megilleland

A friend who lives in the country and depends on her phone to organise doctor and hospital visits had trouble with BT who told her they would be repairing her line which had ceased functioning. Failure to visit her after 3 days she phoned BT on my mobile to complain and get a further a visit to repair yesterday. She was told that her technical problem had been dealt with through an office in Ireland, may as well been in India! Seems a regular occurence: https://www.theguardian.com/money/2024/nov/13/bt-has-left-my-80-year-old-dad-without-a-landline-for-months

Companies are not connecting with their customers/clients at all on the phone. It so easy, just pick up the phone when it rings - No not some recorded message telling you are in a never ending queue or telling you to visit their website which doesn't contain the information you are looking for. Strange that when you need to make a payment you get straight through at once. Wait till we are connecting with AI robots when the local staff are sacked and offices closed and we are all floating around in the ether!

Safe sex for seagulls? Why bird contraception plan in Worcester may not fly Councillor has reportedly suggested using pills to control gulls, but experts say it may not be ethical or practical Link to article in The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/oct/25/safe-sex-seagulls-worcester-bird-contraception-plan

https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/info/200142/planning_services/planning_application_search/details?id=242050&search-term=LIDL P242050/F - Application for variation of condition 2 following grant of planning permission 231703 (Demolition of existing hotel and associated structures and erection of Class E foodstore with associated access, parking, servicing, drainage and landscaping)- To increase the store size in order to reflect the current and updated store format of Lidl GB Ltd. Planning application comment was submitted on the 02 September 2024 17:03 PM The following is a comment on application P242050/F by Jeremy Milln Nature of feedback: Objecting to the application Comment: This application (242050) is made as a variation of Condition 2 of 231703 narrowly approved at Planning Committee. The approved scheme was submitted to replace applicaton 221090 which was withdrawn having attracted some 250 objections as it would most probably have been refused for a variety of policy conflicts. Chief among these were HD2 which provides the presumption that retail developments which adversely affect the viability of the City Centre would be refused, notwithstanding that the degree of adverse impact remained a matter of disagreement between planning consultants. Policy SS6 which requires new developments to be of good environmental quality and locally distinctive was another clear policy breach given the excessive size and poor design of the submitted application. Many objectors commented on the 'ugliness' of the submitted design and how this represented a marked diminution in terms of materiality and form from the existing Three Counties Hotel, itself a modern building which will have benefited from a more enlightened planning regime than appears to exist today. The application 242050 now submitted represents, in large part, a reversion to the withdrawn scheme 221090. Indeed in some respects it would be even bigger with a sales area increasing from the approved 1251 sqm beyond the 1414sqm of the withdrawn scheme to 1516sqm of the latest application. Although the anticipated figures in increased turnover have been redacted, there can be no doubt that the larger sales area and turnover can only have a still greater adverse impact on business of the City Centre and elsewhere in this part of the City. The larger size of the store as now proposed has a marked impact on the length of the side seen from the Belmont Road. For a building which presents a most unattractive industrial aesthetic of metallic cladding panels, this increase in length would further degrade the streetscape. The increased size and turnover also has adverse implications for traffic generation and landscaping, the one increasing, the other decreasing, both being undesirable effects of the revised application. No attempt has been made to mitigate either, for example by introducing LTN 1/20 compliant cycle infrastructure so the store remains designed almost entirely and exclusively around the private car, so by failing to meaningfully encourage active travel behaviours the application also fails Local Plan Policy MT1. It is not considered there are public benefits such as would outweigh the identified harms. The application should be refused.

Lidl wants to increase its size before it's built with an amended plan. Can't wait to see how the traffic on Belmont road will cope. All the local shops must be worried. Previous discussions on this item: https://www.herefordvoice.co.uk/search/?&q=Lidl&type=forums_topic&page=1&quick=1&search_and_or=or&sortby=relevancy

Last night a bunch of despicable scum descended on the miniature railway of the Hereford Society of Models Engineers at Broomy Hill. They took it upon themselves to smash and damage the members hard work throughout the site. The gauge one garden railway was attacked as was the fencing around the station and their piece-de-resistance was to bend three points levers over to 90 degrees. Not satisfied even with that they tossed the picnic tables over the bank and down onto the track. If anyone has any knowledge, sees or hears anything of this we would be delighted to hear it and prosecute the mindless, brainless trash that enjoys wrecking that which so many others have enjoyed in the past. ____________________________________________________________ Are there no ctv cameras covering the site?

Showing the length the dark powers go to to keep tabs on us. We have no proper democracy, all our empties do is follow orders from above. Who Owns The World https://rumble.com/vrxm15-monopoly-who-owns-the-world-by-tim-gielen-english-subs.html They are not working for us - we are working for them. Nice to know that those at the top are not suffering. Tesla shareholders have approved a $45bn (£35.3bn) pay deal for CEO Elon Musk, following a fiercely contested referendum on his leadership. The result, announced on Thursday, comes as the billionaire tycoon fights to retain the largest-ever compensation package granted to an executive at a US-listed company. https://www.theguardian.com/business/article/2024/jun/13/tesla-shareholders-approve-elon-musk-pay

Trouble is we will end up paying the fine through higher bills Meanwhile the fat get fatter: Snippets from the daily media: Boss of South West Water's owner gains £300000 pay rise theguardian.com https://www.theguardian.com › business › article › jun 1 day ago — Susan Davy, the chief executive of Pennon Group, was awarded £860,000 in total pay for the latest financial year, up from £543,000 the year ... Severn Trent boss paid £3.2m despite firm's fine for ... theguardian.com https://www.theguardian.com › business › article › jun 5 hours ago — Liv Garfield's pay included a £584,000 bonus despite firm's £2m fine for spilling 260m litres of sewage into River Trent. South West Water owner's boss should lose all bonuses ... Shareholders have voted in favour of doubling the pay packet of London Stock Exchange Group’s chief executive to £13m on the same day that fears were reignited about an exodus of UK-listed firms.

Is everyone looking forward to change the status quo? I don't think I will be voting for the Tories.

Sounds very similar to what I proposed in my planning objection to replace the Three Counties Hotel with a Lidl supermarket. They could have saved themselves the cost of building a new care home from scratch.

Sign carersUK petition on Carer's Allowance reform and overpayments In response to parliamentary questions we asked Margaret Greenwood MP to table, the Government released new data last Friday showing it was attempting to recoup Carer’s Allowance overpayments from 156,000 unpaid carers, with around 11,600 of these carers involving carers with debts of over £5,000. This is simply unacceptable and urgent action is now required. To help raise awareness of the issue, we have today launched a new petition calling on the Government to urgently review and reform Carer's Allowance, to increase the financial support available to carers and to reduce overpayments. Sign petition here: Just like the Post Office fiasco, another scandal inflicted on people looking after loved ones. Roll on May 2nd elections.

People may like to check the pollution levels where they live, especially along Belmont Road, using this website by inserting your postcode. Central Office of Public Interest Get a free Air Quality report for your address https://addresspollution.org/ Example: THREE COUNTIES HOTEL HEREFORD Pollutant one: PM2.5 At this address, the annual average of the pollutant PM2.5 is 8.67mcg/m3. The World Health Organization limit is 5mcg/m3. These particles, which are less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, can cause asthma, respiratory inflammation and even promote cancers. Pollutant two: PM10 The reading for PM10 at this address is 14.76mcg/m3. The limit is 15mcg/m3. PM10 can cause wheezing, bronchitis and reduce lung development. Pollutant three: NO2 The reading for N02 at this address is 12.04mcg/m3. The limit is 10mcg/m3. Long term exposure to even low levels of this toxic gas increases mortality rates and contributes to the development of asthma, and other respiratory issues.

Who is going to look after you in future? Following the Kate Garaway documentaries about caring for her late husband and the publicity generated concerning unpaid carers it indeed highlights the problems we will all have to face up to in our own lifetimes. Reading the comments section (246 comments) in The Guardian today, many unpaid carers have voiced their own particular problems in caring for loved ones and the bureaucracy they have to factor into their own lives. An interesting read for all those affected as unpaid carers. Regarding the NHS and Social Care are the politicians concerned that 5-10 million unpaid voters could be a formidible force in any upcoming election? https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/mar/27/the-guardian-view-on-unpaid-care-time-to-heed-kate-and-dereks-story

More murals here: Ten of the most beautiful graffiti murals in the world from 2023 Street Art Cities, a platform born in 2016 to document the best urban art in the world, has selected the 50 best works with help from a jury of experts. Eight of the top 10 artworks are located in Spain https://english.elpais.com/travel/2024-03-16/ten-of-the-most-beautiful-graffiti-murals-in-the-world-from-2023.html

This application relates to the Tesco premises in Belmont, lying on the south-western fringes of Hereford. It seeks planning permission for a temporary storage container to be sited each year from November to January. It is proposed that it be located on land within the delivery yard to the north-west of the superstore, which is accessed from Abbotsmead Road. It would have an area of 28sqm, stand 2.7m tall and comprise the appearance of a shipping container albeit be internally fitted out as a refrigeration unit. A previous application (073649/F), for the installation of two temporary refrigerated storage units, was refused on the grounds of highway safety. Relevant Site History: 073649/F - Installation of two temporary refrigerated storage units – Refused on 21st December 2007 This was refused DELEGATED DECISION REPORT APPLICATION NUMBER 214561 Tesco Supermarket, Abbots Mead Road, Belmont, Hereford, HR2 7XS Transportation – No highways objections – no conditions required Environmental Health Officer – I would advise that over the years we have had numerous complaints from local residents about noise caused by various sources at this supermarket. This premises is in a very sensitive location being located at very close proximity to residential development. The positioning of these temporary refrigeration units provides another possible source for the generation of unacceptable noise whilst they are in position. I note from neighbour representations that this has been raised as a concern and I would concur with this view. There is no mention in the application as to what level of noise will be generated or as to how any unacceptable levels will be mitigated. I would therefore recommend that this application is refused unless an acoustic survey is provided that demonstrates what level of noise will be produced and if this level is unacceptable what mitigation measures will be put in place to ensure that noise from them will be adequately controlled. I would recommend that the acoustic survey uses the methodology provided by BS 4142:2014 Methods for Rating and Assessing Industrial and Commercial Noise (as amended A1:2019), however it should also specifically consider low frequency noise and vibration. _________________________________________________ If Tesco couldn't put two temporary containers on their site, I can't see how the council can approve a large supermarket.

I thought that the meeting was going to reject or defer the application. How wrong. Another community asset swept under the carpets of the boardrooms of the council and Lidl. Common sense doesn't prevail again. Add the demolition of the Three Counties to the Vortex, St Francis Church, Belmont Inn and what about the provision of a promised community centre following the Oval housing improvement. It's just a dream.

You can watch this council meeting live here:

Yes it needs to be built on the other side of town where the council want to build hundreds of houses, otherwise these future residents will have to travel into the centre of town or use Haywood Lane as a rat run to join tha A465 at Ruckhall adding to the congestion along Belmont Road. Where's the common sense in this application?

The demolition of a perfectly good building serving the local community is a pure act of corporate vandalism. Downgrading the environment, increasing traffic flow with the related pollution problems and potential accidents and loss of amenities for affected residents. There are adequate supermarket facilities next to the application site and futher facilities for local shopping at The Oval and along Belmont Road. The encroachment of the workings of the site for those living next door ie noise from constant shopping traffic and delivery vehicles, light pollution from the car park at night will bring a lower quality of life. If the hotel does close, without proper investigation as to the opportunity for new proprietors to take over, then the Council should consider the benefits for the local community of the building being utilised for alternative uses. The council is I believe looking to finance a new care home. This building has 60 bedrooms and with relocating the doctors surgery and possible the pharmacy with the addition of a dentist and other medical facilities onto this central site, better use will ensue for local residents in some of the most deprived areas of Hereford. If the medical and health facilities were transferred to this site and building, the vacated units at Eastholm Avenue could become a small business hub. Should this application be approved the Planning Committee will have done a great disservice to the local area and its residents and therefore the Planning Committee should reject this application.

Had a good morning out last Thursday with the Hereford Walking Group. Meet at Drybridge House Day Centre every Thursday 10.30am to 12.30pm. Stay for refreshments (suggested £1 donation!) Good company walking and chatting along river to The Waterworks at Broomy Hill (open Tuesdays 11am to 4pm) and back to Drybridge House for warm bowl of soup and cup of tea/coffee. Worth calling in as other activities are being organised througout the week. Working in partnership with Herefordshire & Worcestershire Age UK.

An excellent illustrated talk about the history and use of the apple throughout the world. Apples & People explores the astonishing story of the apple through forty-six Apple Stories. Connecting its diverse history to humanity and culture. Based upon a specially commissioned Apple World Map which traces the network of stories from the ancient world to the present day. This online programme and associated social media reveals just how significant and iconic this humble fruit has become. https://applesandpeople.org.uk/

Thursday 18th January 2024 - 7pm - 9pm at the Kindle Centre (talk starts at 7.30pm) when our speaker is Dr David Marshall (Associate, the Brightspace Foundation), speaking on "Apples and People” The global story of the apple, illustrated with art from collections around the world. Sorry it's short notice.

Sorry Adrian approving this would be a great mistake just to save a few pennies on your shopping. My objection to development lodged first time round - copy herewith: P221090/O Hybrid application for demolition of existing hotel and associated structures and erection of Class E foodstore with associated access, parking, servicing, drainage and landscaping (full permission sought) and erection of drive-thru unit with associated internal access and circulation (outline permission sought). I wish to strongly object to the hybrid application P221090/O for demolition of existing hotel and associated structures and erection of Class E foodstore with associated access, parking, servicing, drainage and landscaping (full permission sought) and erection of drive-thru unit with associated internal access and circulation (outline permission sought). The demolition of a perfectly good building serving the local community is a pure act of corporate vandalism. Downgrading the environment, increasing traffic flow with the related pollution problems and potential accidents and loss of amenities for affected residents. There are adequate supermarket facilities next to the application site and further facilities for local shopping at The Oval and along Belmont Road. The encroachment of the workings of the site for those living next door ie noise from constant shopping traffic and delivery vehicles, light pollution from the car park at night will bring a lower quality of life. If the hotel does close, without proper investigation as to the opportunity for new proprietors to take over, then the Council should consider the benefits for the local community of the building being utilised for alternative uses. The council is I believe looking to finance a new care home. This building has 60 bedrooms and with relocating the doctors surgery and possible the pharmacy with the addition of a dentist and other medical facilities onto this central site, better use will ensue for local residents in some of the most deprived areas of Hereford. If the medical and health facilities were transferred to this site and building, the vacated units at Eastholme Avenue could become a small business hub. Should this application be approved the Planning Committee will have done a great disservice to the local area and its residents and therefore the Planning Committee should reject this application. ************************************************************ Air Quality Report Three Counties Hotel Belmont Hereford HR2 7BP Exceeds two WHO limits LEVELS & HEALTH EFFECTS Pollutant one: PM2.5 At this address, the annual average of the pollutant PM2.5 is 8.67mcg/m3. The World Health Organization limit is 5mcg/m3. These particles, which are less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, can cause asthma, respiratory inflammation and even promote cancers. Pollutant two: PM10 The reading for PM10 at this address is 14.76mcg/m3. The limit is 15mcg/m3. PM10 can cause wheezing, bronchitis and reduce lung development. Pollutant three: NO2 The reading for N02 at this address is 12.04mcg/m3. The limit is 10mcg/m3. Long term exposure to even low levels of this toxic gas increases mortality rates and contributes to the development of asthma, and other respiratory issues. https://addresspollution.org/results/c23864b2-142e-44b2-8141-84687c25bbde National Planning Policy Framework (extracts) Planning policies and decisions should play an active role in guiding development towards sustainable solutions, but in doing so should take local circumstances into account, to reflect the character, needs and opportunities of each area. The planning system should be genuinely plan-led. Succinct and up-to-date plans should provide a positive vision for the future of each area; a framework for addressing housing needs and other economic, social and environmental priorities; and a platform for local people to shape their surroundings. To provide the social, recreational and cultural facilities and services the community needs, planning policies and decisions should: a) plan positively for the provision and use of shared spaces, community facilities (such as local shops, meeting places, sports venues, open space, cultural buildings, public houses and places of worship) and other local services to enhance the sustainability of communities and residential environments; b) take into account and support the delivery of local strategies to improve health, social and cultural well-being for all sections of the community; c) guard against the unnecessary loss of valued facilities and services, particularly where this would reduce the community’s ability to meet its day-to-day needs; The creation of high quality, beautiful and sustainable buildings and places is fundamental to what the planning and development process should achieve. Good design is a key aspect of sustainable development, creates better places in which to live and work and helps make development acceptable to communities. Being clear about design expectations, and how these will be tested, is essential for achieving this. So too is effective engagement between applicants, communities, local planning authorities and other interests throughout the process. Your submission reference is 821607 *******************************************

The government and the majority of their minions are looking after themselves regardless of those vulnerable sectors it should be representing.