New Hereford library and learning centre one step closer according to Herefordshire Council.

The development of a new library and learning centre for Hereford has taken a step further forward following a Cabinet decision to locate it at Shirehall.

Hereford library is currently in a temporary location at Friar St, after moving out of the Broad St building to make way for the £18m redevelopment of Hereford museum.

While a previous decision had been for the new library and learning centre to be sited at the Maylord Orchards Centre, Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet requested that the Shirehall also be explored as an option.

The business case for Shirehall considered by Cabinet (Thursday 26 October) set out how the building would be capable of providing a significantly larger footprint and an increase in shared workspaces than Maylord Orchards, while bringing a hugely valuable heritage asset back into community use.

The proposals outline how a modern library would provide space for people of all ages while being flexible enough to also hold events and community space. The lower area would accommodate a digital skills lounge with dedicated PCs for public use/digital workshops, a fully equipped sensory room and a ‘maker-space’ for members of the public to use equipment that may not be available to them at home.

As a result of the decision today, a request will now be made to the Stronger Towns Board for the funding previously allocated, by the Government as part of the Stronger Towns Fund, to the Maylord Orchards library project to be reassigned to the Shirehall project. Following this a proposal will be put to Full Council for additional funding to be added to the capital programme for essential building works.

Councillor Harry Bramer, cabinet member for community services and assets, said:

“Hereford’s Shirehall is a landmark building that’s at the heart of the City’s heritage. Siting the new library and learning centre in this prominent venue will bring it back into use for the whole community. It offers many options and opportunities for how we could use the space to benefit people of all ages.”

“While we recognise the proposals are still subject to funding agreements, we’re excited that this decision is taking another step towards the creation of a modern, inspiring library and learning space for Hereford – to provide a first-class library and learning centre to match the quality of the City’s new museum that’s currently in development.”

In a post on his Twitter account the MP wrote;

"Very grateful to the Prime Minister for accepting my resignation. Having laid the ZEV mandate and framed the Automated Vehicles Bill, this is the right time to step down. Looking forward to more freedom to campaign on the River #Wye and other crucial local and national issues!"

Hereford's iconic Grapes Tavern is up for sale with Savills with a guide price £210,000

A Grade II Listed circa 17th century public house within a busy city centre location.

By order of the LPA Receivers KROLL

To be sold via online auction on 21 November 2023. 

Location
The Cathedral City of Hereford lies approximately 50 miles south west of Birmingham and 35 miles west of Cheltenham.

An historic and attractive city, the property benefits from a prominent corner position at the junction with Church Street

The immediate area is made up of an impressive array of boutique independent traders including clothes shops, coffee shops and delicatessens.

#HerefordVoice | #JohnLewisChristmasAdvert | #Christmas

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NOW THAT'S CALLED SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESS!

A man has been sentenced to eleven years in prison after he pleaded guilty to child sex offences and bestiality.

Knill Watkins, 34, from Withington in Hereford he pleaded on 4 September 2023 and was sentenced on Friday 27 October at Hereford Crown Court.

He was sentenced for the following offences:

▪️Three counts of making indecent photograph of a child
Observe a person doing a private act

▪️Two counts of sexual penetration per vagina/anus by a person with a living animal

▪️Possess extreme pornographic image/images portraying an act of intercourse/oral sex with a dead/alive animal.

▪️Possess a prohibited image of a child

▪️Two counts of assault a girl under 13 by touching

The offences took place between 2012 and 2021.

Detective Constable Rich Britton said: “Watkins is a dangerous individual who committed horrendous crimes. I’m pleased that he will now face the consequences for his actions and will rightly be identified as a sex offender for life and spend time in prison.

“We take all forms of child abuse incredibly seriously and I hope this result shows the effort we put into making sure children in our community are safe from sexual predators”

If you feel you are a victim of any sexual offence you can report it to us via West Mercia's Victim Advice Line on 0800 952 3000 or visit www.victimadviceline.org.uk. This is a free, independent and confidential support service. In an emergency always dial 999.

We were invited to see how the new restaurant is coming along...

WOW! The new Greek themed restaurant is looking fabulous! We can't wait to get stuck into some wonderful Greek food.

Indulge your taste buds in the authentic flavours of Greece at the brand-new Mr.Gyro restaurant and takeaway, coming to West Street Hereford at the end of September!

Experience the essence of Greek tradition with our mouthwatering Gyros, bursting with tender meat and deliciously fresh toppings.

The menu features a delightful selection of traditional Greek cuisine, including savoury Souvlaki, delectable Moussaka, and delightful Baklava for those with a sweet tooth!

Join us for a warm and welcoming ambiance, where every dish is prepared fresh with love and care, delivering an authentic taste of Greece to your plate.

Conveniently located on West Street, our new restaurant and takeaway option allows you to experience the flavours of Greece at your own pace, whether you dine in or take it home!

To celebrate the grand opening, Mr.Gyro will have some exciting promotions and giveaways planned with Hereford Voice!

Follow Hereford Voice and Mr.Gyro on social media for updates and exclusive offers!

Mark your calendars for the end of September and join us at Mr.Gyro to embark on a culinary journey like no other. We can't wait to share the taste of Greece with our friends in Herefordshire in our new restaurant. See you soon!

'Remember Where You Heard It First'

Golden Valley South Ward - Thursday 26 October 2023

Matthew Engle with 549 votes, more the doubling the amount of votes received by Conservative candidate David Greenow.

Do we live in a democracy?

https://www.ukcolumn.org/video/uk-column-news-25th-october-2023

Andrew Bridgen presents Bill preventing UK Government from signing Pandemic Preparedness Treaty without a referendum

00:24 Andrew Bridgen (YouTube): 10 Minute Rule Bill—Parliamentary Sovereignty (Referendums) Bill

Andrew Bridgen (on X): 

"YouTube have taken down the speech I gave in Parliament today. I am an elected member of the UK Parliament. The speech was given in the Chamber of the House of Commons and responded to by a Government Minister, what chance has anyone else got of putting their views on YouTube?"

All part of the control and surveillance of the UK public as directed by the US CIA.
 

Hereford Voice have this evening received reports of a dog attacking one male and one female causing injuries.

There are 3 Police vehicles, ambulances and paramedics at the scene in South Wye

𝗪𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗴𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗱𝗼𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟰𝘁𝗵 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿. We had a sneak preview earlier today.

Our original 'Breaking News' article https://hfd.news/jC0S back in February where Hereford Voice revealed that 'Greggs' were opening at Phantom House on Holme Lacy Road, Rotherwas Hereford.

Greggs has over 2,000 outlets around the UK, including 3 outlets in Hereford! The new outlet at Rotherwas, Broad Street and another on Commercial Street in Hereford.

There are 10 allocated parking spaces which include 2 disabled bays. There is seating available inside and on the terrace outside.

A man has died after getting caught in fast-flowing flood water from a brook that breached a road in Cleobury Mortimer in Shropshire today (Friday 20 October).

Members of the public reported that the man had gone under the water shortly before 10:40 this morning.

Officers from West Mercia Police and Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service quickly attended but sadly he was found deceased at around 12:35.

Whilst formal identification hasn’t yet taken place the family of a local man in his 60s have been informed and are being supported by officers.

A meeting of Full Council today (13 October) voted to adopt the new Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Policy, 2023-28.

The council has 900 licence holders in the county, including Hackney Carriage Proprietors, Private Hire Vehicle Proprietors and Dual Driver holders, and the Taxi Policy sets out the expectations of Herefordshire Council as the licensing authority.

The review of the existing policy is required due to a number of changes and recommendations contained within new government statutory guidance issued in July 2020.

The new policy further enhances the Council’s ability to carry out suitability tests and ensures that all licence holders are informed about their safeguarding responsibilities. In addition it offers the opportunity to share information regarding issues surrounding child sexual exploitation, modern slavery and illicit trade practices with other authorities.

Following extensive development and consultation, The Taxi Association has indicated that they are in agreement with the changes at this time and are now in support of the revised policy.

Cllr Barry Durkin, Cabinet Member Roads and Regulatory Services, said: “The new Policy has been created by a legal specialist following consultation with taxi trade members and meetings with both the local and national trade associations. Due consideration has therefore been given to all the comments received, and we’re very pleased to have the support of The Taxi Association.

The revised policy is not expected to have any major impact on the trade which also includes consideration for direct environmental impacts, such as encouraging as many different fuel types as possible, including small two seat electric and hybrid vehicles.  The implementation date will be two calendar months from the date of this decision to allow time for existing licence holders to achieve compliance.

“We would like to extend our thanks for the time and work that the Herefordshire Taxi Association Members have provided, and I would like to express my appreciation for the contribution they have provided to the development of this new Policy.”

For more information and to read the new Taxi Policy, please view the meeting papers.

The family have said “We are devastated and heartbroken, and there will never be enough words to describe our shock and pain.

“This is a tragic and painful end to Mark’s life. Mark had a heart of gold, he was the best husband, dad, son, brother and friend that anyone could ask for. He was incredibly loved by everyone that he ever met.

“We would like to thank the passer-by who assisted Mark and the emergency services for their help with trying to save him. We are thankful to West Mercia Police for their swift action and ask that they are left to get on with their investigation without interruption. We ask to be left in peace at this time to be able to grieve as a family”.

A man has been arrested following a fatal collision in Hereford in the early hours of yesterday morning (Sunday 8 October).

Police received reports that a man was left seriously injured on Holme Lacy Road following a collision with a vehicle.

Despite the efforts of paramedics the man, aged 55, was pronounced dead at the scene.

A 57-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop at the scene of a collision and failing to report a collision.

He remains in police custody as the investigation continues.

Anyone who may have seen the victim, or were near Rotherwas Industrial Estate towards Holme Lacy Road after 1am Sunday morning, is urged to contact PC Jonathan Lynes by emailing jonathan.lynes@westmercia.police.uk quoting incident 68i of Sunday 8 October, 2023.

Alternatively, if you have information but don’t feel comfortable speaking to police, you can speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers. It is 100% anonymous, they never ask your name and they cannot trace your call or I.P address. You can contact them online or by calling 0800 555 111.

Officers are appealing for witnesses and information after a man died following a collision in Hereford.

Police received reports in the early hours of this morning (Sunday 8 October) that a man was left seriously injured on Holme Lacy Road following a collision with a vehicle.

Despite the efforts of paramedics the man, aged in his 50s, was pronounced dead at the scene.

While the cause of death has yet to be fully established, the man is believed to have been struck by a vehicle causing him to suffer fatal injuries.

Detective Inspector Mel Reynolds said: “This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with the man's family at this incredibly difficult and upsetting time.

“Our enquiries are continuing and we’re particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have seen the man, or were themselves in the vicinity, of Rotherwas Industrial Estate towards Holme Lacy Road after 1am on Sunday morning.

“We would also like to speak to anyone who may have dash-cam footage, or who may have witnessed any vehicles, or people in the area acting suspiciously during this time.”

Anyone who has any information is urged to email PC Jonathan Lynes on jonathan.lynes@westmercia.police.uk quoting incident 68i of Sunday 8 October, 2023.

Alternatively, if you have information but don’t feel comfortable speaking to police, you can speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers. It is 100% anonymous, they never ask your name and they cannot trace your call or I.P address. You can contact them online or by calling 0800 555 111.

Local MP Jesse Norman has hailed the opening of the new Hereford cycle track as "a massive boost to the county and the community".

Jesse has backed the cycle track from its very inception as an early financial supporter, as Member of Parliament for Hereford, as a member of the Stronger Towns Fund board, and as Transport minister responsible for cycling and active travel.

Commenting, Jesse said:

"I vividly recall being hit up by Jim Kenyon for a non-trivial financial donation to support the cycle track in its earliest days! So it is such a joy to see it become a reality today.

"Massive thanks to Jim for his early vision and to all those over the years who have made it possible. It is so fitting that my friend the great Chris Boardman, Chair of Sport England, was able to come and open it.

"This is just the first of a whole set of local projects that will be coming on stream over the next year or so, thanks to our £22.4 million Stronger Towns Fund win in 2021. It is all really exciting, for the city and the county alike."

The Care Quality Commission visited Hereford County Hospital earlier this year and carried out a focused inspection on Maternity Services.

Something to shout about - Amie Symes, front row in the red dress, with colleagues after hearing news of the CQC’s “Good” rating for Maternity Services

The report, published today, praises the staff who the inspectors say were working “incredibly hard” to deliver a high standard of care to those using their services.

They added that they found a “well-respected and supportive leadership team” in the maternity service with skills and experience to run the service well.

Amie Symes, the Trust’s Associate Director of Midwifery, said: “We’re delighted to receive the CQC report which highlights overall improvements in our maternity service, and in particular the rating improvement to ‘good’ in how well-led the service is.

“We’re incredibly proud of our wonderful maternity team, working with dedication, enthusiasm and pride to achieve these improvements. We are fortunate to benefit from a highly skilled and experienced multi-disciplinary team across a range of specialities including midwifery, obstetrics, paediatrics, anaesthetics and theatres, and the improvements made are a testament to the team’s hard work and commitment to the service.”

She added that by working closely with, and listening to, service users had enabled the team to develop the kind of services local people want.

“Developing strong relationships with our service users through the Maternity Voices Partnership has enabled them to influence and shape our priorities. This, coupled with the implementation of local and national recommendations, has facilitated improvements to care provision.

“While the report identifies that the safe domain ‘requires improvement,’ we are committed and making good progress towards our quality improvement objectives.

“Our staff pride themselves on providing exceptional and compassionate care to women, babies and their families who access our service, and this remains our priority.”

Jane Ives, the Trust’s Managing Director, said: “Our excellent maternity team deserves this recognition.

“They have worked very hard to continually improve the service to women and families. Listening to the users of the service and responding to feedback, as well as implementing clinical best practice, latest research and national guidelines.

“Our next ambition as a Trust is to be rated as “good” overall, and this rating is a further step in this direction.

“We shall look closely at the full report and continue to closely monitor the service to further improve the quality of service we are offering our local communities.”