dippyhippy

Indeed, Two Wheels! The information comes from an extremely good source......I just have everything crossed that this news will be confirmed shortly!

This is interesting, Colin! (Not least because of the way you said you have "acquired" this letter!) I hadn't realised the areas they covered were quite this extensive. I also now know who my own locality steward is!

It's The Country Bus Station....... the one many us spent an awfully long time arguing would be an excellent place to build a new fire station! I am absolutely delighted!!

Almost exactly 12 months since this thread was started, and today I received some very interesting news. I cannot as yet name the councillor who provided this information to my friend, as it is not as yet, official....... The bus station IS to be re sited by the train station, and joy of joys.... the new fire station will be built on the bus station site!!! Meanwhile, The Working Boys Home, which we have fought so hard to save, is to be given a new lease of life, as it is to be utilised by the new University. Hopefully, all of this will be officially confirmed soon. A brilliant result...... and it's only taken a year of our lives!! Well done everybody!

I see that the Hereford Times have reported that Mamma Jammas could now also be in trouble. West Mercia Police have asked for a license review, following an incident in February. The owner has stated that he has already altered the cut off point for late entry, by changing it from 3.00 a.m to 2.00 a.m. He says he fears his club will be "dead in the water." According to a report from the Worcester Evening News last year, the owner has also opened a Mamma Jammas over there, transforming a derelict building opposite The Hive. It would be a shame if he decided to cut his losses in Hereford and concentrated his efforts on Worcester. The owner is John Jones, is this the same John Jones who is the driving force behind the successful Hereford BID?. I'm sure this is a bloke who works extremely hard both in business and promoting and improving Hereford City Centre. It amazes me that the authorities are taking what appears to be such an adversarial stance. Soon, there will be no night life left in Hereford.

I'm afraid I don't know either, Flam! From reading the reports, your simplified version of events is the crux of the problem. I suppose if the council requested that work was done, and Amey claim they never received these requests, then something, somewhere has gone wrong, communication wise. Couldn't be anything to do with the now infamous I.T system that was imposed could it? The one which was so forcibly foisted upon the customer services department , and whose implementation was central to the bullying and whistle blowing scandal?? There wouldn't be a link there would there? Or am I letting my imagination getting carried away! Very probably... ignore me and my over active mind!

Which brings us back again to Council Math. We know the figures don't add up. Yet they will be fudged, manipulated and spun to be sold as another money saving exercise...... which ends up actually costing us more. Will whoever made such costly errors in the legal department be held accountable for their mistakes? I somehow doubt it.

Good Grief Megilleland! Hang up the bunting immediately! That's the first recorded door knock of the election season! Now..... share with the group please. Who was it, what did you ask them and how convinced were you by their replies????

I would agree with you there, Aylestone Voice! It's a pity a few more were not a bit more vocal when the original "No Confidence In Herefordshire Council Cabinet" petition was started by members of the public. This just smacks of being a gimmick. Top marks to you though for spotting Lucy Hurds, that really is a rare species!

You are accessible Glenda! That's what I like about you! I tell you what, there are a fair few who would do well to take a leaf out of your book. Constituents really need to feel that they are connected to their ward councillors, to have a little faith in them. For that to happen, councillors have to engage, they have to communicate and they have to really care. Although we don't always agree, I have to say that you do tick all of those boxes. Credit where it's due.

Thanks for that info, Glenda! I have to say, in regard to communicating with us - the great unwashed - you are single handedly putting everyone else to shame. Don't suppose you fancy a move to Whitecross, do you????

Well spotted Two Wheels! I have my list of probing questions taped to the back of the front door, in preparation for when they knock! The list is rather long, and I would like to discuss all 57 points, but I am a reasonable person, I am happy to invite them in for a nice cup of tea, and I have stocked up on custard creams. I can't be fairer than that. Now, all I have to do is wait for them to arrive....!

On the Autumn Watch thread, Flam. I've bumped it back to the front page for you! ( Post number 11.)

I think perhaps a few strategically placed fliers could also prove useful in spreading the word...... community notice boards, local pubs, staff rooms etc. Any volunteers to pop up a few at The Shire Hall and Plough Lane.....?????

Found it Flam! Page 1, post 11. It would seem Autumn Watch has now turned onto Spring Watch.... and still so many are elusive. Has anybody told them there's an election in a few weeks time????

This punishment is barely more than a rap on the knuckles.

I would suggest that a group of us go and litter pick, then dump it outside Plough Lane! Perhaps a little direct action would have an effect......?

That's great, Colin! Could you let us know the total raised?

Covertly recorded meetings? Good on them! I am delighted they had the foresight to do this. Too often we see those in the wrong tie themselves up in knots, as they try to justify their lies, deeds and actions in an attempt to wriggle off the hook. They aren't interested in actually addressing these very serious issues, they just want to pass the buck, blame the whistleblower and cover their own sorry backsides. I hope these meetings HAVE been recorded. I hope the evidence IS irrefutable, and I hope more than anything that those responsible for wrecking an individuals life, who was only ever trying to do the right thing, are publicly named, shamed held accountable for their actions, and ultimately sacked. Perhaps now those responsible will be having the sleepless nights, after being the cause of so many for this brave whistleblowing individual. Karma truly can be a wonderful thing.

Me too mate! Did you know that the collective term for fools, is a forum of fools? It's not - I made that up.... but it should be! We can all see the obvious, why on earth can't they???

Hmmm. I think we still need to keep a careful eye on this.

What an absolute shambles. When are they going to hold up their hands and admit they have got this very wrong. Outsourcing has cost us millions, we aren't getting what we have paid through the nose for, and now there are going to be lengthy and expensive legal proceedings, to try to claw back a little of what is owed. Surely any fool can see that a direct workforce is far more effective?

Ridiculous situation really. A Grade 2 listed building. The primary plan should surely always be to "refurb and modernise". Yet their preferred option is "demolish and rebuild." Makes no sense to me. I still think that Hereford's station could be upgraded and improved. Certainly, if they do get their new build station, I would want to see the original fire station kept, and perhaps converted to housing. No doubt the first plan will still be, knock it down and turn it into a car park.

Another question which springs to mind...... If there were to be a new build, on the Link Road...... would the police also join forces, and share this site?? Perhaps even a North side base for ambulance crews? This could be a great opportunity for all three services.

Interesting update over at HT. There was some concern, that HWFA would look again at The Working Boys Home. However, in an on line article today, discussing new ways forward for crewing and staffing, there was mention that they are still seeking a new location for the fire station. Although HWFA have refused to confirm what sites they are currently looking at, it is believed that... " The Hereford Times understands that a purpose built station on Hereford proposed inner link road is in the running." And to think they said this wasn't an option!