then construction stage. The project will establish a high quality museum and art gallery for the county, with spaces dedicated to hosting exhibitions and displays of local heritage artefacts including the Herefordshire Hoard, education and hospitality areas and a café. The building will be fully accessible and meet high standards of energy efficiency. Arts Council England (ACE) recently announced a commitment of £750,000 to the project to support the building redevelopment work. This is in addition to the funding already identified - £10.9 million from Herefordshire Council, £5 million from Stronger Hereford, and £5.08 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF). Further funding opportunities are also being explored, which if successful would further enhance the facilities in the building. Councillor Harry Bramer, Cabinet Member Community Services and Assets, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Arts Council England for their funding towards the redevelopment of the museum and art gallery in Hereford. “We are committed to supporting arts and culture in the county, and it’s exciting to see continued progress in the refurbishment of the building and the development of new experiences our museum service offers to visitors and the community.”

Let's start the day with a lovely doggy pic Oh look, it took just 12 minutes for today's scan of our page, maybe we should be flattered

𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗟 | Hereford Police are appealing for witnesses after a man received stab injuries to his arm in Hereford this morning (Saturday 17 August). The incident happened at Best Trim Barbers, Belmont between 10.45am and 11.15am when a 37-year-old man received several stab type injuries to his arm which are not believed to be life threatening. The assault is believed to have taken place on the street immediately outside the barbers as well as within the premises itself. The victim is currently receiving medical treatment for the injuries and two men have been arrested – one man, aged 36, for grievous bodily harm with intent and another, aged 40, for obstruct police and assisting an offender. Detective Constable Philip Harvey of Hereford Police said: “We understand incidents of this nature can be alarming, but we would like to reassure members of the public we believe this to be an isolated incident. “We are appealing for any witnesses that were in the vicinity of Best Trim, or the entrance to Asda supermarket in Belmont, Hereford, between these times that may have witnessed this incident or anyone else who can assist us with our enquiries to come forward. “Anyone with information should contact me at Philip.Harvey@westmercia.police.uk, quoting reference number 185i of today (August 17) or call 01432 347191.”

A Hereford man has been ordered to pay back over £172,000 under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) or face more time in prison. In June 2022, officers stopped Brian Gough in his car and found the 67-year-old in possession of cocaine and amphetamine. A warrant was issued at his home address in Laburnum Grove, Hereford, where officers recovered drugs with a street value of £24,390 and drugs paraphernalia. Gough was arrested and on April 12, 2023, he pleaded guilty to three charges of possession with intent to supply class A drugs (cocaine) and class B drugs (cannabis and amphetamine) He was sentenced to:- Three years for possession with intent to supply class A drugs. Two years and eight months for possession and intent to supply class B drugs. 10 months for possession and intent to supply amphetamine. The sentences ran concurrently. At the POCA hearing at Worcester Crown Court last Friday (9 August) Gough was instructed to pay back £172,653.75 - believed to be the proceeds of his crime. If he doesn’t pay back the money he will be sentenced to a further three years. Detective Inspector Dan Fenn said, “It’s incredibly rewarding to see the impact the Proceeds of Crime Act has on those who make money from crime.“POCA allows us not only to bring criminals to justice but also strip them of the financial gains they made from their illegal activities.“Crime does not pay as West Mercia Police will proactively target those who are illegally benefiting from crime. Our goal is to send a clear message: Crime will not be tolerated.”

Weobley is one of best preserved Tudor villages in the country. This ancient settlement and civil parish in Herefordshire, is being transformed for 'Hamnet' with Steven Spielberg’s production company 'Amblin Pictures'. There is a disused garage with two antique petrol pumps behind the convincing fake timber. A medieval filmset in this wonderful medieval town. We understand that filming is schedule to begin next week and includes a dramatic flood scene. The movie would be completed for audiences to enjoy sometime in 2025. Above Images courtesy of Philip Pankhurst. Two of the best Irish actors working today, Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley, are set star in Chloe Zhao’s “Hamnet.” which is being produced by Spielberg’s Amblin Pictures. Replacing original director Sam Mendes, who now has to shoot four Beatles films, Zhao will adapt Maggie O’Farrell prize-winning Novel in what sounds like primo Oscar-bait.

Hereford Voice understands that retailer Matalan will be opening a new store in the Old Market Hereford. Re-fit works are planned to begin as soon as next week with the new store scheduled to open in October. Matalan is a leading UK and international omnichannel fashion and homeware retailer, on a mission to be the first choice for outstanding family value. With a large store network in excess of 270 UK and international stores and an integrated e-commerce platform, Matalan is a trusted brand which puts its customer at the heart of its business and delivers unrivalled product choice and exceptional style and quality to 11 million loyal shoppers every year. Matalan is famously committed to offering a compelling value focused fashion and home offering, that continues to help millions of UK household budgets go further. Matalan’s locations, late night openings, convenient parking, 'everything under one roof' offering and free click and collect service are just some of the reasons why our customers love shopping at Matalan. 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗜𝘁 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁!

We shared a lovely topic this morning at 07:42 about a Police Office and his Police Dog retiring as we always do and because we love dogs. However, someone else has jumped on the bandwagon and would hate the thought that we have got some momentum of a popular dog topic and more or less copied us again word for word within half an hour..

Did you disagree with someone there

We all love a Picnic! 20 minutes later...

We have been a bit lazy recently and because they copy us so often it's almost a daily occurrence a anyway, here are a few we missed from May. We love the annual May Fair and shared this good news at 07:48 We not followed of course, it's all just a coincidence as we keep saying but just 11 minutes it took for this one..

This guy Stefan Davies together with Matt Healey but 98% of the topics are from Stefan for sure. There is also a silent director Alison Rogers - see full company details HERE

A proudly independent, family-run, local business serving Hereford cattle sourced from award-winning Hereford butchers and Herefordshire farms, located in the heart of the city. 0c83f553-ae1b-41c6-a562-c5fb38478f71.MP4 All meats are dry-aged and cooked over charcoal and cherry wood, adding a unique smokiness to our dishes that sets us apart from the rest. We’ll see you very, very soon. We would like to wish Peyman and his team good luck with the new business and we're looking forward to some real Hereford Steak!!

A spokesperson for Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service has said the team were called at 04:33am to a fire at a farm in Madley. The Sawmills at Lower Lulham Farm. The fire is of an open-sided barn containing four wood-drying kilns. The spokesperson has informed us that there are no casualties. Update We have this evening received un update from HWFRSW A fire service spokesperson has provided more details of the "significant fire" at Lower Lulham, Madley that they were called out to. A total of 14 fire engines have been at the scene - two from Hereford, and one from each of the following areas: Peterchurch Leominster Eardisley Ewyas Harold Fownhope Ross-on-Wye Kington Kingsland Upton-upon-Severn Bromsgrove Malvern Wyre Forest Fire Stations Water carriers from Peterchurch, Leominster and Evesham, the aerial ladder platform from Hereford, incident command units from Ledbury and Droitwich and the welfare vehicle from Tenbury Wells attended alongside the engines.

Proposed change of use from non-residential institutions previously defined in the revoked class D1 to class E(b) for use as a cafe to service the local community and provide work experience for local young people. The layout is to match the existing. The external appearance as existing. Adjacent car parking which is council owned, for approx. 5 cars will remain as such with no change to existing availability and/or access. Soft and hard landscaping will remain as existing. Planning Application P241939/F The last planning application was back in 2018 and details can be found on this topic HERE

The family of a man who died in a fire in Hereford have paid tribute to him. Ryan Blackwell, who was 33, died after the fire in Charles Witts Avenue on Thursday 4th July. Ryan’s sister Jayde Brown said “Ryan was selfless, thoughtful, and incredibly kind. We, as a family, are deeply shocked and devastated by his sudden passing. He will be so sorely missed by everyone who knew him. "We’d like to thank everyone for their kind words and support during this difficult time.” Detective Inspector Catherine Taylor said “Following extensive enquiries and postmortem results, there will be no further criminal investigation in relation to the fire and it has been referred to HM Coroner. A man previously arrested has been released from police bail and no further action will be taken against him. "This has been a tragic incident for all concerned and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. "Ryan’s family have been in close liaison with the police and have asked for their privacy to be respected at this difficult time.”

Michells and Butler have submitted a planning application to install a aluminium bull statue outside their Miller & Carter restaurant at the Old Market in Hereford. The proposed sculpture appears more like a Spanish fighting bull Application: Proposed instillation of aluminium bull sculpture on a slate clad concrete base, within the boundary of the external seating area to the front of the restaurant. Including the lifting and relaying of existing paving slabs to facilitate the trenching of an electrical cable to allow for the instillation of lighting on the base of the sculpture. There have already been objections. Eleanor Richardson objected writing "We already have a bull statue in Hereford. The one proposed is a SPANISH bull and isn't within keeping of the local community or local heritage" Another objection from Pippa Heart with the comment; "The design of the statue is not relevant to the surrounding area- the bull depicted is not a Hereford bull- the design is more that of a Spanish fighting bull" Planning Application P241785/F

We love to bring you new and Positive News! WhatsApp Video 2024-08-01 at 13.05.26.mp4 Follow Hereford Voice here and on Facebook and all will be revealed over the coming weeks 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗜𝘁 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁!

The Police have cordoned off East St and Police vehicles are parked near Church St. We have contacted West Mercia Police and waiting for an update.

An investigation has launched following a report of rape in the early hours of yesterday morning (21 July) in Ross-on-Wye. The incident happened around 3am between Three Crosses Road and Springfield Road. Detective Inspector Catherine Taylor said: “I know an incident like this will bring great concern to the community and I would like to reassure the public that a thorough investigation is now on going. “I am appealing to anybody who may have any information that would help with our enquiries, however insignificant you feel it may be, to please contact the police. I also ask that people check any doorbell footage they may have from around the time the incident happened. “There will be an increased police presence in the town as we carry out enquiries and specially trained officers are supporting the victim”. If you have any information, please contact Detective Constable James Smith by email james.smith@westmercia.police.uk or by calling 01432 347103. Alternatively, if you do not feel comfortable speaking with the police, information can be shared anonymously with the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Improvement works to Leominster Town Centre are continuing apace and are now expected to be complete by November. Leominster town centre is benefitting from the multi-million pound High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) Fund, which is breathing new life into high streets that are rich in heritage and potential. The Leominster scheme was awarded £1.3 million Historic England grant funding which is matched by £2,185,500 of funding from Herefordshire Council. The council is working in partnership with Leominster Town Council, along with residents, businesses and community groups to deliver a range of projects, agreed with Historic England, which aim to renew and rejuvenate Leominster's High Street and Conservation Area. The major investment has already transformed buildings with improvements to structure and facades to reflect the original detail, restoring local historic character and heritage features. Cllr Philip Price, Cabinet Member Transport and Infrastructure, said: “Winning this funding was an incredibly competitive process and involved a lot of effort from the council and our local partners, so we are delighted to be carrying out these improvement works for the benefit of Leominster. Once finished, the enhancements will be beautiful and be a boost to the aesthetics and accessibility of the Town Centre that will bring benefits to local people and businesses for years to come.” The works were originally intended to be completed in September, but delays due to drainage and sourcing of materials means the anticipated completion date is now the end of November, with some ongoing work to continue in Corn Square. Cllr Price continued: “It is always a challenge when working with older structures, and some of the issues we have discovered have unfortunately led to the delays experienced. However, we are committed to doing the job thoroughly and with the long-term in mind, so where defects have been found we have fixed them rather than leaving them to be discovered down the line, and we will continue this approach. “It can sometimes take longer than any of us would like to properly identify potential problems and the appropriate solution. As such, we are aware of the inconvenience to Leominster that will have been caused by the delays incurred by drainage and materials sourcing issues, so to help provide a boost to local businesses we are implementing a number of measures.” These include: Free Parking – from 7 August two hours free parking in Etnam Street Car Park for the duration of the improvement work. Additional promotion of Leominster – funding to be provided by Herefordshire Council to support the promotion of events and festivals in Leominster. A total of £2,500 will be made available and we will be liaising with local businesses and Leominster Town Council on how this can be allocated most effectively. Support for events affected by the work – we understand the extension of this work may impact on planned events. We are keen to ensure the events continue and we will provide support to the organisers to help facilitate these where possible. Signage – Some businesses and residents have expressed concern about the placement of signs and safety barriers. We are committed to minimising disruption where possible and if notified of any concerns we will work with the contractors to alter signage. Herefordshire County Business Improvement District have also separately committed to support businesses in Leominster. Cllr Price concluded: “We are committed to working with the local community, and there will be a residents and businesses meeting on Tuesday 23 July at Grange Court from 5.30pm. This is a great opportunity for local people to find out more, ask questions, and express any concerns or issues they may have.”

NON-MATERIAL AMENDMENT APPLICATION AMENDMENT OF PLANNING PERMISSION REF: 231703 THREE COUNTIES HOTEL, BELMONT, HEREFORD, HR2 7BP Carney Sweeney (planning consultants) has submitted the following covering letter. On behalf of our client Lidl Great Britain Ltd, this application is submitted for a non-material amendment to the wording of conditions 3-7 attached to planning permission ref: 231703. Permission ref. 231703 was granted on 15 March 2024 for the following: "Demolition of existing hotel and associated structures and erection of Class E foodstore with associated access, parking, servicing, drainage and landscaping." Proposal Works associated with the demolition of the former hotel buildings are a specialist element of the construction process and consequently programmed to be carried out by a specialist contractor rather than a general contractor which will carry out the subsequent construction of the Lidl store.. Furthermore, and partly in response to a desire to limit the potential for criminal activity at the site, there is a strong desire to carry out the demolition activity as early as possible (in late 2024), before the General Contractor has been chosen and appointed. As currently drafted the conditions do not recognise the separate nature of the demolition works and the subsequent construction works and consequently it is not possible to fully discharge the conditions until the main contractor is appointed. In order to facilitate the separate phased nature of the works this application proposes amended wording to allow information in respect of the demolition phase of works to be submitted and approved separately to information in respect of the construction phase of works. CoveringLetter 2.pdf