Hereford Voice understands that retailer Matalan will be opening a new store in the Old Market Hereford.

Re-fit works are planned to begin as soon as next week with the new store scheduled to open in October.

Matalan is a leading UK and international omnichannel fashion and homeware retailer, on a mission to be the first choice for outstanding family value.

With a large store network in excess of 270 UK and international stores and an integrated e-commerce platform, Matalan is a trusted brand which puts its customer at the heart of its business and delivers unrivalled product choice and exceptional style and quality to 11 million loyal shoppers every year.

Matalan is famously committed to offering a compelling value focused fashion and home offering, that continues to help millions of UK household budgets go further.

Matalan’s locations, late night openings, convenient parking, 'everything under one roof' offering and free click and collect service are just some of the reasons why our customers love shopping at Matalan.

𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗜𝘁 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁!

Companies are not connecting with their customers/clients at all on the phone. It so easy, just pick up the phone when it rings - No not some recorded message telling you are in a never ending queue or telling you to visit their website which doesn't contain the information you are looking for. Strange that when you need to make a payment you get straight through at once. Wait till we are connecting with AI robots when the local staff are sacked and offices closed and we are all floating around in the ether!

The jobs of more than half of the workforce at the DIY chain Homebase are at risk after the retailer's owners called in administrators following a failed attempt at a sale.

Homebase have a branch in Ledbury.

Its owner Hilco had been looking to sell the struggling retailer, but has not managed to find an outright buyer.

The owner of homeware chain The Range is buying up to 70 stores and the brand, safeguarding about 1,600 jobs.

This leaves 49 stores without a buyer, and thousands of jobs at risk in the stores and head office. Administrators Teneo declined to say which stores were at risk of closing at this stage.

Three Counties Hotel Demolition Latest Images

The demolition contractor is Wye Valley Demolition Ltd and the work is expected to be completed by late January 2025.

Admiral Taverns told me yesterday that the Broadleys is being sold. They wouldn't say any more. Does anyone know who to? I cannot find it listed for sale anywhere. It has now been removed from Admiral Taverns website.

Lee Lauder (left) and Finley Phillips have been sentenced to a total of 54 months for burglary offences.

Two men have been sentenced to a total of more than four years for burglary offences in the Hereford area.

Lee Lauder, 19, of Paxton Drive, Bristol and Finley Phillips, 20, of Satchfield Court, Bristol, were sentenced to 27 months each on Tuesday 5 November at Worcester Crown Court.

Lauder and Phillips were charged in relation to a series of burglaries at commercial premises on the Rotherwas industrial estate overnight of 3 and 4 September 2023.

They also committed a burglary of a dwelling on 4 September when they were disturbed by the occupants of an address in Canon Frome, Hereford.

They stole car keys, handbag, purse and money from that address. They were stopped by police a short time later and remanded in custody and charged for the other offences too.

Lauder pled guilty to conspiracy to burglary for which he was given a 22-month sentence and dwelling house burglary for which he was given a 27-month sentence to run concurrently.

Phillips also pled guilty to conspiracy to burglary for which he was given a 22-month sentence and dwelling house burglary for which he was given a 27-month sentence to run concurrently.

Detective Constable Verity Farr of Hereford CID said: “Burglary and acquisitive crime offences cause great distress in our communities.

“Breaking into someone’s home is immensely intrusive and distressing for those that are victims of these crimes.

“We will always do all we can to pursue and prosecute those responsible for committing such offences.”

A Hereford drug dealer has been sentenced to 32 months for selling class A drugs into the city.

Matthew Hayward, 36, of Charles Witts Avenue, Hereford, was sentenced at Worcester Crown Court yesterday (Tuesday 5 November).

Hayward was arrested at his home address on 19 September 2024. A search of the vehicle he had been driving identified a large quantity of white powder - later confirmed as cocaine - was found in a bag in the boot.

There were also a large quantity of clear unused deal bags and a set of scales. He did not hold a driving licence and was not insured to drive the vehicle he had been seen driving.

Hayward was convicted of one count of possess with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class A - cocaine – in September as well as driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence and using a motor vehicle on a road/public place without third party insurance.

He was sentenced to 32 months for the drug dealing offence, deprivation of any interest in a Mercedes car and disqualified from driving for 12 months plus a 16-month extension period, giving a total ban of 28 months for the motoring offences.

Detective Constable Emily Holder of Hereford CID said: “We welcome this sentencing which demonstrates to the community that police will act swiftly and with the support of the public to disrupt the supply of controlled drugs which causes such harmful impact on our community.

“We urge members of the public to contact us should they have any concerns over drug supply, and they will be taken seriously. You can report it to us online at Report a crime | West Mercia Police. Always call 999 in an emergency.”

“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 IP address. You can contact them online or by calling 0800 555 111.”

This investigation forms part of Operation Target – West Mercia Police’s work to tackle serious and organised crime.

City businesses have voted a resounding 'YES' in a ballot that decides the future of the Hereford Business Improvement District Ltd (Hereford BID). Results released on Friday, 1st November, by Civica Electoral Services, who independently conducted the ballot, show that during the 28-day vote, 255 businesses voted with a total rateable value of £9,391,000. Of these, 232 (91%) voted in favour by number with a rateable value in favour of 91%. A majority in terms of votes cast & rateable value is legally required for a BID to be voted in.

The results give the Hereford BID a strong mandate to deliver its projects and services as set out in its 2025-2030 Business Plan and secures over £1.7 million of investment in the city centre over the next five years.

Paul Stevens, chairman of Hereford BID Ltd, said, "We are thrilled and humbled by the fantastic support that has been shown to us by local businesses who have been instrumental in shaping the BID's plans. The ballot results represent a bright future for Hereford, building on the 10 years of work we have already done and ensuring that we may continue to care, champion and develop projects and schemes that promote and support our member businesses who fund us. I want to thank everyone who has supported our proposals, as well as my fellow directors and the BID team who have put their heart and soul into supporting traders".

Mike Truelove, Chief Executive, added, "It is wonderful to see the widespread and enthusiastic support for the exciting plans we will deliver, including the development of the Hereford Gift Card, more great events, including a new medieval festival, a 5-year tourism marketing campaign, and a daytime shop banning scheme to address store theft – to name but a few. None of this would be possible without the incredible support and positive relationships we have with businesses and city stakeholders. It is truly a team effort".

The Hereford BID's third term starts on 1st April 2025 and runs for 5 years. It is incorporated as an independent company, limited by guarantee, and run by volunteer directors drawn from businesses in the Hereford BID area. For more information on the new business plan, please visit

http://www.herefordcitylife.co.uk/hereford-bid/about/bid-3

Click here to view / download the official ballot report from CIVICA

There is currently an increased police presence in Hereford after officers received a report of a rape in the early hours of Sunday 3 November.

Officers were on scene within the grounds of Hereford Cathedral after a report was received that a woman had been raped at around 4.30am.

A 24-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of rape and remains in police custody.

Detective Inspector Colin Berry said: “We understand that incidents like this can be unsettling for the community, and I want to provide reassurance that we believe there is no wider risk to the public. The victim is currently being supported by our specially trained officers.

“Following the review of CCTV footage, there are people passing through the area around the time of the incident that we would like to speak with. You may have seen something suspicious or witnessed part of the incident, but any information you can provide could be valuable to our investigation, and we encourage you to come forward."

If you were in the area around the time of the incident and have any information, please contact Detective Sergeant Leah Lowe on 101 quoting 092i of 3 November, or alternatively email leah.lowe@westmercia.police.uk.

Alternatively, if you do not feel comfortable speaking with the police, information can be shared anonymously with the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by visiting their website.

Progress is being made on Hereford’s exciting new Transport Hub, with the project currently out for tender to find a construction partner.

The £10m Hub will encourage a shift away from reliance on cars, providing an easy-to-use, reliable link to cycling, walking, bus and rail transport in the city.

As well as covered cycle facilities and lockers to encourage commuter cycle parking, the Hub will provide new bus stands and layovers, taxi and car parking areas, including commuter and short term parking, and welfare facilities.

Cllr Philip Price, Cabinet Member Transport and Infrastructure, said: “The development of the Transport Hub is out for tender. Once complete, the Hub is designed to improve travel experience for all, providing accessible, safe and green transport connections.

“The station and its surrounding area is a key entry point to the city and not only will the Hub tie together public transportation, active travel and improved access, it will also help to revive the local heritage, and create an attractive environment for visitors and commuters. Greater opportunities for active travel are also good news for health and wellbeing, and will support the council’s environmental commitments by reducing congestion and improving air quality.”

The council anticipates the appointment of a contractor in December, with the aim of works beginning on site early in the new year.

We have today received official notification that the demolition work will begin on Monday 4th November 2024 to demolish the former Three Counties Hotel on Belmont Road in Hereford. The demolition contractor is Wye Valley Demolition Ltd and the work is expected to be completed by late January 2025.

𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗜𝘁 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁!

Ally from Golden Valley Funeral Services got in touch with Hereford Voice today to explain all about their community project.

Golden Valley Funeral Services have sponsored Belmont Roundabout in conjunction with Hereford in Bloom for some time now. They realised that the roundabout isn't very 'bloomy' so they asked Hereford in Bloom how they could improve this. Hereford in Bloom very kindly purchased 6,500 bulbs however, they didn't have the volunteers to plant them, so Golden Valley Funeral Services took it upon themselves to plant them.

Come the end of the winter, beginning of spring, our community can enjoy them as they are passing and we hope to brings a moment of joy and hope that better seasons are ahead.

Ally's 90 year old Nan chose the selection of bulbs carefully and guided everyone on how to plant them correctly. She attended the whole planting session today and was quick to get stuck in. The whole team are so grateful for her guidance.

It took 4 hours to plant all 6,500 bulbs and the weather today was perfect! Ally and Pete want to thank everyone who helped us today.

Well done to everyone involved.

Golden Valley Funeral Services are an independent family Funeral Directors, and provide personal support to communities in Hereford and all around Herefordshire.

The renovation of one of Hereford’s most historic buildings, the Shirehall, is now a step closer as design proposals are to be submitted soon that will transform the building into a new library and learning centre, and versatile community space.

The exciting plans outline how the building’s heritage features will be preserved when the Shirehall becomes a vibrant community hub.

The renovation will breathe new life into the building, offering a variety of spaces and services. In addition to being home to a modern library and learning centre, the Shirehall will feature:

• Meeting rooms
• Community skills development areas
• Heritage interpretation and tours
• Hireable courtroom spaces
• Offices for the Coroner and Registrars
• Temporary library relocation during Shirehall renovation

While the Shirehall undergoes its two-year renovation, Hereford Library will temporarily relocate to the Town Hall. Following consultations with library users, Hereford Town Hall was chosen for its central location near High Town, ample parking, and greater space for programming and book stock.

As part of the move, the current temporary Hereford Library at the Museum Resource and Learning Centre on Friars Street will close on Saturday 12 October 2024. The new library space at the Town Hall will open on Tuesday 22 October 2024, and officially launch over half term with a week-long programme featuring family-friendly activities, drop-in crafts, Storytime and Baby Sign sessions, and a performance by Sea Legs Puppet Theatre.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to view the exciting design proposals for the Shirehall Library and Learning Centre and share their feedback.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Shirehall is set to open its doors to the public in autumn 2026, providing a new community hub that celebrates Herefordshire’s heritage while fostering growth, learning, and connection for all.

Safe sex for seagulls? Why bird contraception plan in Worcester may not fly
Councillor has reportedly suggested using pills to control gulls, but experts say it may not be ethical or practical

Link to article in The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/oct/25/safe-sex-seagulls-worcester-bird-contraception-plan
 

We were kindly invited to The Pavilion, Castle Green earlier and to see the progress being achieved by the wonderful team at Vision Building and Development. Also huge thanks to Katie.

This superb Friends of Castle Green project is on schedule to be completed before the end of the Summer and we can't wait to share all the finer details with you.

We are looking forward to getting our LIVE HD Camera back online and to showcase this fantastic venue on the beautiful Castle Green overlooking the River Wye and Victoria Bridge.

There is so much going on but we can't tell you anymore at this stage, so be sure to 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 Hereford Voice 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝘂𝗽 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝘀.

Five people have been arrested for drug offences after police executed a warrant in Hereford yesterday (17 October), by the proactive team in Hereford.

Four men aged 29, 27, 23 and 18 and a woman aged 22 were arrested at a property on Waterfield Road, on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of drugs.

During the warrant, drugs believed to be cannabis was seized along with scales, cash and various weapons including a wooden bat with screws in the end.

The 27 year old man remains in custody while enquiries are ongoing. The other four suspects have been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Detective Sergeant Jim Moore said “Drug dealing causes an untold negative impact in our communities, often leading to other criminality and the exploitation of vulnerable people.

"A number of instances of disorder have been reported in the area by local residents, yesterday’s warrant shows that we are taking clear action, to stop the supply of drugs and the harm to the public.”

Floods Keep School Closed For Remainder Of Week.

School Statement:

Unfortunately, due to the intense rainfall and substantial amount of water flowing from the fields into school, parts of our school building have been severely flooded, and a significant amount of damage has been caused.

On advice from the Local Authority and after surveying the damage, the school will be closed for the next 2 days (Thursday and Friday) in order to keep pupils and staff safe and to make repairs to the affected areas.

We will be working tirelessly over the next few days to find a solution to ensure that we can get back to normal as soon as possible, teachers will be uploading work online for pupils. This is not a decision that has been taken lightly and we will do all that we can to get the school back to a safe working order as soon as possible, we realise this is an inconvenience for some parents, but safety is a priority.

A BIG thank you to Peterchurch Fire Station and all the staff who stayed and looked after the children at school, even the bus full of local High School children who were stuck. We are surrounded by a wonderful community and everyone's help is appreciated.

A man has been charged with attempted murder following an incident in Moorfield Street, Hereford on Wednesday 9 October.

Bryan Robson, aged 49 ,of Moorfield Street appeared at Kidderminster Magistrates Court this morning (11 October) and has been remanded in custody to appear at Worcester Crown Court on Monday 11 November.

A 42 -year-old man remains in hospital in a stable condition. 

Original news article -