Hereford Voice

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)

People could find themselves being issued with an instant fine for revving their engines, playing loud music or just being a general nuisance in local car park. Public order comes into force for Hereford car park. Herefordshire Council has introduced a public spaces protection order for Garrick multi-storey car park in Widemarsh Street in Hereford. The order comes into force on Sunday 1 May 2022. Having consulted on the matter, the order is being implemented to reduce the antisocial behaviour that has been happening in the car park. As well as posting news of the order on our website, we will place signs within the car park. Implementing the order allows the council and the police to issue on-the-spot fines to offenders. Marc Willimont, Herefordshire Council’s head of public protection, economy and environment, says: “We hope local residents will be reassured that the council is working to make all our public spaces free from all forms of antisocial behaviour. Nuisance behaviour, including drinking alcohol and playing loud music in open spaces, can blight people’s lives. In the worst cases, the antisocial behaviour of just a few can deter the many from enjoying some of our most precious public spaces. Clearly, that’s unfair on them, so this order will make Garrick multi-storey car park a more welcoming place in future for everyone to use. It will also protect the nearby residents from the noise and nuisance caused by gangs revving cars, loud car stereos and all the other sorts of antisocial behaviour associated with these activities.”

An Extraordinary Meeting of the Belmont Parish Council will be held at the Kindle Centre (Asda) on Thursday 5th May 2022 at 7.30pm to discuss and agree a formal response to the Three Counties Hotel Hybrid application for demolition of existing hotel and build a Lidl Supermarket.

Yes I will add them, I have also added a few photographs in our FB Hereford Bull Statue group, she was their for there Green Garden Festival in 2016

This fits their agenda but the worst road in Hereford. Lidl need to look for an alternative location, maybe Rotherwas..

Monday 9 May, 9.30am – 10.30am Hereford Cathedral launches a brand-new Toddler Group for young children and their grown-ups. Starting on 9 May, and meeting at 9.30 am every Monday in term-time, the Toddler Group will be open to children aged 1-3, and free for families to attend. Taking place inside the beautiful cathedral, the sessions will be led by cathedral staff and volunteers. After a bible story, children will be able to take part in a craft activity, enjoy playing together and finish the session with a song - lots of fun, and refreshments will be available for both parents and toddlers. Sarah Brown, the Dean of Hereford, is excited, “I’m so happy to invite the tiniest children, and their parents and carers, to come in and discover what a great place this amazing cathedral can be. The cathedral really is a place for little children, because it is God’s house, and He tells us to welcome the little children in his name. This time of fun (with a bit of learning thrown in) is our gift to the little ones, and hopefully a time of rest and refreshment for parents and carers too.” William Talbot-Ponsonby, Head of Education & Family Learning, adds: “we are so looking forward to launching our Toddler Group in May. It’s open to all, whether you visit the cathedral regularly or have never stepped through the doors – we see it as a great opportunity for us to welcome in new people and to share our wonderful building. If you would also like to help out in running the sessions, please contact me at education@herefordcathedral.org, as I am always on the lookout for enthusiastic volunteers to help share their Christian knowledge and inspire young people.” The Toddler Group will be free to attend, and advance booking is not required – just turn up on the day. If you would like to find out more about the group, please email education@herefordcathedral.org.

You see this is what happens once these supermarket are established, they want to move the goalposts for unrestricted deliveries - See planning application HERE

It is with sad news that we inform you that Glenda Vaughan-Powell passed away last Saturday. Glenda Vaughan-Powell Glenda was an active member on our forum for many years and although sometimes she could be a difficult person, in fairness, she also did a lot of very good things when she was a local councillor in Newton Farm. She campaigned hard to save the Asda Walk-In centre as well as other good projects locally. Glenda Vaughan-Powell served as a District Councillor of Herefordshire Council and a Hereford City Parish Councillor until May 2015, elected as an Independent, serving Belmont Ward for 12 years. In 2003 she won £744,000 for the Wyes Moves community bus company plus a further £126,000 from the South Wye regeneration Fund, to serve the people of South Wye. During her time as a councillor she successfully led a campaign to keep the post office open in South Wye, was responsible for keeping the South Wye police station open and led a campaign to maintain the GP walk-in centre at on the Asda site, as well as acting as a member on the following council advisory groups:- Safer and stronger communities, South Wye Regeneration Partnership. Healthier communities and older people group Children and young people advisory group. Member of the community safety group Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator for Newton Farm. Member of Herefordshire Housing Steering group for redevelopment of the Oval. She was formally Chair of the Herefordshire Neighbourhood Watch Association for Hereford and Belmont, as well as chair of the Friends of Belmont Haywood Country Park. In June 2011, as a councillor, Glenda was appointed as a member of the Wye Valley NHS Trust and in April 2012 was invited to become a member of the All Party Parliamentary Group representing Herefordshire Independents at the House of Commons, which she accepted. In 2014, again as a councillor, Glenda became a member of the Local Government Association (LGA) Executive group representing all Herefordshire Independents in Hereford and West Midlands. Rest in peace and thank your for all the good things you accomplished locally.

A man has been charged after reports of threatening behaviour in Hereford. Luke Berry, 29, of no fixed address, was charged with a section five public order offence and failing to comply with a community protection notice. He is due to appear at Hereford Magistrates' Court on 18 May. The charges relate to an incident in Hereford on Wednesday 20 April.

West Mercia Police (OPU) arrested a male for threatening members of the public with a large length of wood in Hereford. Driver was reported for no insurance, driving without a valid MOT and the vehicle was seized by Police.

UPDATE | Around 8.15pm yesterday (Tuesday 19 April) officers received a report concerned for the condition of a person on Braemar Gardens, Hereford. Officers and West Midlands Ambulance Service attended. A woman was taken to hospital with a non-life changing injury. No other injuries were reported. Officers are no longer at the scene and enquiries are ongoing.

West Mercia Police were called to the Hampton Bishop area of Hereford at around 8pm last night following a report of an assault and robbery. A woman was injured during the incident and has been transferred to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham for treatment. Her injuries are not life threatening. Officers attended and a thorough search of the local area was conducted, with support from the National Police Air Service. Officers remained on scene overnight and this morning. Insp Dan Pilkington, said “we understand that a heavy police presence can be alarming, but would like to reassure residents that we believe this to be a contained incident with no threat to the wider community. “Enquiries are going, and in the meantime there will continue to be a visible police presence in the area to provide reassurance.”