Hereford Voice

A rapist who preyed on a woman he met in a nightclub has today (Friday 17 October) been sentenced at court to eight years. Twana Azize, 29, of College Road, Hereford, was sentenced for the attack which took place in Hereford city centre in the early hours of a Sunday morning in May this year. He met his victim in a nightclub in the city. Azize was found guilty of rape at Worcester Crown Court on 22 August. Today he was sentenced to eight years and further ordered to register as a sex offender for life. Azize took advantage of the woman, isolating her from friends at the club before preventing her from getting a taxi home. He then led her away from the taxi rank and raped her in a secluded street away from members of the public. The victim managed to get a taxi home and reported the incident. Azize was then arrested following a CCTV trawl and subsequent searches by police. Despite denying the offences, forensic examination of his clothes supported evidence leading to the charge. Detective Constable James Smith of Hereford Reactive CID said: “We are pleased to get justice today with this custodial sentence for Azize - a sexual predator who belongs behind bars. “Azize preyed on a woman who was on a night out with friends, taking advantage of her and forcibly preventing her from getting home safely so he could rape and attack her. “We know the sentencing will not remove the memory of this awful incident for his victim, but we hope it may help her to start to move on in her life. “We hope today’s result shows we will always listen to anyone who has concerns about or has been a victim of rape or sexual abuse and prosecute where appropriate, and that it may encourage anyone who has suffered similar abuse to come forward and speak to us. “We will always take your concerns seriously and protect you from predators like Azize.” You can report sexual offences and rape on West Mercia Police Website and Always call 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, information can be shared anonymously with the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by visiting crimestoppers-uk.org

We had a big response to our 'Which Mobile Network Has The Best Coverage Across Herefordshire?' recently The response was so good it never went unnoticed by our spy and yes you guessed it...👇

Key Features Hereford city centre – investment opportunity Annual rental income of £26,340 – 9% yield Two-storey public house premises Retail unit currently let to barbers Self-contained flat let on SHT For sale after 50 years in same families’ hands Location: Hereford Price: Freehold £290,000 CONTACT: 01981 250333 This property, The Stables Public House and ancillary premises stands at the very heart of Hereford City Centre just off the main pedestrianised area near to the junction of West Street with Broad Street. Hereford, as well as being a cathedral city, is a county town for Herefordshire and serves a wide agricultural community with the city also having a population of approximately 60,000. It stands astride the River Wye and attracts tourists and visitors throughout the year in addition to its own commercial activity. Indeed, the Cathedral, which is a few hundred yards from the subject property, is renowned for being the home of the Mappa Mundi, the oldest known map of the world with a visitor centre having been built there, part-funded by John Paul Getty. The Stables (formerly The Stagecoach) is a black and white Grade II listed building at the heart of the city centre having much period charm and character. In addition to the main two-storey pub premises, there is a self-contained shop unit currently let to a barbers as well as an independent flat let to an additional tenant. In all, the property produces a rental income of over £26,000 offering a purchaser a 9% yield on their investment. This is a high return being obtained from owning this historic and prestigious premises. The property is briefly described as follows: Public House At ground floor is the open-plan BAR AREA which possibly at one time would have been three separate rooms. Part boarded and part tiled floor, counter from central BAR SERVERY having tongue and groove panelled frontage. There is assorted fixed and loose seating for up to 30 customers with standing space for more. Fireplace with exposed antique brick chimneybreast and beamed lintel over. Staircase access to the RESTAURANT which is partitioned in five sections by beamed screens. Serving counter. Beamed walls and vaulted beamed ceiling, boarded floor with some carpeted areas and traditional seating for 62 customers. Also at first floor is the pub's OFFICE. The CATERING KITCHEN has Altro nonslip flooring, fully UPVC or stainless steel panelled walls, stainless steel galvanised extraction canopy and a selection of stainless steel catering effects and work surfaces. Walk-in DRY STORE with FREEZER ROOM adjacent including walk-in COLD ROOM. Set of LADIES' and GENTLEMEN'S CUSTOMER TOILETS. Shop Premises SHOP PREMISES currently used as a hairdressing salon which is approximately 4m x 6m and has a fireplace with exposed antique brick chimney breast, access through to the rear STORE ROOM which is 3m x 4m with small KITCHEN AREA and STAFF WC. Self-contained Flat Above the shop premises is a first-floor flat which consists of KITCHEN/LOUNGE/DINER with DOUBLE BEDROOM with EN SUITE SHOWER ROOM. External To the rear of the property is a covered COURTYARD AREA which is block paved and has picnic style bench seating for customer use. Full details of this investment opportunity - https://www.sidneyphillips.co.uk/business-detail/95991

Starting Monday, November 3, Herefordshire Council will launch its Safer School Streets initiative at five local schools, creating safer and healthier environments for children and families. The scheme will restrict vehicle access during school drop-off and pick-up times, directly addressing concerns raised by residents, schools, and parish councils. Issues such as pavement parking, stressful and unsafe conditions outside school gates, blocked driveways, and limited opportunities for children to travel independently have all contributed to the need for the initiative. By limiting vehicle access during peak times, safety will be improved around school entrances, air pollution will be reduced and traffic congestion eased. It also encourages families to embrace active travel options such as walking, wheeling, cycling, or scooting, fostering healthier habits and a stronger sense of community. Councillor Philip Price, Cabinet Member for Transport and Infrastructure at Herefordshire Council, said: Safer School Streets will help make the areas outside school entrances safer and more pleasant for everyone. We have seen similar successful initiatives across the country offer a proactive solution to tackling congestion and road danger while encouraging more active and sustainable travel to and from school. The initiative forms part of the wider Improving Transport in Hereford programme, backed by a £19.9 million investment from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund. It reflects the council’s commitment to delivering meaningful improvements to transport and travel across the city. Kim Lane, Headteacher at Lugwardine Primary Academy, said: Along with the parents and staff of Lugwardine Primary Academy we are delighted to be part of the Safer School Streets initiative, supporting our families and wider community in ensuring our routes to school are safe. The scheme will be introduced at: Broadlands Primary School – Broadlands Lane, from the junction of Aylestone Hill Lord Scudamore Academy – Friars Street, from the junction of Barton Road Lugwardine Primary Academy – Barnaby Avenue from the junction at Burdon Drive Riverside Primary School – Belmont Avenue, from the junction of Belmont Court, and Hunderton Avenue from the junction at Hunderton Road Trinity Primary School – Barricombe Drive from the junction at Moor Farm Lane/Sheridan Road During term time, vehicle access will be restricted between 8:10am–9:10am and 2:50pm–3:50pm on weekdays. Herefordshire Council is contacting eligible individuals directly with instructions on how to apply for a free permit. Who can apply for a permit: ✅ Businesses in the zone and their visitors ✅ Residents in the zone and their visitors ✅ Healthcare providers working at properties in the zone ✅ Blue badge holders with a legitimate reason for entering the zone ✅ A number of vehicles will be exempt without needing a permit: ✅ Emergency vehicles ✅ Street cleansing and waste collection ✅ Postal service vehicles (liveried vehicles only) ✅ Utility companies (such as water, electricity, and gas companies) attending emergency works ✅ School buses and taxis ✅ Public transport To learn more about the scheme, including exemption criteria and alternative parking options please visit www.herefordshire.gov.uk/saferschoolstreets

Two men from Herefordshire were part of a trio who have been sentenced to a total of 75 years for the attempted murder and kidnap of Merthyr man earlier this year. Just after 10pm on Monday, February 10, 2025, a 28-year-old man from Merthyr presented at hospital with multiple stab wounds. Officers attended and it was established the victim had been forced into a vehicle and assaulted. The incident unfolded when the victim arrived at a retail park in a car with his girlfriend to meet Luke Williams, who had invited him. The victim was forcibly taken into another car by Tyshane Brown and Williams, where he was blindfolded and kidnapped. Despite his attempts to escape, he was overpowered and stabbed. During the abduction, a phone call was made to the victim’s girlfriend from inside the car, demanding a ransom of £5,000. She heard the victim pleading for help, shouting that he was being stabbed and that they had knives and a gun. As the ordeal continued, the victim was driven around the Merthyr area while blindfolded and further assaulted. His girlfriend quickly informed his dad who rallied three friends to help rescue him. Arrangements were made with the kidnappers for the ransom delivery, with the girlfriend rolling up a jacket to simulate the cash and leaving it at the retail park. A rescue attempt by the victim’s dad and his friends was thwarted when they approached the car. A window was smashed in the car during the chaos, but the victim was unable to escape. The car sped away, with the victim’s dad in pursuit, eventually ramming the vehicle in an effort to free the victim. In the process, the victim sustained more injuries, including a stab wound to his hamstring. Eventually, he was transported to hospital where it was confirmed he had been stabbed nine times, including a severe wound to his abdomen. Officers later located the abandoned car which had been reported by a member of the public and discovered a significant bloodstain inside. A subsequent medical examination revealed multiple injuries to the victim, including wounds to his face, abdomen, back, groin, and thigh, along with signs of internal bleeding. Despite being sought by police, Williams and Brown were spotted together just two days after the incident at a BP petrol station in Herefordshire. On February 27, officers arrested Williams and Brown at a caravan park in Kidderminster. During a search of the caravan, police found items including a balaclava, a knife, and clothing matching what Williams wore in the BP footage. All three were sentenced last week for attempted murder; section 18 GBH; kidnap; blackmail; possession of a firearm; and possession of a bladed article. ▪️ George Miles-Williams, 24, from Careless Close, Hereford, was sentenced to 20 years ▪️Luke Williams, 19, from Clifford, Hereford, was sentenced to 25 years ▪️Tyshane Brown, 30, from Freshford Court, Grange Road, Weymouth, was sentenced to 30 years

A man has been charged with murder following the death of a woman in Bromyard on Saturday (27 September). Emergency services attended an address on Apple Tree Close around 6am and a 61-year-old woman was sadly found deceased. Julian Thomas, 54, of no fixed abode is charged with murder and has been remanded to appear at Kidderminster Magistrates' Court tomorrow (Tuesday 30 September).

A murder investigation has been launched following the death of a woman at an address on Apple Tree Close in Bromyard. Emergency services attended the address around 6am this morning (Saturday 27 September) and a 61-year-old woman was sadly found dead. A 54-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody. Detective Inspector Joanne Delahay said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the woman who has sadly lost her life. “I understand an incident of this nature will cause shock and concern amongst the local community, but I would like to offer reassurance that this was an isolated incident and there is no wider risk to the public. “You will notice a higher police presence in the area in the coming days as officers investigate this incident”.

Plans have been submitted to Herefordshire Council for the 'Proposed shop fit out and installation of replacement signage' at the unit formally occupied by Mother Natures Goodies, on the corner of St Peter's Street and Commercial Street. 𝗥𝗔𝗠𝗦𝗗𝗢𝗡𝗦 Ramsdens Financial Limited ("Ramsdens") has branches located on high streets throughout Northern England, Southern England, Scotland and Wales and offers a range of services. Nearly all of the branches have the appearance of a jewellers but also contain bank style counters that provide a mix of financial services. At the jewellery counters and displays you can view and buy new and second hand jewellery at great value. In the bank style financial area you can get your travel money for your holiday, arrange a pawnbroking loan or sell your unwanted jewellery. The first Ramsdens branch opened in 1987 in Stockton-on-Tees and since then we have been trusted by over 1 million people to provide a simple solution to meet their needs. 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗜𝘁 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁!

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust (HWHCT) employees will be taking part in the Baton of Hope tour as it arrives in Hereford on the 2nd October 2025. This powerful national initiative is the UK’s largest suicide prevention campaign, aiming to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and inspire action to save lives. The Baton of Hope tour, which began in Blackpool and will conclude in London on World Mental Health Day (10th October), brings together communities, charities, and public services in a united stand against suicide. Sue Harris and Graham Childs, both baton bearers for the Baton of Hope 2025 The baton itself is a symbol of hope, resilience, and collective responsibility. Speaking ahead of the event, Sue Harris, Director of Strategy and Partnerships at Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, and baton bearer said: “Every suicide is a heartbreaking loss, and we all have a part to play in preventing them. I’m honoured to carry the Baton of Hope on behalf of our Trust and the people we support. “This is a moment to stand together, speak openly, and ensure that support is visible and accessible for everyone.” As part of the day’s activities, HWHCT will be providing resources and information to help individuals and families access mental health support, alongside partners such as Onside, Herefordshire Mind and Herefordshire Council. Graham Childs, Chair of the LGBTQ+ staff network and Registered Nursing Associate who will also carry the baton said: “I’m grateful to be involved in this event, both as a representative of Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, which provides mental health services, and as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. “I’m passionate about reaching out to support individuals in the wider community, raising awareness of LGBTQ+ issues in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, and beyond where possible, and encouraging men to feel comfortable speaking out and seeking help.” People are encouraged to visit the Baton of Hope website for more information.

Frank Myers MBE After nine years of dedicated leadership, Frank Myers MBE will step down as Chairman of Herefordshire Community Foundation (HCF) this October. In a planned transition, current trustee Robert Robinson will assume the role. Frank’s tenure has been marked by transformative impact. Under his stewardship, HCF has significantly raised its profile and launched key initiatives including the Business for Good scheme. His legacy is underscored by the Foundation’s milestone achievement of £8 million in local grant-making - a testament to his vision, energy, and unwavering commitment to Herefordshire. In Frank’s words: “It has been a huge privilege to be entrusted with this role and to enjoy its success. We have built a very strong and respected team, an excellent Board of Trustees and a very sound financial platform to match any in the country. During my tenure I have tried to exploit the position we have as a 'foundation' of the 'community'. This has borne fruit in so many ways as we have been able to help so many organisations and people in the County. I am sad that the charitable rules require me to leave but am eager to embrace the next challenge of assisting Robert and the Trustees in every possible way as they build further success.” Bridie Sullivan, CEO of HCF, shared: “Frank has brought compassion, a wealth of experience, vital local connections, and boundless energy to the role of Chairman. He has been instrumental in strengthening the Foundation and its role in supporting communities across Herefordshire.” Incoming Chair Robert Robinson brings extensive leadership experience across both private and voluntary sectors. A Herefordshire resident for 45 years, he served as High Sheriff in 2023–2024 and has held numerous board-level roles. Mr Robinson’s deep local roots and strategic insight make him ideally placed to take the helm as HCF enters its next chapter. Robert Robinson commented: “I'm so pleased to be taking the Chair at Herefordshire Community Foundation. HCF is an exceptionally well managed charity with very high standards of governance and as High Sheriff in 2023-24 it was one of the Herefordshire organisations where I could see myself adding most value. HCF is a very significant force for good in Herefordshire with a great Board of Trustees, great leadership and a great back office team. I'm really looking forward to my time of service."

Herefordshire Council is proud to announce that the John Haider building will be renamed the John Venn Building, in tribute to the 19th-century clergyman and philanthropist whose legacy continues to shape the city’s social fabric. _________________________________________________________________________________ The council have been discussing the idea of reverting to the former name of the building since it was purchased and wanted to formally announce this following a supportive city council meeting which took place yesterday (Wednesday). The building will be repurposed to provide temporary accommodation, supporting residents in need, a mission that closely aligns with John Venn’s lifelong commitment to helping people rebuild their lives through dignity, opportunity, and community support. John Venn served as vicar of St Peter’s and St Owen’s churches from 1833 to 1870 and, alongside his sister Emelia, founded the Hereford City Mission and the Hereford Society for Aiding the Industrious (HSAI). Cabinet member for Economy and Growth, Cllr Graham Biggs said: “Renaming this building is more than symbolic, it’s a reaffirmation of our commitment to the values John Venn championed. “His work in housing, health, and education transformed lives, and we hope this space will continue that legacy by offering residents support at a time of need and helping them on their journey to independent living.” Many of Venn's pioneering initiatives, including the City Mission, continue to operate today, having been reborn in 2013 as Vennture. Their spokesperson Imogen Abbott said: “We continue John and Emelia Venn’s legacy by walking alongside those who are vulnerable or marginalised, offering practical support, compassionate presence, and a belief that transformation begins with a relational approach. “We are delighted to hear that the building will be renamed in his honour, a fitting tribute to his legacy.”

Herefordshire Council has approved a £2.055 million investment over the next two years to strengthen flood resilience across the county for homes, businesses, and infrastructure in the areas most affected by flooding. Flooding has caused widespread disruption in recent years, with over 400 properties impacted and many roads closed in 2024 alone. The funding will support a comprehensive Flood Response Programme, delivered over 2025/26 and 2026/27, designed to reduce both the likelihood and impact of future flood events. Work has been underway over the summer to complete formal flood investigations and identify opportunities for schemes which will provide long-term protection in areas previously affected by flooding. The funding will deliver a mix of engineered and nature-based schemes to improve flood resilience across the county. The programme will also help communities by providing signage and monitoring technology, improving our response to flooding. In addition, specialist software will be procured to help the council plan for and manage flood events more effectively. The investment will also be used to unlock further national grants where partnership contributions are required to access central government support. By allocating council funds, Herefordshire can demonstrate local commitment and leverage significantly larger sums from national sources. Cabinet Member for Local Engagement and Community Resilience, Councillor Dan Hurcomb, said: “This investment is about protecting what matters most, our homes, our livelihoods, and our communities. “By prioritising the areas hit hardest, we’re making sure this funding delivers real, lasting benefits for the people of Herefordshire.” In addition to the work supported by this funding, the council is actively progressing several other flood initiatives. These include offering drainage grants to parish and town councils, providing community flood equipment to 38 parish and town councils, and supporting them in developing their own flood plans.

Water First Responders, Together With Colleges From Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service Rescue Elderly Man From River Wye. A spokesperson for Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service told Hereford Voice 'Three Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service crews – one each from Hereford, Ewyas Harold and Fownhope Fire Station, including Hereford’s water first responders – plus the boat crews from Hereford and Worcester and the Service drone from Ledbury were called to a rescue from the water at the Victoria Bridge in Hereford at 03:15 this morning (23 September). A man in his 70s was rescued from the water and handed over to the care of the ambulance service (Officialwmas) who attended along with Hereford Police. 📢 Hereford Voice - '𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲' 👏👏👏

A New 'ChicKing' Restaurant could soon be open ing in Hereford if plans are approved. Planning for a new commercial kitchen in the former Chadds unit at 25 Commercial Street have been submitted. Proposed installation of Kitchen Extraction To Proposed Restaurant 25 Commercial Street, Hereford, HR1 2DJ (To be read in conjunction with drawings & Heritage / Planning Statement) Proposed installation of kitchen extraction including external flue and minor internal non structural fit out works