dippyhippy

Good to see the recommendations from The International Development Committee being discussed on Channel 4 news this evening. The main recommendation being that the UK should take 3000 unaccompanied children, who have currently made their way alone to Europe. I truly hope these recommendations are accepted, and we can welcome these children, and give them safe haven. I also hope that the decision is made sooner rather than later. It's almost three weeks since this was first mentioned - I posted about this on January 5th - these vulnerable youngsters need help now.

Evening Adrian, I had major surgery 2 years ago. I was treated superbly. My aftercare was second to none, and all the staff treated me with care and respect.(And I know I'm not an easy patient! Very nervous, lots of questions.... and wanting to leave before I was fit to be dis charged). It's always good to be able to put your hand on your heart, and recommend your local NHS....I guess we can both do that. It's only right that areas for improvement are highlighted, but equally as important that the positives are put in the spotlight too.

How lovely to see these wonderful features uncovered.... and on show once again. I shall certainly be in for a look... providing there is a veggie option on the menu!

Evening Adrian Symonds! You're recollections are quite correct. There was an 'anti poaching' policy in place. Businesses which were already established were not supposed to leave the centre. However, this was abandoned. So yes, we were lied to. Some of the most significant 'gaps', such as Dorothy Perkins/Top Shop/TK Maxx are now filled, which is positive news. This does makes a big difference to the feel of the centre, as they are highly visible premises.

It's not all doom and gloom. Some Improvements have been made, and the new Gilwern Unit is up and running. I feel it is right that the hospital remains in special measures, as clearly much more still needs to be done. However... let's not lose sight that for much of the time, we all benefit from a great service at our NHS hospital. I'd rather work towards improving our hospital, than go down the road of a privatized health service. It will be interesting to hear the views of our MP's.....

Stunning! If I needed a reminder of how beautiful Herefordshire is... this does the trick! Amazing images.

Great to read the common sense approach of Mary Portals, in Ubique's post above. I seem to recall Megilleland previously posting something similar a while back, regarding how to make the most of town centres and breathe life back into them. This is one of the reasons that - although I still have some mis givings about the proposed University - I would welcome them taking over some of the redundant shops. I think it could add to the mix. With the proposed student accommodation blocks being in the centre, this would appear to at least be a bit of joined up thinking. No doubt the students will also frequent the other shops... and add a bit to the night time economy!

Evening Slim! This is really interesting.... and I am extremely nosey! Could I ask whether it's within your remit, or indeed the remit of Hereford Health Watch, to recommend increasing provision/resources, particularly in regard to mental health... and specifically CAMHS??

And I suspect you may be right, Pete! One question that does keep occurring to me, should HCC lose these costly court cases, will the person whose legal advice they relied on in the first instance, ever be held to account? Or is it a case of the horse bolting before the stable door can be shut??

Hi Slim, that's really interesting, and a very thoughtful offer to make to Ubique..... there are some very kind contributors here! Could you tell me if your role also covers mental health services? I may like to pick your brain, if I'm allowed??!

Evening Ragwert! Thanks for the response. Yes, I remember all the unpleasantness surrounding this. I'd love to hear what you'd like to say... but understand why you can't! So, all businesses that needed to move, have moved then? No loss of jobs? This was my concern as many were small, local businesses.

Going back to Pete's post..#39, it's a real concern that with quite a few impending legal cases, not least The Amey one, our head of legal services has no legal qualifications! What sort of situation is this for an authority to be in??

Indeed, Alex. I think you're quite right to ask this question, because sadly in a few years time, we'll probably be having this discussion again. It's the good folks of East Cheshire I feel sorry for. They have no idea what they're in for.

Not a great day then! I can't say much about clinic waiting times.... sometimes good, sometimes not. As you say yourself, we don't know what is going on 'behind the scenes' regarding emergencies, staff cover etc. I recall a couple of years back somebody telling me they were waiting to see a consultant. Time was marching on, and eventually one by one folks were called back to the desk and given new appointments. Turns out the consultant cycled into work, had come off his bike, broken his leg and was in surgery himself.... so we can never guess at what's happened on a particular day! I'm pleased to hear that when Mrs U. saw the consultant, she felt reassured that she would be in safe hands. (Concerned though, that she needs surgery....???) There's no excuse however, for being blatantly ignored at reception! Good manners cost nothing, and a smile and a friendly face does a lot to put folks at ease. I hope your next visit is a better experience. Sending a big hug to Mrs U.

Very good news about affordable homes! Ragwert, do you know how the traders' issues were resolved? I seem to recall it all got quite ugly a few years back.....

Evening Ubique! The Samaritan's have recently opened a shop on Whitecross Road, a couple of doors down from Wood's Angling Centre. The little shop/café that was next door, is currently not in use following the fire last year.... lots of scaffolding in place. The shop next to that is now being used by The Samaritans.

Hi Dilligaf, the Cath Kidston shop was a pop up, so it was only ever going to be temporary! There was quite a furore over the way this was done, as I think initially it had been offered to Coco's Vintage..... who also stock Cath Kidston!

Me too, AV. Folks need homes, and there are a fair few here which could be changed into residential use. David Shepherd, the chap who is helping to set up the university stated that they were going to use some of the redundant shops. Does anybody know which ones may be in the running?

Agreed, Denise! What I find difficult to comprehend, is why prospective new employers don't simply Google his name?? It seems so simple ....

Well, well, well. Very interesting. Didn't take long for him to get his feet under the table somewhere else, did it?? Nice work if you can get it. Then lose it. The get it again.....

Well if the aim is to cause confusion.... it's definitely achieving that. I think I shall have to follow Bill's lead, and not contribute to HT until this has been resolved. A shame, and hopefully only a temporary situation.

Agreed, Frank! If it is the same person.... it's most definitely a wind up merchant, if it's not, have I just acquired an internet stalker???? Some folks are odd!

Err, yes Frank! Hence posts 26 and 28 above! I'm always happy to hold my hands up if I've made an error in judgement! As I said, giving 'whoever' the benefit of the doubt, was perhaps not the wisest decision!

Or Jesse Normal! Greenknite?? Twowheelgood? We could have a competition! It's either completely harmless... and somebody just doesn't have a very good imagination...(I had given them the benefit of the doubt... Hereford's Voice is a nice name!) Or, it's a wind up! I guess we'll have to keep our eyes peeled, for impersonations of other posting names!

Blimey. You may be right there Alex! Perhaps this is a deliberate attempt to confuse folks about posters! I wonder if this is the same person?? If it is, then they would appear to delight in mischief making! What next? Combo, Dennise Lloyd, ?? I guess the possibilities are endless....!