Hereford Voice
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Herefordshire Highways Update 5pm 13/05/24 | Broad Street and Brookend Street, Ross-on-Wye Herefordshire "Our teams continue to make every effort to safely reopen the areas of Ross-on-Wye closed after flooding and storm damage yesterday. Brookend Street reopened earlier this afternoon after clean-up works were completed, however further safety checks and repairs are required before Broad Street can be reopened to traffic. Dwr Cymru Welsh Water are on-site supporting ongoing investigations into a collapsed combine sewer pipe at the top end of the road (outside Peacocks). The outcome of these investigations will determine what further works are needed before the road can be reopened. Areas of the collapsed block paving on the footway are being cleared and prepared for temporary reinstatement, which will be done using asphalt until a permanent repair can be put in place. Pedestrian management barriers are being installed to ensure all properties can be accessed by tomorrow morning. Unfortunately, the weather forecast for the next 24 hours predicts more rain. We are monitoring the situation and have provided sandbags for the area in case of further flooding. Waste cage trucks are also on site to support those who have been affected by the flooding with their clear up efforts" 📷 Herefordshire Highways
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A Leominster man was last week found guilty of theft and handed a restraining order after an incident at the Halo Leisure Centre in January. Daniel Dixon, 36, from High Street, Leominster was attending a public swimming session at the leisure centre on Wednesday 17 January when he secretly and intentionally stole underwear from a woman’s locker. He followed his victim and loitered in the same area as her until she left. His victim notified police of the incident and an investigation was started, resulting in his arrest. Dixon was later charged and was found guilty at Hereford Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (7 May) where he was also sentenced. He was ordered to pay £500 compensation, a victim surcharge of £114 and ordered to do 150 hours of unpaid work as well as being handed a restraining order to stay away from his victim which lasts until 2027. Police Constable Adam Stobbart, from Leominster Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “This incident was very upsetting and understandably, no one should have to experience this type of behaviour. “It was concerning for them to not only have a such an intimate and personal item taken but to then feel scared and intimidated seeing the perpetrator and being followed. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the strength and resilience that the victim has shown throughout the investigation which help obtain this positive result.”
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The new facility looks fabulous! All welcome on Sunday 19th May for the Grand Opening of Scouts Corner The Trustees of South Marches District Scout Council warmly invite you to the grand opening of our new District Scout Headquarters on Sunday 19th May. There will be a formal opening ceremony at 10am where His Majesty’s Lord of Lieutenant of Herefordshire will formally open the new building. The hall will stay open for tours until 2pm and light refreshments will be provided. Please note that there will be no parking on site. This is not only the Hereford Scouts HQ but a community hub with some excellent facilities including a fully equipped kitchen with a double oven and fridge and rise and fall sink and hob for all to access. Here is a sneak preview! Scouts Corner, Eign Rd, Hereford HR1 2RX
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Mrs Lyndsey Evans was awarded the Order of the British Empire for services to the Community in South Wye in the New Years Honours list and she will be presented with her medal in Hereford in June by lord lieutenant, (who is king’s representative in Herefordshire) Today Lyndsey and her husband John today at Buckingham Palace. Also today 4 amazing volunteers were also invited to the Buckingham Palace garden party in recognition for their year's of volunteering at The Kindle Centre and in the community. Cllr Kevin Tillett for Hinton & Hunderton , Luz Trinidad Perez Andrew Bridges and Cissy Smith
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Herefordshire Council will receive £750,000 from Arts Council England, thanks to its Government-funded Capital Investment Programme. The funding is going towards supporting the major refurbishment and extension of Hereford Museum and Art Gallery, located on Broad Street, to create a state-of the-art museum and art gallery for Herefordshire. The redevelopment of Hereford Museum and Art Gallery is a flagship project for the Herefordshire Council and Stronger Hereford. Once complete, the redeveloped museum and art gallery will significantly enhance the county’s cultural offer, support community engagement and attract new visitors to the area. The project will extend and transform the Grade II-listed museum building on Broad Street. The new museum and art gallery will include new galleries and display spaces, temporary exhibition spaces, the restoration of the historic Woolhope Club Room and new commercial areas. All areas of the museum will be fully accessible with lifts and full flat access throughout. Councillor Harry Bramer, cabinet member community services and assets, said: “This funding will enable us to continue providing high quality creative and cultural experiences for people in Herefordshire. Museums are no longer just repositories of artefacts; they are dynamic spaces for learning, creativity and social connection. This funding will ensure that our county museum is the cultural centre it has always aspired to be. “When it opens, the new museum and art gallery will offer visitors a new experience with a variety of exhibitions and events, and showcasing remarkable collections such as the Herefordshire Hoard. We are grateful for the support of Arts Council England and our other funders, whose investment is enabling the transformation of Hereford Museum and Art Gallery.” The refurbishment of the museum and art gallery has also received funding from Herefordshire Council, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Stronger Towns Fund. The Capital Investment Programme supports the Arts Council’s mission to ensure communities across the country have the infrastructure where creativity for everyone can thrive. Darren Henley, Chief Executive, Arts Council England, said: “This infrastructure investment will help a whole range of different cultural organisations across England to flourish, increasing opportunities for people to enjoy creatively excellent cultural events close to where they live. It’s particularly important that we’re making this happen in communities where cultural investment has historically been low.” Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay, Minister for Arts, Heritage and Libraries, said: “Cultural venues enrich our lives, and it’s vital that their infrastructure matches the excellence of the creative work that goes on inside them. "Our funding is helping both to create new venues and to adapt existing ones to make them more accessible, helping to deliver the Government’s plan to make sure that everyone, no matter where they live or what their background, has access to excellent, life-changing cultural opportunities.”
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A new large accessible toilet with specialist equipment such as a hoist, curtains, adult-sized changing benches and space for carers has been opened at Maylord Orchards centre in Hereford. The changing places toilet is in addition to the public toilets that have been brought back into use with a new, modern look. The toilets have been provided thanks to funding from Herefordshire Council and grant funding from the Department for Levelling up Housing and Communities working with Muscular Dystrophy UK. Councillor Carole Gandy, Cabinet member adults, health and wellbeing, said: “I’m delighted we’ve opened this Changing Places Toilet in Maylord Orchards, providing much needed facilities for visitors to Hereford. “People who need Changing Places Toilets will now be able to visit our City with confidence that they will have the facilities to enable them to be out and about without restrictions.” There are more than 2,350 Changing Places Toilets registered across the UK and this one will offer a safe space for users to enjoy everything Hereford City has to offer, with adjacent parking facilities.
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Mr Campion’s campaign focused on fighting crime, supporting victims and putting policing back in the heart of communities. Following the result, which was announced at the Tennis Centre in Telford & Wrekin, Mr Campion said: “I would like to thank communities across the three counties who have once again put their trust in me to deliver a Safer West Mercia. “I am proud of what I have achieved as your PCC over the last eight years, but I know there’s much more that needs to be done. “My promise is a simple one, to work hard to ensure you are safe and feel safe. “Committed to putting your voice at the heart of policing, I will build on the significant investment I have made and will continue to support and challenge your police force to deliver on your policing priorities.”
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All tobacco products are damaging to health, however Illegal tobacco products can have additional harms. The products sold are often counterfeit and do not meet the safety standards required by law, and the illegal trade also has an impact on local, legitimate businesses. The council’s trading standards team are committed to tackling illegal tobacco sellers in the county, carrying out targeted enforcement operations. This may then lead to the prosecution of those involved in illegal activity. To report a seller of illegal tobacco in Herefordshire, please contact Trading Standards on 01432 261761. Recent prosecution A director of a Hereford shop was recently given a 12 month community order for offences relating to illegal tobacco in a case taken to court by Herefordshire Council’s Trading Standards service. Iulian Alexandru Mirica from Hereford, pleaded guilty to three offences relating to the supply of illegal tobacco. He was caught in possession for sale of 497 packets of cigarettes and 12 pouches of hand rolling tobacco, none of which complied with UK health warnings and plain packaging requirements. A large percentage of the illegal tobacco products were also found to be counterfeit. The illicit products were located by officers inside two purpose built concealments, one inside a commercial fan unit operated by electromagnets and another by a hydraulic ram built into a partition wall. The 12 month community order included 15 rehabilitation days, 150 hours of unpaid work and an order to pay costs of £1,114. Head of Regulatory and Technical Services Charles Yarnold, said: “This case demonstrates the commitment by the trading standards officers in tackling illegal tobacco sellers in the county. Not only are the products sold often counterfeit and do not meet the safety standards required by law, but it is imperative that we help support local, legitimate businesses, in these uncertain times, by tackling the criminals."
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A planning application from Műller Property Group has been submitted to Herefordshire Council for a new 80 bed care home on a 1.9 acre brownfield site in Hereford with car parking, external landscaping and private gardens. (Outline planning application for the development of a care home (Use Class C2), including detail of appearance, access, layout and scale with landscaping reserved for future consideration) Illustration courtesy of Müller Property Group The site is located on the outskirts Hereford and benefits from superb transport links, with the A438 connecting to the M50 motorway 16 miles south. Hereford Railway Station is located north-east of Hereford town centre, a 9-minute drive or a 16-minute bus journey to the site. Hereford Station offers direct train services to Birmingham, Worcester, and Shrewsbury. The closest bus stop is a 3-minute walk to the Three Elms Inn which connects a comprehensive bus network to the wider Herefordshire region. Hereford is a cathedral city and the county town of Herefordshire. It lies on the River Wye, approximately 16 miles east of the border with Wales. Hereford is commonly referred to as the heart of Herefordshire, with the cities of Worcester and Gloucester both within 25 miles. With a population of 53,000 it is the largest settlement in Herefordshire. Land opposite Three Elms Pub The proposal for a new 80 bed care home split across two floors will address the needs of Herefords care bed need. Areas of landscaped communal gardens are planned surrounding the care home to promote active lifestyles, comfort, relaxation and stimulation. The new build care home will include a number of facilities that will include: A range of Dayspaces/Cinema/Library Hair and Nail Salon Ancillary facilities, offices and staff spaces Spacious bedrooms with ensuite (a handful of bedrooms on ground floor with access to the secure gardens Secure, high quality landscaped gardens for residents Bedrooms within the care home feature an en suite bathroom with showers that have been designed for privacy, safety and accessibility for all residents. Ancillary facilities such as nurse stations, drugs stores and treatment rooms have been located centrally, allowing the staff to monitor the residents. Stores and other ancillary facilities have been located throughout the corridors, reducing the travel distance for staff to the reach the essential equipment. The proposal has been developed to maximise the benefits of the site, whilst reducing the impact on the neighbouring properties and surrounding context. Planning application P240662/O Land at Tillington Road, Hereford. The site sits to the west of the Three Elms Public House and to the south west of the Gospel Hall. Nearest postcode; HR4 9QQ
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Congratulations to these new firefighters at Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service 🚒🚨🧑🚒 👏👏👏 As we always say '𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗞 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗘' 🧡 📸 HWFRS
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"Revolutionising Road Woes and Highlighting Potholes to Herefordshire Council: 🕳 Hereford Voice - 𝗣𝗢𝗧 𝗧𝗥𝗨𝗠𝗣𝗦 Approach to Highlighting Herefordshire's Pothole Predicament" One '𝗣𝗢𝗧 𝗧𝗥𝗨𝗠𝗣𝗦' Card at a Time! Today's Pothole Additions Include This One On Wordsworth Road
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"Revolutionising Road Woes and Highlighting Potholes to Herefordshire Council: 🕳 Hereford Voice - 𝗣𝗢𝗧 𝗧𝗥𝗨𝗠𝗣𝗦 Approach to Highlighting Herefordshire's Pothole Predicament" One '𝗣𝗢𝗧 𝗧𝗥𝗨𝗠𝗣𝗦' Card at a Time! Today's Pothole Additions Include This One In Bodenham 👇
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"Revolutionising Road Woes and Highlighting Potholes to Herefordshire Council: Hereford Voice - POT TRUMPS Approach to Highlighting Herefordshire's Pothole Predicament" One 'POT TRUMP' Card at a Time! Today's Potholes Include Yazor Road
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Welcome to POT TRUMPS 'Herefordshire Edition' Dear Herefordshire Council, As we navigate the maze of potholes that pepper our roads, it's time for a game-changing approach to highlighting this perennial problem. Introducing POT TRUMPS 'Herefordshire Edition' – an innovative way to showcase the severity of potholes across Herefordshire while engaging the community in a fun and interactive manner. By assigning scores to categories such as 'Pothole Peril,' 'Road Rattlers,' 'Tire Troubles,' and 'Swerve Skills,' this creative initiative not only sheds light on the increasing presence of potholes but also underscores their impact on our daily lives. This light-hearted yet impactful strategy serves as a rallying cry for action, urging you to prioritise road maintenance and invest in long-term solutions to ensure safer and smoother journeys for all Herefordshire residents. Let's pave the way to smoother roads together – one 'POT TRUMP' card at a time! Sincerely, Hereford Voice We are now 'Twinned' with our friends @pot.trumps.chelmsford (Instagram) who have been so kind and we would personally like to thank Nick for all his input and creative advice. It has taken us a while to collate all of the information and images of various potholes around Herefordshire for us to be able to create our unique Pot Trump Cards. (Some of the potholes may have already been repaired as we have reported each one to Herefordshire Council). Each card comes with it's own data (might not be completely accurate but is more to highlight the significance of each pothole) if scores reach over 90 they then become a SHINY card, hopefully there will not be many of these. We will release new cards every week to add to our collection, here are the first 3. ⚠️ You can report potholes HERE Or click on our unique QR Code below 👇
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Herefordshire Council and Hereford Football Club confirm agreement that secures the Bulls’ future at Edgar Street Paul Walker, Chief Executive Herefordshire Council, Chris Ammonds, Chairman Hereford FC and Councillor Harry Bramer at Edgar Street Stadium Herefordshire Council and Hereford FC have today (Saturday 20 April) confirmed that a deal has been agreed that will see the club remain at the iconic Edgar Street stadium until 2070. The new agreement secures Hereford FC’s home in the city and provides vital security as the club seeks to continue its development on and off the field. In addition to agreeing a long-term lease for the club to remain at Edgar Street, the council is also exploring options for the wider development of the Blackfriars End, working closely with Bulls’ officials so Edgar Street once again becomes a four-sided stadium as part of the project. Work will begin at the Blackfriars End this summer with the demolition of the old stand. Councillor Harry Bramer, cabinet member community services and assets, said: “Hereford FC and the Edgar Street ground are an integral part of life in our city, and an asset to the whole county. We’re delighted to have this arrangement in place and are looking forward to working in partnership with the football club on future developments at Edgar Street” Hereford FC Chairman, Chris Ammonds, said: “This is a huge moment for Hereford FC as it secures our long-term future at Edgar Street. I am thrilled we can make this announcement jointly with Herefordshire Council today and am very excited to see what the future holds once the Blackfriars End has been demolished this summer. On behalf of all Bulls fans and everyone at the club, I would like to sincerely thank Councillor Bramer and his colleagues at the council for the willingness they have shown to work with us and reach this agreement. I’d also like to thank Phil Pratt from Alder King for the support he has provided to the club in our discussions regarding a new lease
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We understand that a substantial amount of money has already been spent on obtaining a Barrister's opinion prior to this challenge. Oh and just to clarify, this challenge has nothing to do with Hereford Voice or our admin Colin as we can see that other local pages are guessing as usual and obviously frustrated that we again broke the local news,😉 but clearly they don't have a clue other than to lift snippets from the original article and funding page and come up with their own headlines. If people wish to remain anonymous that is their choice however, all will be revealed if this challenge ends up in the Courts.
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Today, Prince William attended a service at Hereford Cathedral to honour Major Mike Sadler, the last founding member of the SAS, who passed away at the age of 103. Image courtesy of Karwai Tang/Getty The Special Air Service veteran received the Polar Medal, military medal and military cross for his service, and his actions were portrayed in the BBC series SAS: Rogue Heroes. Other attendees at the private service included close family, friends, and professionals. Mike was the last surviving member of the renowned combat team known as L Detachment SAS. Mike served as the chief navigator for the famed squad known as 'The Originals'.
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A group of concerned Herefordshire residents upset at the impending loss of the Three Counties hotel have launched a last-minute legal challenge to try and stop the clearing of the site by persuading the Council to strike out the planning permission given last month for the demolition of the landmark hotel and the building of a new Lidl store. They hope to take their fight to the High Court if the Council refuses and will attempt to persuade a judge to quash the permission instead through a Judicial Review. If Herefordshire Council or the Judge agree the planning committee decision was made incorrectly the permission could be rescinded and, the campaigners hope, further applications will be refused. They hope that the hotel will then reopen and serve as a community asset to the residents of Belmont, Newton Farm, and the County in general. They say the hotel was successful until new owners from Oxfordshire took it over in 2016 from the Price family, who had run the business at a profit for two decades. They also say the hotel was the only facility within easy walking distance for residents of Belmont and Newton Farm that offered a public bar and restaurant of the same standard – as well as being the only hotel in the area – and the demolition of the hotel would be a great loss to the community. They say the Council’s planning officers made mistakes in advising elected members on the planning committee in the course of the meeting, in particular stating that Councillors couldn’t refuse permission on ‘loss of community asset grounds’ because officers had already decided the Three Counties wasn’t a community asset and that there were alternative facilities in the area (without naming which facilities they were referring to). They are also worried about the impact that another supermarket with 1800-2000 odd vehicle movements a day will have on congestion South-side and particularly on the stretch of the Belmont Road adjacent to MacDonald’s. Council officers had recommended approval for this second application in less than three years despite a large number of objections from members of the public and local Councillors. The planning committee voted to grant permission on officer advice after two hours of deliberation. They say time is very short in terms of submitting a legal challenge should Herefordshire Council refuse to strike out the permission (JR applications must be before the courts no less than 6 weeks after the decision is made) and anyway who wants to help with costs to contact the organisers via the email below Email | savethethreecounties@proton.me #HerefordVoice | #HerefordNews | #HerefordshireNews | #HerefordCommunity | #HerefordLife | #HerefordshireCouncil | #Hereford | #ThreeCountiesHotel
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New drone assists the county’s community protection team to gather evidence of fly-tipping and other environmental crime The council’s community protection team is now able to more easily gather information about illegal waste disposal in areas not easily and safely accessed on foot, thanks to a new drone. The drone has already helped to gather evidence of fly-tipping at remote spots, and on the full extent of illegal waste disposal which is not clearly seen at ground level. The community protection team uses the drone to investigate following reported incidents of fly-tipping and other similar issues. The drone, which is operated by a fully trained and accredited pilot, collects high quality footage which will be used to assist in the prosecution of any person carrying out environmental crime. Councillor Barry Durkin, cabinet member roads and regulatory services, said: “It’s important we protect our outstanding natural environment, and we will use all the technology we can to do this. The new drone is already proving to be a valuable tool in supporting our community protection team to investigate reports of waste being dumped illegally. So our message is clear to anyone thinking they can dispose of waste or carry out any illegal activities in any area where they think that it will go undetected – we won’t hesitate to use our Eye in the Sky to protect Herefordshire.” The drone was purchased through a government grant for projects to help protect the environment. When not being used for investigations by the community protection team the drone is used to support other council departments, such as planning, estate management and ecology, when access is an issue.
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Jesse hails new Government Action Plan for the River Wye
Hereford Voice posted a topic in Open Forum
Local MP Jesse Norman, who has led the campaign to Clean Up the River Wye for over three years, has today hailed the publication of the Government's new Action Plan for the River Wye. The plan, with £35 million of new funding, sets out a wide range of measures to address phosphate pollution and other environmental impacts on the Wye. And in a crucial development, the Government has appointed well-known local resident and former Ross-on-Wye Councillor and MEP Anthea McIntyre as a new River Champion for the Wye. Commenting, Jesse said: "I have been campaigning for an Action Plan and joined-up approach to cleaning up the River Wye for over three years now, and this is a potential turning point for the river. I am especially pleased that the Action Plan recognises the brilliant efforts of volunteer groups up and down the river. "At the Shell Store meeting in 2022 we laid out what was needed: a properly funded single collective long-term effort bringing everyone together. And I reiterated the importance of this approach at our meeting with the previous DEFRA Secretary of State last June. "Now the Government has delivered on its side, with a larger package than anyone expected, which is fantastic. The challenge is now for us all -- including farmers, Welsh Water, Herefordshire Council, wildlife and environmental groups -- working with the new River Champion, to respond quickly and decisively to make it happen."
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A man has been charged following a fatal collision on Home Lacy Road in Hereford on Sunday 8 October. Stephen Susans, of Verschoyle Gardens in Ross-on-Wye, has been charged with being the driver of a vehicle failing to stop after a road accident, being the driver of a vehicle involved in a road accident failing to report the accident and perverting the course of public justice. The 57-year-old will appear at Hereford Magistrates Court on 22 May.
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The firm behind the Wildwood chain - which has a restaurant in the Old Market Hereford revealed plans to shut a raft of sites as part of a major restructuring. Tasty, which also runs locations under Dim T brand, said it plans to exit around 20 loss-making restaurants after a “challenging” start to the year. Under the plans, the group would shut 18 branches, with two of these sites already closed to diners. Tasty currently operates 43 Wildwoods and six Dim-T pan-Asian restaurants, as well as two non-trading sites and three sub-let venues. The group's board has put forward a restructuring plan it said would help ensure its long-term survival. Tasty's 43 Wildwood restaurants serve pizza, pasta, burgers, and steak and occupy a number of heritage buildings. The hospitality group said on Tuesday its financial performance"continues to be inhibited by a tail of underperforming sites". A spokesperson said: “The use of a restructuring plan is considered the most effective means to reorganise the group to return it to profitability and secure its long-term future which should change the financial viability, profitability profile and long-term prospects of the group." Tasty said it expects to operate around 30 restaurants by the end of the current year. But, it hasn't yet confirmed the locations of the sites earmarked for closure or when they could shut. Here is the full list of Wildwood sites at risk: Dim T, Charlotte Street, London Dim T, Hampstead, London Dim T, Victoria, London Dim T, Whiteley, Hampshire Dim T, Winchester, Hampshire Wildwood, Epping Wildwood, Bicester Wildwood, Braintree Wildwood, Maidstone Wildwood, Taunton Wildwood, Market Harborough Wildwood, Crawley Wildwood Skipton Wildwood, Lincoln Wildwood, Billericay Wildwood, Birmingham Wildwood, Salisbury Wildwood, Whiteley Wildwood, Peterborough Wildwood, Kingston Wildwood, Canterbury Wildwood, Gerrards Cross Wildwood, Newmarket Wildwood, Bournemouth Wildwood, Chichester Wildwood, Ely Wildwood, Rushden Lakes Wildwood, York Wildwood, Llandudno Wildwood, Plymouth / Royal William Yard Wildwood, Hornchurch Wildwood, Cambridge Wildwood, Wantage Wildwood, Chelmsford Wildwood, Brentwood Wildwood, Didcot Wildwood, Hereford Wildwood, Stratford-Upon-Avon Wildwood, Port Solent Wildwood, Telford Wildwood, Hinckley Wildwood, Cheam Wildwood, Nottingham Wildwood, Seven Dials Wildwood, Northwich Wildwood, Liverpool Wildwood, Covent Garden The Wildwood restaurant opened in Hereford's Old Market Shopping Centre in May 2015, see our original article - https://hfd.news/HX9i6
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A planning application from Dorian Kirk (The Yard, Rule Of Tum and The Burger Shop) has been submitted to Herefordshire Council planning for the proposed development and conversion of a part of the vacant commercial unit into a bakery. This application is for 'Commercial kitchen extraction to rear flat roof' at 26 Commercial Street in Hereford Full details HERE
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Hereford Voice, leading the way for others to follow...
Hereford Voice replied to Hereford Voice's topic in Open Forum
Can you believe that some people drive cars like this beauty and don't insure it? Anyway the Police seized it, which made for a good night story 😀 What is even better is that even though they missed this last night, they soon jumped on it this morning 😉
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Hereford Voice, leading the way for others to follow...
Hereford Voice replied to Hereford Voice's topic in Open Forum
Let's talk about the highly controversial Lidl planning application (remember when we originally broke the news and other pages said it was all rumours as they had spoken with the hotel... 🤔) Anyway, this application ended up having to go to a full planning committee This topic 👇 that followed just 18 minutes later was a pure coincidence of course..
