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3. Limited to one advert per business however, we may find additional free slots to re-advertise again during the month.
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5. Free adverts are subject to availability on a first come first serve basis.
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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.”
 

A spokesperson for Hoople said;

"We are delighted to announce that we have recently completed the purchase of a new head office building which will bring together more of our teams under one roof, with enhanced facilities for our colleagues, students, training delegates and visitors. Refurbishment work is underway at the former Conexus building on Legion Way in Hereford to provide flexible office spaces and state of the art meeting and training rooms, as well as comfortable indoor and outdoor break spaces. We are looking forward to relocating in early 2024.

To be in a position to purchase our own building is testament to the hard work and commitment of our teams and the leadership of our Board. Hoople now has over 600 employees providing a diverse portfolio of services. We have come a long way since Hoople’s inception in 2011, and the new building will allow for further growth and development"

Consultation to focus on Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) in St Owen's Street

Herefordshire Council is encouraging local people to take part in a consultation around the details of improved measures for cyclists and pedestrians in St Owen's Street, Hereford.

An earlier consultation on whether to introduce the contraflow proved that there is strong support for the proposed scheme. This consultation does not revisit that question but is a necessary next stage in the process where Herefordshire Council is legally required to consult on elements of the scheme.

The St Owen's Street cycle contraflow scheme will create a safer cycle route from the east of the city, promoting sustainable and active travel, while at the same time improving safety for pedestrians and motorists.

The scheme is part of ongoing improvements in Hereford city centre to create a more attractive environment for residents, visitors, shoppers, workers and local businesses, encouraging people into the city and ensuring they have a great experience when they are there.

As part of the work to introduce the scheme, Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) are required, which in turn requires a statutory consultation. The changes to the TRO cover the permitting of cyclists to travel in both directions on the one-way street, adjustments to parking, loading and bus stop layouts to incorporate the physical features of the scheme, and the introduction of areas of raised carriageway on St Owen's St.

Cllr John Harrington, cabinet member infrastructure and transport said: “In these difficult times it is more important than ever to support businesses with measures that will promote the economic success of the city. The proposed improvements in St Owen's Street will hopefully be a boost to our measures to allow people to use alternatives to the car to travel into and through the City. Contraflows can decrease journey times for cyclists compared to those travelling by car by providing more direct, safer, travel routes, and can also reduce inappropriate cycling on the pavement.

“We are asking for the views of local people around the specific details of the Traffic Regulation Orders, which are vital components of the street layout that will allow us to implement the scheme in the most effective way.”

The consultation starts on 19 May 2022, and runs to 16 June 2022.

People can find full details and take part in the consultation via the Herefordshire Council website.

Alternatively, if you are unable to complete the online form, you can post a written response to: BBLP St Owen's St Consultation, Balfour Beatty Living Places, Unit 3 Thorn Business Park, Rotherwas Industrial Estate, Hereford, HR2 6JT.

Responses to this consultation must be received on or before 16 June 2022.

If you require any further information on this scheme, please contact by email: StOwensSt@balfourbeatty.com.

Fabulous progress and well done to the team at Vision Building and Development

Can't wait to get our Hereford LIVE New HD Camera back online at the fabulous Pavilion venue.

P
Photographs courtesy of Vision Building and Development

An investment of up to £2.4m is set to be made by Herefordshire Council to boost capacity for children with Special Educational Needs at a school in Hereford.

The cash injection will be made at Hampton Dene Primary School’s Language and Communication Centre to provide an additional two classrooms, toilets, support space and outdoor area to face up to soaring demand for spaces.

The centre which was built to provide education for 32 children is currently running over capacity and the new investment will mean a further 16 spaces are available to improve educational outcomes for children with special educational needs.

The new expansion will also include a community and meeting room to help integrate the children into the centre with the school set to add a financial contribution towards the cost of this facility.

Cabinet member for Children and Young People Cllr Ivan Powell said: “This incredibly important expansion is a key element of our ongoing work to make sure there is high quality and sustainable specialist educational accommodation for children and young people in Herefordshire.”

Cabinet member for Community Services and Assets Cllr Harry Bramer said: “This is an area of considerable growth. This excellent centre was originally established to cater for up to 32 children. It has been at full capacity since 2018 and is now offering specialist support for more children than ever as the need continues to rise. This investment means the centre can rise to the challenge of these increasing numbers and offer excellent educational opportunities for more children.”

The investment will come from High Needs Provision Capital Grant and forms part of the Council’s Capital Investment Strategy.

The increased provision at Hampton Dene follows investment earlier this year to provide four new autism hubs at Leominster Primary School, St Weonards Primary School, Earl Mortimer College, and Aylestone High School.