Hereford Voice

At its meeting today, Thursday 19 December 2024, Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet received two reports from Children’s Services. Corporate Parenting Strategy Cabinet endorsed the Corporate Parenting Strategy 2025-2027 which sets out the ambition, actions and outcomes the council needs to achieve for our children and young people as a Corporate Parent. Leader of Herefordshire Council, Councillor Jonathan Lester, said: “Today Cabinet has endorsed an extremely important strategy that reinforces our responsibilities as corporate parents of Herefordshire children. This key document will now be imbedded in the council’s consciousness and will be continually referenced when striving to deliver the best for our children and young people. “This strategy is a multi-agency document and working with our partners we will do all we can to ensure the children in our care, and those leaving our care, have the best of life chances we can create for them. We will support all children to have the best start in life and help them to achieve their aspirations.” Ofsted Monitoring Visit Feedback Cabinet also received the feedback letter from Ofsted following their fifth monitoring visit in October which had a focus on the protection of children at risk of extra familial harm. Inspectors reported a wide range of positive findings, including effective and timely multi-agency working to identify, support and protect children at risk from experiencing extra familial harm and exploitation. Feedback included: Get Safe specialist team - Ofsted found that “Children at risk of extra familial harm in Herefordshire benefit from a committed specialist team, which reduces risk for many of these vulnerable children”. They found the Get Safe team to “work effectively to reduce risks for children and young people and their work to be “timely and well structured”. Early Help, support, and identification of risk - Ofsted found that a range of early help services were available to support children at risk of exploitation and that for most children who come to the attention of children services their needs and risks are promptly identified though effective systems in place in MASH (Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub). Partnership Working - Ofsted found the external partnership collaboration is helping to protect vulnerable children through targeted interventions and or disruption activity and that this collaboration and information sharing between partners was improved since previous visits. Quality of practice - Ofsted found that the child and family assessments that they had reviewed in other parts of the service, from front door to children in care and care leavers and completed in recent months, were “an improved quality” to those they have historically observed. Ofsted found these assessments as being “detailed and reflecting overarching needs, with an exploration of risks to the child”. Councillor Ivan Powell, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People said: “We’re pleased that the report acknowledges positive signs of improvement. We recognise that we have some work to do but we are in a considerably better place than we were two years ago. “We have a refreshed and more focused Improvement Plan and we are determined to continue our work at pace to provide our children and families with the best services possible.

The official launch of a new Community Health Hub took place on Wednesday 18 December, attended by senior representatives from the Healthcare sector. These included leaders from NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire, Wye Valley NHS Trust, Healthwatch Herefordshire and the Herefordshire Councillor for Adult Health and Wellbeing, Carole Gandy. Photo courtesy of Taurus Healthcare Attendees heard from Dr Nigel Fraser, GP and Chairman of Taurus Healthcare, the GP Federation for Herefordshire. Dr Fraser outlined the vision behind the new Centre and the innovative way in which it had been financed (a mixture of Nat West Bank, Lombard Finance credit and the Federation’s own cash). Dr Fraser said: “The financing model we have used to purchase the premises is already attracting national interest due to its reduced reliance on public finance. Perhaps more importantly, by consolidating our operations under one roof, we are generating significant annual savings in premises costs.” The Hub is located at Nelson House on Whitecross Road, close to Aldi and Sainsbury’s Supermarkets. It brings together partners from across Herefordshire’s healthcare system, enabling more collaboration and improved relationships, leading to better patient services and greater efficiency. Teams from Wye Valley NHS Trust’s Community Response Hub, including the Urgent Community Response Service, and Healthwatch Herefordshire have been operating from the building for several weeks. The Out of Hours GP Service (which provides urgent GP support through NHS111 when surgeries are closed) also now operates from Nelson House, having moved here at the end of November. Taurus purchased Nelson House earlier this year and the building has since undergone significant refurbishment. This includes the creation of a self-contained clinical unit with eight consulting rooms, conference and training facilities, meeting rooms and social spaces. Its corporate team is now based at the building, together with colleagues from Herefordshire General Practice and Herefordshire’s health and care system. Simon Trickett, Chief Executive at NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire, said: "The new centre is a great credit to the team – I know the work that must have gone on behind the scenes to get to this point. “We are really committed across the whole system to integrate care more for patients and so that we can make accessing care more straightforward and understandable for Herefordshire residents. The new centre, based on a prominent junction at Whitecross Road, is a tangible demonstration to people that progress is being made towards this goal.” After an official ribbon cutting ceremony conducted by three of the Federation’s longest serving members of the Out of Hours GP Service team, visitors were invited to tour the new facilities. Jill Rowberry, Operational Shift Manager for Taurus (and one of those who performed the ribbon cutting ceremony), said: "It’s so nice to have our own self-contained clinical space. The fact that we’re co-located with the administrative offices also really helps with joining up the care we provide.” Additional teams and services are expected to move into the premises in the new year, including NHS Health Checks, diabetic eye screening and seasonal vaccination clinics.

Improvements to pavements, roads and historic buildings in Leominster town centre are welcomed by visitors Visitors to Leominster town centre at the weekend were pleased with the attractive result of improvement work to pavements, roads and public spaces. The enhancements to the main roads in the heart of the town include attractive road surfacing, improved paving, wider pavements and raised tables at the major junctions making it safer and easier for pedestrians. The heritage appearance has been maintained through the use of natural stone and the reuse of materials where possible. The improvements to the public spaces complement the renovation work on a number of shopfronts and buildings in the town including the restoration of facades to reflect the original detail and character of key historic buildings. The improvements were made possible thanks to the Leominster High Street Heritage Action Zone project – a multi-million pound regeneration initiative funded by Historic England and Herefordshire Council in partnership with Leominster Town Council. This major investment in the market town has transformed buildings, restored local historic character and created more attractive and engaging public spaces, helping to make the town a more vibrant place to live, work and visit. Councillor Philip Price, Cabinet Member Transport and Infrastructure said: “Firstly, I would like to thank the Leominster businesses and residents who have been very patient during the improvements. For a number of reasons the work took a few weeks longer than originally planned, but now there are just the finishing touches to complete, feedback is that visitors are pleased with the attractive result. “When we started the Leominster High Street Heritage Action Zone project we asked local people what improvements they wanted to see in their town centre. Residents and visitors told us that the pavements were too narrow, walking surfaces were very uneven and drainage was an issue. We have addressed all of these while ensuring the unique, historic heart and heritage of Leominster is maintained. “We are confident the improvements will help to encourage more visitors to the town centre for years to come, helping to boost trade for businesses.” Cllr Gill Murdoch, Mayor of Leominster, said: “The Town Council is pleased that the much needed investment in the centre of Leominster is almost complete. It seems ages ago that the first steps were taken to secure the funding for this project. “It is wonderful to see the new look, in keeping with our historical buildings, being safe and attractive at the same time. Residents and visitors will enjoy the benefits of the public realm improvements.”

Residents will now know how to address their gritting lorry, thanks to the efforts of local children who worked to give every new gritter in the county a name. Herefordshire Council ran the special competition for primary school pupils in October and received almost 100 entries. The winners were invited to attend the Balfour Beatty Living Places depot to meet their gritters in person, along with some of the winter heroes who maintain and operate them. They were also presented with their own competition winner certificate to take home with them, and a mocked-up registration plate with their gritter name on. Councillor Barry Durkin, Cabinet Member for Roads and Regulatory Services, who helped decide the winners and presented the certificates, said: “This competition was a great opportunity for Herefordshire children to show their creativity at work, especially over their October half term. There were so many fantastic and imaginative names submitted, and we had a really difficult time deciding the winners. Almost every name gave us a chuckle and everybody who entered should be incredibly proud.” The winning entries were: Snow-way! – named by Theo Bezant, Stretton Sugwas Ice-a-saurus Rex – named by Harry Attwood, Shobdon Sprinkle – named by Benji Rowlands, Whitecross Nursery Humpfreeze – named by Robyn Stevens, Kingsland C of E Sir Grit-a-Lot – named by Daisy Hardman-McCabe, Trinity Primary Julius Freezer – named by Lucy Harris, Luston Primary Ready Salted – named by Eli-Jacob Howard, Walford Primary Taylor Drift – named by Lottie Wooles, Sutton Academy Who Dares Grits – named by Sienna Stead, Trinity Lottie Wooles, who attends Sutton Primary School and won with Taylor Drift said: “I was over the moon when I heard that my name had won! I like Taylor Swift, so thought about how I could create a name from that, and the word ‘drift’ came to me. I enjoyed the naming event, and especially the chance to sit in Taylor Drift and be shown around and find out how the gritting all works.” Robyn Stevens who attends Kingsland Primary School said: “I loved seeing the gritter lorries as I like the colour yellow and bright lights. They keep our roads safe for me to go to school and other nice places. When I grow up I hope to drive the quad or maybe a gritter. I enjoyed the hot chocolate, biscuits and the people were very nice to me. I will look out for Humpfreeze on cold days.” Cllr Durkin continued: “Gritting operations are just one part of the strong winter maintenance plan in place to maintain transport connections for local communities throughout the county. There are 959km of Primary Routes and 677km of Secondary Routes to keep safe and accessible, and the gritters will be on standby 24 hours a day, 7 days a week until the end of March 2025 to deal with whatever the winter weather throws at us.” Mark Pearson, Contract Director for Balfour Beatty Living Places in Herefordshire said: "We’re proud to play a key role in ensuring that Herefordshire’s roads remain safe and accessible throughout the winter season. Our teams are dedicated to keeping the roads clear and safe 24/7, and we look forward to seeing these unique and creatively named gritters in action as they help keep everyone moving, no matter the weather." To find out the latest information about gritting in your area, make sure to follow the Highways team on Facebook at Herefordshire Highways

Some wonderful photographs captured by our Hereford Voice Photo Studio regular contributor Louise Amos yesterday. A superb annual festive event and providing lots of kind gift donations to the Children’s Ward at Hereford County Hospital. Well done to everyone involved and taking time out of your weekend to be part of this fabulous motorbike ride 🎅🏍🛵

So yesterday we received a press release from Hereford Lions Club, which is EMBARGOED UNTIL 10am on 1st December (today). So we followed their request and and scheduled the publication for 10:00am Some others think they are clever by scheduling just a little bit earlier to get it our first... Yes, it's only a minute and yes it's not really that important but Hey Ho ho ho...

The Beefy Boys Are opening In Bath! This is their 4th restaurant. AQMHR6r9YUBUHQ-f7CcsBaFBUUDTZ2JxATLw5Z6_HUoQCsXLPGkPguoHHfhHsB3M9ie16KwRCcxkdBq2o-TnmxN0.mp4 This is fabulous news following the boys recent success in the USA their Dirty Boy Burger was judged the 4th Best Burger In The World! (Although we think it's the best burger in the World ) The boys wrote of the Facebook page: "IT'S OFFICIAL! We're firing up the grills at our 4th location! The worst-kept secret since dipping fries in milkshakes became a thing Stay tuned for opening day details and exclusive launch surprises!" Looking for the ideal Christmas Gift? They have their brilliant Cook Book and lots of other goodies - https://thebeefyboys.com Great to see the boys continued success, good luck with the new store opening in early 2025!

Let's bring back United! Hereford United that is.. Oh look. within the hour guess who followed..

A tractor driver has been arrested after being filmed driving through deep floodwater in Tenbury on Sunday, sending large waves crashing into businesses along Teme Street. The incident sparked outrage on social media. The 57-year-old driver was detained on suspicion of criminal damage and dangerous driving but has since been released on bail. In the video, the tractor appears to strike something, causing it to jolt, to the surprise of onlookers. Reports suggest the waves created by the tractor damaged windows and compromised flood defences. Tractor creates devastating wave by driving through flooded UK town.mp4 Credit Jay Da Costa A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: “I’d like to thank everyone who brought this incident to our attention, and to the local community for their co-operation and support yesterday while we carried our initial enquiries. I understand the upset and anger that the incident caused, and I hope that the arrest we made yesterday evening offers reassurance that we are actively investigating it. Officers will continue to be out and about in Tenbury in the coming days to assist the local community and our partner agencies with recovery efforts following the flooding.”

𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗥𝗘 𝗙𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗗𝗦 | Flood water across Herefordshire begins to subside after storm Bert. BBLP crews are prioritising the clean-up effort. One of the crews are in Orleton clearing mud and debris before the road can be safely opened to the public. Thank you to the staff and everyone involved in the challenging work clearing it all up. 👏

Sad To See But Some Excellent Progress By Wye Valley Demolition Half of the garden rooms have been demolished Boiler Room gone! Full demolition work is expected to be completed by late January 2025.

Herefordshire Council has sent a clear message that repeated anti-social behaviour and environmental crime will not be tolerated, with the successful prosecution of a fly-tipper for breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO). Mr Zackery Biddle was originally convicted of fly-tipping in 2022. Evidence presented in court showed that Bromyard Household Recycling Centre experienced repeated boundary fence damage between December 2023 and February 2024, allowing unauthorised entry. CCTV footage identified Mr. Biddle on-site with another individual carrying bolt cutters, a key factor in securing his conviction. Charles Yarnold, Herefordshire Council’s Head of Regulation and Technical Services, said: “This conviction sends a strong message that Herefordshire Council will not tolerate persistent offending or anti-social behaviour. Criminal Behaviour Orders are crucial in holding repeat offenders accountable and reinforcing our commitment to a safe and clean community for all residents.” Councillor Barry Durkin, Cabinet Member for Transport and Regulatory Services, added: “Our message is clear - persistent offenders who disregard the rules will face serious consequences. Herefordshire Council is fully committed to ensuring that anti-social and environmentally harmful behaviour is dealt with robustly. We will continue to take every step necessary to protect our communities and keep Herefordshire a safe place to live and work.” Herefordshire Council’s Community Protection Team works proactively to investigate fly-tipping incidents and hold individuals accountable for waste-related crimes. Residents are encouraged to report fly-tipping online at www.herefordshire.gov.uk/flytipping or by calling the council’s hotline 01432 261761

A man from Hereford who was jailed for producing cannabis has been ordered to pay back the proceeds of his crime or face more time in prison. On the 8 June 2023, officers executed a warrant at Hereford Coach and Commercial Refinishers at Glebe Farm and discovered cannabis being grown within the premises. 270 cannabis plants were recovered with a value of £93,700. The owner of the business, Andrew Mannion, of Orchard Meadow, Lower Eggleton, entered a guilty plea to 2 counts of being concerned in the production of cannabis and on the 25 August 2023, he was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment on count one and 6 months to run concurrently on count two. At a Proceeds of Crime hearing at Worcester Crown Court on Tuesday 19 November, the 62-year-old was instructed to payback the proceeds of his crime amounting to £97,009.44. If he doesn’t, he was told he would receive another 2-year custodial sentence. Detective Inspector Dan Fenn, from the Economic Crime and Cyber Unit, said: “I hope this is a strong message to those who think being involved in the production of drugs that we will be relentless in pursuing illicit funds that have been made from illegal activity. “I would like to commend the financial investigator who worked tirelessly on this investigation. It is a good example of how our team will not leave any stone unturned and will continue to protect our communities from further harm”.

We even managed a selfie! Can you pot yourself? Eternal girls with Sunshine Radio presenters The lights are on!

Thank you to Mark and all the team at Sunshine Radio and Hereford City Council for giving us full back stage access to today's fabulous show. Check out some of these fabulous photographs of the show, and all you lovely people who turned up in their thousands despite the rain! Can you spot yourself? Thank you to the girls from Eternal Group for your kindness and lovely hospitality, we even managed a selfie! What a great show!!

They are a nightmare and we have been campaigning for years to get them switched off

Christmas is coming! We know, it's just a coincidence right...

Matalan Has Confirmed To Hereford Voice That Their New Store In Hereford Opens On Saturday 23rd November.

The jobs of more than half of the workforce at the DIY chain Homebase are at risk after the retailer's owners called in administrators following a failed attempt at a sale. Homebase have a branch in Ledbury. Its owner Hilco had been looking to sell the struggling retailer, but has not managed to find an outright buyer. The owner of homeware chain The Range is buying up to 70 stores and the brand, safeguarding about 1,600 jobs. This leaves 49 stores without a buyer, and thousands of jobs at risk in the stores and head office. Administrators Teneo declined to say which stores were at risk of closing at this stage.

Three Counties Hotel Demolition Latest Images The demolition contractor is Wye Valley Demolition Ltd and the work is expected to be completed by late January 2025.

Yes, absolute nightmare

Lee Lauder (left) and Finley Phillips have been sentenced to a total of 54 months for burglary offences. Two men have been sentenced to a total of more than four years for burglary offences in the Hereford area. Lee Lauder, 19, of Paxton Drive, Bristol and Finley Phillips, 20, of Satchfield Court, Bristol, were sentenced to 27 months each on Tuesday 5 November at Worcester Crown Court. Lauder and Phillips were charged in relation to a series of burglaries at commercial premises on the Rotherwas industrial estate overnight of 3 and 4 September 2023. They also committed a burglary of a dwelling on 4 September when they were disturbed by the occupants of an address in Canon Frome, Hereford. They stole car keys, handbag, purse and money from that address. They were stopped by police a short time later and remanded in custody and charged for the other offences too. Lauder pled guilty to conspiracy to burglary for which he was given a 22-month sentence and dwelling house burglary for which he was given a 27-month sentence to run concurrently. Phillips also pled guilty to conspiracy to burglary for which he was given a 22-month sentence and dwelling house burglary for which he was given a 27-month sentence to run concurrently. Detective Constable Verity Farr of Hereford CID said: “Burglary and acquisitive crime offences cause great distress in our communities. “Breaking into someone’s home is immensely intrusive and distressing for those that are victims of these crimes. “We will always do all we can to pursue and prosecute those responsible for committing such offences.”

A Hereford drug dealer has been sentenced to 32 months for selling class A drugs into the city. Matthew Hayward, 36, of Charles Witts Avenue, Hereford, was sentenced at Worcester Crown Court yesterday (Tuesday 5 November). Hayward was arrested at his home address on 19 September 2024. A search of the vehicle he had been driving identified a large quantity of white powder - later confirmed as cocaine - was found in a bag in the boot. There were also a large quantity of clear unused deal bags and a set of scales. He did not hold a driving licence and was not insured to drive the vehicle he had been seen driving. Hayward was convicted of one count of possess with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class A - cocaine – in September as well as driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence and using a motor vehicle on a road/public place without third party insurance. He was sentenced to 32 months for the drug dealing offence, deprivation of any interest in a Mercedes car and disqualified from driving for 12 months plus a 16-month extension period, giving a total ban of 28 months for the motoring offences. Detective Constable Emily Holder of Hereford CID said: “We welcome this sentencing which demonstrates to the community that police will act swiftly and with the support of the public to disrupt the supply of controlled drugs which causes such harmful impact on our community. “We urge members of the public to contact us should they have any concerns over drug supply, and they will be taken seriously. You can report it to us online at Report a crime | West Mercia Police. Always call 999 in an emergency.” “Alternatively, if you have information but don’t feel comfortable speaking to police, you can speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers. It is 100% anonymous, they never ask your name, and they cannot trace your call or IP address. You can contact them online or by calling 0800 555 111.” This investigation forms part of Operation Target – West Mercia Police’s work to tackle serious and organised crime.

City businesses have voted a resounding 'YES' in a ballot that decides the future of the Hereford Business Improvement District Ltd (Hereford BID). Results released on Friday, 1st November, by Civica Electoral Services, who independently conducted the ballot, show that during the 28-day vote, 255 businesses voted with a total rateable value of £9,391,000. Of these, 232 (91%) voted in favour by number with a rateable value in favour of 91%. A majority in terms of votes cast & rateable value is legally required for a BID to be voted in. The results give the Hereford BID a strong mandate to deliver its projects and services as set out in its 2025-2030 Business Plan and secures over £1.7 million of investment in the city centre over the next five years. Paul Stevens, chairman of Hereford BID Ltd, said, "We are thrilled and humbled by the fantastic support that has been shown to us by local businesses who have been instrumental in shaping the BID's plans. The ballot results represent a bright future for Hereford, building on the 10 years of work we have already done and ensuring that we may continue to care, champion and develop projects and schemes that promote and support our member businesses who fund us. I want to thank everyone who has supported our proposals, as well as my fellow directors and the BID team who have put their heart and soul into supporting traders". Mike Truelove, Chief Executive, added, "It is wonderful to see the widespread and enthusiastic support for the exciting plans we will deliver, including the development of the Hereford Gift Card, more great events, including a new medieval festival, a 5-year tourism marketing campaign, and a daytime shop banning scheme to address store theft – to name but a few. None of this would be possible without the incredible support and positive relationships we have with businesses and city stakeholders. It is truly a team effort". The Hereford BID's third term starts on 1st April 2025 and runs for 5 years. It is incorporated as an independent company, limited by guarantee, and run by volunteer directors drawn from businesses in the Hereford BID area. For more information on the new business plan, please visit http://www.herefordcitylife.co.uk/hereford-bid/about/bid-3 Click here to view / download the official ballot report from CIVICA