dippyhippy

Hello Terry, Firstly, thank you for sharing this incredibly personal story. What a life. You truly are a survivor. What happened in your childhood was abuse. You know that, right? What happened to you at that young age was not your fault. Following this, you understandably went off the rails, you made wrong decisions, and bad choices. You were also on the receiving end of further negative experiences. You had to deal with the death of both of your parents, which is huge in any circumstance, but complicated more with the difficult relationships you had. But you acknowledge your faults, you freely hold your hands up to errors in judgement you have made,you don't shy away from admitting the wrong paths you have chosen, which is a credit to you. You've also worked hard to provide for your partner and your children, there are so many positive qualities about you. You've had one hell of a rough ride, yet you are showing resilience. Please build on what you have in the here and now. Your past may have shaped what has happened, but your future is yours for the making. Don't be afraid to ask for help, it is out there..... Sending you all good wishes, and a hope that you find the closure that you're seeking. Warm regards. Dippy x.

And the Happiest of Happy New Years to you too, Bobby my friend! Wishing you and yours all good things for 2016! Sending a hug.

Looney, lefty, tree hugger checking in..... Most of the media reporting on the horrific Paris atrocities, now report that the passport was stolen and planted, on an as yet unidentified person. Others involved have all been positively identified. They are all either French or Belgian Nationals. This thread seems to have omitted this information, which is a shame -although not a surprise - as this seemed to be the crux of the initial debate...... Depending on which report you read on this latest story, the group involved have been known to police/security services for some time, and are not new refugees. Clearly, whatever their race or immigration status, what has occurred is completely unacceptable. Meanwhile, Samantha Lewthwaite remains on Interpol's most wanted list. Responsible for terror raids, car bombings, suicide bombings, as well as masterminding last months terror attack on a university in Kenya, which saw 148 people gunned down. Female, white and British. We don't seem to make much mention of her, or indeed Jihad John.... or the latest UK suspect.... We have far more to fear from young people who are radicalised HERE. This is where the real threat will come from. Demonising the refugees, who themselves are fleeing from certain death is not the way to go, yet they seem to remain the target and focus. I shall certainly be supporting the recommendations from the International Development Committee which states we should also take in 3000 unaccompanied children, as well as the 20,000 refugees already agreed.

Not much good for this evening, as it's now 8.30pm, but this is from Hereford Housing... Monday - Friday : report anti social behaviour. Telephone 0300 777 4321. Lines are open between 8.00 am and 8.00 pm. Apparently they will take a "Triple Track" approach. 1.Early intervention and prevention. 2.Non negotiable support. 3.Tough enforcement. I'd suggest everybody affected starts ringing first thing. Hope this helps, Ragwert. It's an intolerable situation. (Ragwert, I may have the name of someone else at HH who can help. I'll pm you their details if I can chase them up!)

I agree, Slim! I think this could have the potential to be the place to discuss political issues which affect Herefordshire. I hold Bill Tanner in high regard, and view this new venture extremely positively!

They certainly do, Richard! Let's hope they sort out the signing in process to include email! There are some very good pieces on there already..... particularly the one about the councils impending legal battle with Amy!

I wonder if this information would be made available through a Freedom of Information request?

Brilliant! This is what I've been waiting for! I'd heard rumblings s few months ago that Bill was going to author some pieces for a new online political forum.... and now it appears it's up and running! Just one problem.... it would seem you have to have a Facebook account in order to comment! Some extremely interesting reports on here already, and the forum looks great! Well done Bill!

Which is appalling. No deterrent, and no justice.

They sound like a delightful couple. Not. I hope they are the subject of a HAND ban, as well as any punishment the court may dish out. I hope the injured man recovers soon.

That's good to hear, Glenda. Take care!

Best of luck with your new venture!

Wishing them all the very best. It's brilliant to see a local, independent business opening up in the OLM. Well done!

Hard to believe it's this time of year again.... doesn't seem like five minutes since we were doing this last year! Phew! What a 12 months it's been.....! Merry Christmas one and all.... posters and readers alike! Have a great one, and a peaceful New Year.

I'm sure John Harrington always parks responsibly!

Well I truly hope this gets resolved, and if I don't get a chance to say it before the big day, I hope you have a great Christmas Ragwert, and a peaceful New Year. Take care.

Evening! I wouldn't expect them to! My job doesn't involve making life saving decisions, and possibly putting my life on the line. Our emergency services do this day in, day out. I just think a little more thanks and a little less criticism is called for. Take care.

Point taken. I'm sure nobody will mind the next time there is a serious incident/RTA/medical emergency/fire.....that response times are a little slower, whilst suitable parking spaces were found! (Blue lights aren't always on..... particularly during the day when the vehicle is stationary!) As stated, we don't know the circumstances.... so can we not just give them the benefit of the doubt?

I'm not sure I'd advise calling the police every time there is noise! Surely it's better to try other routes first? Calling the police out regularly will most definitely inflame the situation.... and I'm pretty sure that at this time of year, all three emergency services have other priorities.

Could I just say..... Does this really matter?? If this was an ambulance, or fire engine I'm sure nobody would mention it! Our emergency services - all three of them - are fantastic, despite horrendous cuts in funding. Let's support them, not knock them. You never know when you're going to need those services yourself.

The SIL Hub, which will be set up in the front foyer of the library, and will provide advice and information. The council need to provide this to comply with the 2014 Care Act. Many locations were looked at, but this was the most suitable. But the figures - to me - just aren't adding up at the moment. It's a good idea to share premises, where practicable. If they could squeeze Tourist Information into a corner within this building, I think that would be great! Folks wanting info about our county, generally want to visit the museum and visiting exhibitors..... they'd be in the right place!

No worries, Ragwert! We've had similar issues in our street. Neighbours were advised to keep a "noise diary" time of noise, type of noise and length of time it went on for. Several neighbours who were affected acted together, and although it took a few months, it was eventually resolved. It helps to do this, as when it's just one neighbour complaining, it can get very stressful! Keeping lines of communication open - where possible - also helps. It can stop events escalating, and help prevent folks getting a tad aggressive! When I used to knock on the door, I usually took cake...... it's hard to be angry with someone who is on your doorstep offering a slice of carrot cake! Good luck in getting it sorted! (PS. Marc's also on Twitter!)

Marc Willimont is head of Environmental Health amongst other things. His email is mwillimont@Herefordshire.gov.uk Try asking... he's usually really informative and helpful!

Ward councillor perhaps?? Marc Willimont - who is a member here - would he be able to offer some guidance? I'm not sure if this falls within his remit, but he might be able to point you in the right direction. Noisy neighbours are a complete nuisance! (According to the council website...." Where it is reasonable we will provide free interpreting for customers who need to communicate in their own language." Although I think " Shhhhhh!! " and a very cross face translates pretty much across the board!.)

It will be interesting to see how the figures stack up, when the work is completed. In October 2015, the HT reported that The Services For Independent Living - SIL - was going to be incorporated into the existing library in Broad Street. The cost given, £145 thousand pounds. Thirty thousand pounds was to come from the council's Economy, Community and Corporate Directorate, and one hundred and fifteen thousand pounds from Adults Wellbeing, contained within the council's approved capitol programme. Removal of the asbestos has now been quoted as £86 thousand pounds.. So why does the figure of one million pounds keep being raised? Is this yet another case of "council maths" at work? If some assistance is required with the adding up.... let me help. 86000 plus 145,000 equals 231,000. Quite a significant difference!