Tesco Community Grants - Presentation of the £1500.00 cheque won by St Martin's FoodShare following on from the recently advertised in store support that we were promoting at the end of the summer.

This a fabulous local community initiative in South Wye that we have been involved with since its inception a few years ago.

This money will contribute to upkeep of the van used to transport collection’s from supermarkets and FareShare across the county, to their distribution points across the South of Hereford.

To learn more about this absoultely brilliant local scheme Cllr. Kevin Tillett explains all about it in our recent interview that Hereford Voice had here 👉 https://bit.ly/StMFoodShare 

For more information follow the link St Martin's FoodShare

https://councillors.herefordshire.gov.uk/documents/s50105190/The future use and refurbishment of Shirehall.pdf

Stop Hunt handing billions to the banks

As Dire Straits told us 1985:

Now look at them yo-yos, that's the way you do it
You play the guitar on the MTV
That ain't workin', that's the way you do it
Money for nothin' and your chicks for free

Now that ain't workin', that's the way you do it
Lemme tell ya, them guys ain't dumb
Maybe get a blister on your little finger
Baby, get a blister on your thumb

We gotta install microwave ovens
Custom kitchen deliveries
We've got to move these refrigerators
We've got to move these colour TVs

See the little faggot with the earring and the makeup
Yeah buddy, that's his own real hair
The little faggot got his own jet airplane
The little faggot, he's a millionaire

Sign Positive Money petition here:

Enhancement works will be carried out to Widemarsh Street, Hereford, as part of the Hereford City Centre Improvements (HCCI) plan.

The scheme, estimated to take 16 weeks, is scheduled to begin in February, subject to detailed design being completed, and will include the removal of the current 50mm kerb by lifting and replacing the road surface, with new channel blocks and drainage system.

The existing Widemarsh St design was completed in 2011 and has been subject to a number of specialist design and safety reviews. All of these have concluded that the scheme is fully in line with design guidance and best practice.

However, the public have continued to lobby local councillors as well as the Cabinet Member regarding incidents personal to them. In light of this a Cabinet Member decision made last year ensured that a budget to enhance Widemarsh St was included in the HCCI programme.

Councillor John Harrington, Cabinet member infrastructure and transport said:

“The existing layout of Widemarsh St was conceived with the best of intentions, conforming, I believe, to design and best practice guidance, and with the aim of promoting pedestrian safety. And this remains the professional view of officers and our public realm contractor. However, it is our opinion as an administration, that unfortunately and undeniably, the design has caused difficulties for some pedestrians, and this is something we were keen to remedy.

“Widemarsh St is a key part of the City centre, being a popular route for pedestrians and vehicles, home to many shops and businesses, and providing an important link between Old Market and High Town. It is a central component of our transport network and economy, along with the status and appeal of Hereford as a visitor destination and place for local people to enjoy their leisure time. As such it is important that we listen to feedback from the public to make it as safe as possible.

“We explored a wide variety of options, with emphasis on aesthetics, safety, ease of use, drainage and cost. Unfortunately, no matter which way we cut it in terms of trying to remove the kerb and its negative effects - balancing that out against best value in trying times financially - nothing provided the certainty that we insisted on other than this optimal solution of removing the kerb completely. This will be expensive but it is a cost we are certain we must pay to ensure this street scheme is what the visitors and residents of Herefordshire deserve. I am only sorry that it has taken so long to address”.

More details can be found on the Decisions Page of the Council website.

We also published an article back last December (2021) Here

Hereford Voice understands this morning that temporary black tape will be placed along the low kerbs in Widemarsh Street within the next 24hours, marking the infamous kerbs that many of us (or folks we know) have taken a tumble over.

Hereford Voice have been advised that works will begin at the end of March next year, for approximately 8 weeks (keeping road open for access as much as possible).

This work is long overdue, over a decade after the road was redesigned and this hazard has been allowed to continue for too long.

Hereford Voice would like to thank campaigners like Barb Tilling and Anna Gardiner from local group Widemarsh Street Trips and Falls for their hard work over the years to raise awareness on this issue and also want to thank the coalition administration who have took the decision and secured the funding for the levelling of the kerbs after nothing was done by the previous administration. We appreciate things take time but are very pleased that common sense has prevailed here.

If everything goes to plan the new store will open at about 10am in High Town Hereford (former Starbucks unit).

The official grand opening is this Saturday (19th) with a LIVE show from Ollie Grove and the good people at Sunshine Radio.

The perfect place for natural pamper products, luxury soaps or that quirky gift for someone who has everything. Essential oils, bath bombs, salt lamps, aroma diffusers. They have it all!! So join the thousands of satisfied customers who already shop with them in their stores in Abergavenny, Cwmbran and Monmouth.

Steve got in touch with Hereford Voice recently telling us about his new business opening in the city, so we would like to take this opportunity to wish Steve all the very best of luck and we look forward to welcoming Mother Nature's Goodies to our wonderful city of Hereford. 😀

CEO Mike Truelove on behalf of the Hereford Business Improvement District writes;

It is not that businesses are ungrateful for the recently unveiled vision for Broad, Bridge and King Street – in fact, the hospitality sector (in particular) are delighted that there could be extended paving for a café culture.

As for more trees in the ground, what’s not to like? However, what truly worries many is that if you are a retailer, pharmacist, sandwich shop, florist, or estate agent, how are their customers going to pop in to grab items and then go if the parking is down the road? Yes, you may well argue (justifiably in some cases) that people ought to park in larger car parks and not on the street, but that ignores those who struggle to walk far and those who, dare I say it, pop into these shops because it is convenient. Take away the parking and you remove a major reason to shop here which equates to shop closures. Suddenly, once popular streets become a hotchpotch of empty units; it is as simple as that.

If we are serious about improving the area, everyone needs to be taken on the journey and not leave behind those who have been there for (in some instances over 100 years) and have evolved around the ability to park outside. There must be a compromise.

It would also be useful if there was a parallel or even leading plan to improve parking and transport in the city. Where is the vision for new multi-story car parks? Further, High Town and St Peter Street have been discussed for the last 6 years with millions ready to use from the LEP and match-funded by Herefordshire Council. If projects that have funding cannot be implemented, what hope do we have for Broad Street?

One last final point, it is critical that the whole of the city centre is looked at as part of a masterplan – we need streets that flow into each other with a common theme or 'brand' (think of those ugly stainless steel benches in Eign Gate that were recently taken down). Either way, I encourage you to air your views whilst the online consultation is open 👉 https://lnkd.in/eVjNqcE6

Mason who is a pupil at St Francis Xavier school in Hereford who has recently just turned 9.

Mason who is active competition climber and climbs regularly at Green Spider Climbing and at the boulder barn here in Hereford.

He has recently finished the season by taking part in the The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) youth climbing series which is a national competition divided in to regions.

Mason represents South West North Region which includes Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire and Berkshire in Youth category E...

It is a 4 round series consisting of 2 roped rounds and 2 boulder rounds at 4 different centres across the region.

Mason has trained hard for this supported by his local climbing community and his hard work has payed off as he secured 4 first places to become series winner of Youth category E South West North. He has had a great first year of competition climbing all over the UK

🏆 Midlands Youth Boulder Cup Winner

🏆 Young Climbers Festival (Sheffield) Winner

🏆 Rock Solid Bouldering Series (North East ) Winner

🏆 BMC YCS South West North Winner

🥈 Youth Boulder Cup (Sheffield) 2nd Place

Mason will continue to have fun and train hard over the winter ready to see what next year will bring ..

Congratulations Mason on your fabulous success in just your first year! The future looks bright!

Saving the planet?

Somebody every couple of months deposits a bag of cat litter and other items behind the garages between Muir Close and Sherborne Close and expects somebody to dispose of their waste. This is usually done by myself on a regular weekly litter pick. However I can't be bothered to tidy this mess up after this waster left his rubbish again behind the garages and some other idiot thought it would be fun to kick the contents over the footpath for others to walk through. Don't these people have waste bins to dispose of their waste properly.

.

People (usually the younger generation) go on about saving the planet from pollution yet most of the litter I pick up is drink cans, fast food wrappings, scratch cards and sweet papers. A lot of the cans of drinks are labelled energy drinks, but obviously those drinking these have not got the strength to throw the items into waste bins. There are three bins in my area close to the local shop - why don't they use them?

These plastic tops of drinks bottles are easily washed down the drains and need to be attached to the bottle.

Another twist to recycling is the habit of some people putting a quantity of cans and bottles in black plastic bags. These are usually left by the waste bins or recycling bins. However the council will not recycle black plastic bags and leave the items on the footpath or behind outbuildings were they are dumped. The streets on our estates are now littered regularly, the drains blocked and kerbs overgrown with weeds. Slowly and surely this adds to the blighting of the area and our planet which the younger future generation couldn't care less about.

Now that the project complete and with Mrs Daws agreement the grand opening of the Public Access Defibrillator affectionately known as 'Bertie Bargates' took place on Friday in Leominster.

The lifesaving equipment is dedicated to the memory of Paramedic Jeremy ‘Jack’ Daw who sadly lost his life whilst responding to a 999 call In April 2021.

How lovely is this!  🧡 

📸 Andrew Morris

Source | Leominster in Bloom

Mayor of Hereford, Cllr Mark Dykes, issued a statement about the passing of Hereford United FA Cup hero, Ronnie Radford;

“I was very sorry to hear of the death of Ronnie Radford, who’s marvellous goal in the FA Cup against Newcastle United was one of the greatest moments in the history of Hereford United, and something that brought joy to the whole City. The City Council honoured Ronnie and his fellow goal scorer Ricky George with a Mayoral Commendation in 2010 and their exploits will always be remembered with gratitude and pride in Hereford. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ronnie’s family at this difficult time.”

Sad news for Hereford today as we hear the very sad news that legend footballer Ronnie Radford has sadly passed away.

Ronald Radford (12 July 1943 – 2 November 2022) was an English footballer who notably scored an outstanding goal in the 1971–72 FA Cup for Hereford United during their shock 2–1 giant-killing of Newcastle United.

RIP Ronnie

First step in expansion of electric vehicle charge point network now complete.

New provider Wenea announces that their 9 new chargers available in the region will be free to use until 9 November 2022

The first stage of work to take over the council’s electric vehicle charge point network is now complete.

The council announced in July that it would be expanding the existing network, in partnership with Wenea. Over the next two years, the number of charge point bays will increase with more provision planned as demand increases. There will be a switch to more rapid charging and support for residents who have to park on the street.

Cllr John Harrington, Cabinet member for infrastructure and transport, said: “It is excellent to see progress being made on the expansion of electric vehicle charge points in the county. This increase in charge point provision will support residents, visitors and businesses in making the switch to electric vehicles.

“The council has made a commitment to reaching carbon net zero by 2030 and strengthening our EV network is a vital part of that effort.”

Wenea charge point

James Cornaro, Project Manager at Wenea, added: “At Wenea we are very proud to have arrived in Herefordshire. In doing so, we are continuing our mission to roll out the country's largest fast and ultra-fast charging network. We would therefore like to announce that the company's 9 new chargers available in the region will be free to use until 9th November 2022.

“To use the chargers, users simply download the Wenea app, available for iOS and Android, and enjoy the charging experience free of charge. This app can continue to be used whenever they need to charge at a Wenea charging station after 9 November.”

All the charge points are part of the national network. Search online for maps and apps with live availability of all electric charging points and any tariffs that apply across Herefordshire and the rest of the UK.

For more information, including guidance on how to use charge points, please visit the dedicated page of our website.

About Wenea

Wenea is a charging service company for electric vehicles that provides smart charging solutions. Wenea's mission is to lead the transition to sustainable mobility with the goal of Zero Emissions. In order to achieve this, Wenea is deploying the largest ultra-rapid charging network across different countries, which any user can access from their mobile application. Wenea offers a complete portfolio of solutions for companies, individuals, and public bodies in different environments: highway, urban, workplaces and home.

Find out more about Wenea - https://wenea.com/uk

West Mercia Police (Hereford SNT's) Statement;

'Over the last 24 hours, there have been a large number of reports of motorbike thefts across the south of Hereford. Bikes have been found and recovered but have been damaged. Please remain vigilant and keep all motorbikes out of sight. Anyone with information call 101. Thank you'

On 26 October 2022 Hereford Magistrates Court granted a Criminal Behaviour Order against Aivis Vasiljevs aged 31 of Cornewall Street, Whitecross, Hereford.

This is the second order of this nature issued by the court in October against individuals who have caused significant anti-social behaviour in Hereford city centre – the other order against Raimonds Debenko who is a known associate of Vasiljevs.

The order against Vasiljevs is as a result of him pleading guilty to two public order offences which had occurred in September in the Asda Supermarket area of Hereford where he had used threatening words and behaviours towards others that has caused them alarm and distress and a subsequent Criminal Behaviour Order application from West Mercia Police.

Vasiljevs was sentenced to a Community Order with 15 days rehabilitation activity requirements, ordered to pay compensation in the amount of £120 and issued a Criminal behaviour Order for 3 years by the magistrates.

The order prohibits him from entering the Eign Gate area of Hereford and from being in possession any open item containing alcohol in the city centre.

Jim Mooney Police Community Safety officer for Herefordshire who made the application on behalf of the Police comments -

‘The use of the Criminal Behaviour Order process is the end of a journey of anti-social behaviour prevention and intervention against an individual and is not applied for until all steps have been taken to try and change their behaviour.

In the case of Vasiljevs he has persistently ignored advice and warnings and has caused alarm and distress to others in the city and especially in the area of Eign Gate. He and others have felt it was acceptable to frequent the city centre openly street drinking alcohol, getting drunk and then becoming a nuisance to the public and businesses.

The local policing team will continue to address concerns of anti-social behaviour raised with them and will take all appropriate steps to challenge the minority in the community who act this way and will ensure that the city remains a safe place to live, visit and work.

Any breach of this orders should be reported via ‘101’ or through the West Mercia website www.westmercia.police.uk

Congratulations to Cllr Kevin Tillett on receiving a 'Special Recognition Award' at this afternoon's AGM at The Kindle Centre for his endless voluntary work in South Wye.

This is very well deserved and everyone at Hereford Voice would like to thank you on a personal level too.

As part of Herefordshire Council's plan to add extra safety measures across the city following a spate of crime, additional lighting is being installed on the 'Lines'. This is good news and will brighten up some of the areas where the public feel unsafe after dark.

Hereford Voice successfully campaigned to have CCTV installed on the river bridge, working together with West Mercia Police and Herefordshire Council back in 2015 following the murder of Christian Bagley.

See our original article here https://bit.ly/3pjMTM6

More work need to be done across the city but this is a good positive start

📸 Jaymz G Chamberlain

A 22-year-old woman who died in the early hours of this morning following an incident in Oswestry has been named as Rebecca Steer.

She was struck by a car at around 2.50am this morning after it mounted the kerb outside the Grill Out takeaway on Willow Street. Tragically, she died of her injuries shortly after arriving at hospital.

Rebecca’s family have described her as ‘the most loving, talented and kind hearted person you could ever wish to know’.

They went on to say: “We are all completely devastated by the loss of our beautiful girl Rebecca.

“She always had a smile and a laugh that made everybody love her.

“She will be greatly missed by her many friends and family.

“She was the best daughter, sister, granddaughter and friend anyone could ask for.

“Rest in Peace beautiful girl.“

A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder in relation to the incident and remains in police custody.

The family have asked everyone to respect their privacy at this very difficult time.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has information that could help is asked to please report this via the West Mercia Police website quoting reference 90 of 9 October. If you are unable to report this online please ring 101.