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    Hutchinsons HiFi in Cheltenham Closing after 28 Years

    Biomech
    By Biomech,

    http://www.gloucestershireecho.co.uk/Online-sales-car-parking-charges-business-rates/story-20582949-detail/story.html

     

    I mention this for 2 very good reasons.

     

    1: There is a new development making it's way into Cheltenham ("The Brewery") which is said to be driving local traders out. At the new development you can find such names as Nandos, Chiquitos and Frank & Benny's, as well as a new multiscreen cinema (sound familiar?)

     

    2: Hutchinsons owns the Sony center in Hereford. Hutchinsons also owned the Panasonic Store in Hereford which, as I'm sure you are aware, closed down as the OLM began.

     

    I also note this comment at the bottom of the page which makes a lot of sense:
     

    "Expensive town centre parking charges are the main reason why so called "out of town" shopping areas do so well. There is NO parking cost. There are NO over zealous "Traffic Enforcement Officers" slapping a ticket on your car. Car drivers are welcomed with open arms, something which local Councillors fail to see, everytime thy raise parking charges."
     

    Poundstretcher - Pet Hut

    Biomech
    By Biomech,

    I heard on the radio this morning that Poundstretcher are opening a shop at Brook Retail Park (I believe this is Blockbuster?)

     

    So I'm assuming the shop in Eign Gate is going/gone?


    Protecting the vulnerable within our society.

    bobby47
    By bobby47,

    Our colleague, Councillor Chris Chappell has been appointed 'champion' for our fellow citizens who are disabled because of Learning Disability.

    This is really good news for those of us who understand this issue and I know that this appointment is an excellent one and one which will provide a great deal of comfort to Moms, Dads, Siblings and Carers who devote their lives to caring and providing love and support.

    Having been the recipient of his biting teeth, I am confident that our Chris Chappell will fight, bite and snarl to protect those less fortunate than you and I and I congratulate him on this appointment and wish him luck during the forthcoming months which will require a great deal of challenging decisions to ensure we provide the proper care for those who have this disability.

    For my part, if there is anything that I can do to assist and help Councillor Chappell in this role, I'll do all I can to support him and his colleagues. Congratulations Mr Chappell.


    Screwfix Opening in Hereford

    Colin James
    By Colin James,

    Home Bargains has opened, there are some real bargains on branded products to be had but there is also some tat in there too, but certainly worth a visit. I purchased a few items, in particular a small bottle of Diet Pepsi for 29p!


    Herefordshire Housing Looking To Purchase Ship Inn

    Colin James
    By Colin James,

    Herefordshire Housing looking to purchase The Ship Inn, Hereford. The Ship Inn has been closed for a number of years and has suffered from vandalism. They are looking to create around 35 new 1 & 2 bedroom apartments.

     

    ship hereford.jpg


    Metal Garden Gates Stolen In Herefordshire

    Colin James
    By Colin James,

    Garden Gates Stolen From Herefordshire Homes

     

    West Mercia Police are investigating a series of metal gate thefts from properties in Herefordshire.
     
    A total of 12 metal gates were stolen from properties in Hereford City and the village of Lugwardine between Wednesday 22 January and Friday 31 January.
     
    Thieves stole three metal gates from properties in Lugwardine, Herefordshire, overnight on Wednesday 22 January.
     
    A Victorian wrought iron garden gate valued at £300 was taken from one property between 11pm and 23 January and 12.30am on Thursday 23 January while a cast iron gate valued at £100 was taken from another property in the village at around the same time.
     
    Sometime between 11pm on the Wednesday and 10am the following day, a third property in Lugwardine was targeted and a white coloured wrought iron gate, valued at £400, was stolen.
     
    Four metal gates were also stolen from properties in Whitecross Road, Hereford between 2.30pm on Tuesday 28 January and 11am on Wednesday 29 January.
     
    Two gates were taken from properties in Edgar Street, Hereford, from 6pm on Monday 27 January and 6am of Wednesday 29 January.
     
    Another two metal gates were stolen from Barr’s Court Road homes sometime between 6.30pm on Thursday 30 January and 11am on Friday 31 January, while a further gate was taken from a property in Grandstand Road between 6pm on Sunday 26 January and 9am on Monday 27 January. The gates in Hereford are valued from £30 to £200 each.
     
    Sergeant Emma Freer from Police in Herefordshire said: “The thefts in Lugwardine all happened on the same night in the same area and we urge anyone who heard anything or saw any suspicious behaviour or an unfamiliar vehicle to contact us.
     
    “The gate thefts in Hereford all happened within a week and we are linking these crimes.
     
    “Any information that could help us to locate the stolen gates and track down those responsible can be passed on by calling the non emergency number 101 and asking for police in Herefordshire.”
     
    Alternatively information can be passed on anonymously by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or completing its online form by logging on to www.crimestoppers-uk.org

    Flooding

    Aylestone Voice
    By Aylestone Voice,

    I don't know - the Council/Hereford Futures spend all that money on a flood prevention scheme and what do we get in all this bad weather. Merton Meadow car park/Newtown Road and other areas flooded for days on end. Why cannot they build something that actually works


    Change rules for live music

    megilleland
    By megilleland,
    Interesting letter from "Have Your Say" in the Hereford Times. Seems to follow along the lines of the hot food debate after hours as discussed here:
     

    Change rules for live music

     
    I NOTE with interest comments in Hereford Times, January 30, regarding under 18s attending live music venues.
     
    The main complaints seem to be as follows:
     
    * Many touring bands will not visit Hereford as many of their fan base are likely to be under 18, and, therefore, they risk playing to a half empty room.
     
    * Bands who are under 18 are not allowed to perform at venues where alcohol is served.
     
    I am extremely concerned and frustrated by the comments, suggesting that to get round this venues can apply for a temporary variation of their licence, and that alternative “dry venues†could be used for music events.
     
    These views are very out of touch and are completely missing the point.
     
    What Hereford needs is a thriving music scene, where bands that tour the country can come and play here, to rooms full of people both over and under 18.
     
    A scene where people are encouraged not to concentrate on getting drunk, downing shots and fighting in the streets, but to develop an appreciation of live music, in a safe and friendly environment, where those of legal age are able to enjoy a few drinks socially while enjoying the performance of the band.
     
    This is an opportunity to completely change the drinking culture in the city of Hereford, something that is clearly a problem.
     
    Many young people feel that there is nothing to do other than to have pre-drinks at home, head in to the pubs about 9pm, and then onto a club, where they are constantly drinking and damaging their health.
     
    If venues were given the opportunity to show youngsters that there is an alternative to this, and get them into the live music scene before they reach the age of being able to go out and get drunk, then this could go a long way to making a very positive change in the next generation of young Herefordians.
     
    Also, allowing young bands the opportunity to play in licensed venues is an experience that can only encourage them to keep going and improve, rather than quitting out of frustration at not being able to perform to an audience anywhere other than their own school/college.
     
    This would also open the eyes of other youngsters to the idea of forming a band themselves, and encourage them to do something constructive with their time.
     
    All the time we’re hearing of funding being cut from various projects for youngsters, putting them in a position where there is less and less for them to do.
     
    Well this is a great chance to actually do something for the good, giving them an opportunity to do something positive.
     
    I suggest looking at Gloucester Guildhall as a fantastic example of a venue that allows everyone 14 and over to attend gigs, with alcohol available to those that are old enough to have it, and very little anti-social behaviour.
     
    Hereford Live is a movement that is trying to encourage and promote live music in Hereford and the surrounding areas, but when a large quantity of people in the catchment area are not permitted to go along and support these events.
     
    Hopefully some of the things that I’ve said will make the council stop and think about what this could mean for Hereford, and see the benefits that changing the rules regarding allowing youngsters attend and/ or perform at gigs in licensed premises could bring to the city.
     
    TRISTAN EDWARDS Kernal Road, Hereford

     

    Any younsters on here with any views? Once musicians get noticed and established they usually leave the area pretty quick ie Ellie Goulding, Mott the Hoople and The Pretenders.


    Hereford Utd sign new lease

    ragwert
    By ragwert,

    Bulls Chairman David Keyte put his signature to the new Edgar Street leases on Friday.

    Keyte's signature comes after a lengthy and thorough process, spearheaded by non-executive Director Bob Pritchard.
     
    Pritchard, who has over 40 years in the development industry confirmed that the leases were received by the club on Friday in the agreed form and that Chairman, David Keyte signed all 8 documents and the 5 statutory declarations with the documents being returned to the clubs solicitors in Birmingham in order to effect exchange and completion on Monday/Tuesday this week.
     
    "This is a special moment in the history of the club in securing it's immediate future at Edgar Street for the next 30 years" said Pritchard "it also provides opportunities for development to be secured on the two ends of the ground, new stands to be built and with those, a 250 year long lease that will help secure the clubs long term future at Edgar Street."
     
    Bob will now open negotiations with the existing telecoms operators who currently have equipment on the floodlight pylons, in order to relocate their equipment when development of either ends takes place.

    Read more at http://www.herefordunited.co.uk/news/article/leases-signed-090214-1349705.aspx#7Ey0G5FivZFCv2d3.99


    Three Counties Hotel Storm Damage

    Colin James
    By Colin James,

    Storm damaged brought these fences down at the back of the Three Counties Hotel last night, notice the fence missing further along too. I contacted the hotel at 7am this morning to notify them and also to draw their attention to the barbed wire and heavy piece of wood dangling which is swinging around dangerously in the wind, it is now 11am and nobody has even looked at it yet.

    Three Counties Hotel.jpg


    Newton Farm Regeneration Documentary

    Reel
    By Reel,
    Hi all, aside from being able to keep an eye on what's going on in the South Wye, the main reason I joined up is to hopefully speak to the right people about an idea I've had regarding a documentary being produced following the regeneration of Newton Farm, delving into it's history, interviews with residence, councilors and other key people, story telling etc..etc. 

     

    Although I moved away some time ago I grew up in Kilvert Road, Merryhill Crescent and Honddu Close for 21 years. I have recently completed my degree in Film Arts and Production in Plymouth and as I am a long-term member and contributor on 'Old Hereford Pics' Facebook group it's given me an idea - wouldn't it be nice to properly document the regeneration and get local faces involved?

     

    A friend and colleague of mine produced something of a similar vain when Devonport in Plymouth was regenerated a few years ago and I thought wouldn't it be great if i could do that in Hereford.

     

    If you have any thoughts or feel you can assist me in any way that would be great.

     

    Regards,

     

    Gareth


    A quick and simple guide to community rights

    megilleland
    By megilleland,

    Communities urged to make full use of their rights and join over 800 groups now working on neighbourhood plans.

     
    Department for Communities and Local Government
    Published 28 November 2013
     
    Communities were urged to make full use of their rights and join the hundreds of groups now working up plans that will set out the future vision for their neighbourhood, Planning Minister Nick Boles said today (28 November 2013).
     
    A new landmark has been reached with more than 800 communities now working on getting a neighbourhood plan in place.
     
    Neighbourhood planning is one of the new community rights introduced by government to give people more say over their area and puts communities in charge of setting out the homes, shops and amenities they want in their neighbourhood.
     
    Neighbourhood planning is also beginning to take off in our cities. Places such as Holbeck and Beeston in Leeds, Spring Boroughs and the Blackthorn and Goldings estate in Northampton, Inner East Preston, Somers Town near Kings Cross and a number of communities across Bristol are all making progress towards neighbourhood plans that will help revitalize these areas.
     
    Neighbourhood planning ends the planning resentment that stops the homes, businesses and facilities people want being built by replacing top down regional planning.
     
    It gives communities a new role and strong voice in local planning with the plans having a real statutory weight in the planning system.
     
    In addition to deciding the future of their area, local people will benefit from development in their area, especially if they have a plan. Areas with a neighbourhood plan will receive 25% of community infrastructure levy revenues to spend on projects important to them. There is no upper limit to how much they will receive, as opposed to areas without a plan, who will receive 15%, with a cap.

     

    Abbeydore and Bacton, Ewyas Harold Group and Kentchurch 
    Almeley 
    Bartestree and Lugwardine 
    Belmont
    Bishops Frome
    Bishopstone Group
    Bodenham
    Border Group
    Brampton Abbotts 
    Bredenbury
    Bridstow
    Brimfield & Little Hereford
    Brockhampton with Much Fawley
    Bromyard, Winslow and Avenbury
    Burghill
    Callow and Haywood
    Clifford
    Colwall  
    Cradley
    Cusop 
    Dinedor
    Dorstone
    Eardisley
    Garway 
    Hampton Bishop
    Hatfield
    Holme Lacy
    Hope under Dinmore
    How Caple, Sollers Hope and Yatton Group
    Humber, Ford & Stoke Prior
    Kings Caple 
    Kingsland
    Kington, Kington Rural and Lower Harpton
    Ledbury 
    Leominster 
    Little Dewchurch
    Llangarron 
    Llanwarne
    Longtown
    Lower Bullingham
    Luston group
    Lyonshall 
    Marden
    Moreton-on-Lugg
    Much Marcle
    Orcop
    Orleton and Richards Castle
    Pembridge 
    Peterchurch 
    Peterstow
    Pyons Group
    Ross on Wye and Ross Rural
    Shobdon 
    Staunton 
    Stretton Sugwas
    Upton Bishop 
    Vowchurch and District
    Walford 
    Welsh Newton And Llanrothal 
    Weobley
    Weston-under-Penyard
    Whitbourne 
    Whitchurch and Ganarew Group
    Wigmore 
    Withington
    Wyeside 
    Yarpole 
     
    The majority of plans above are being undertaken by parish councils. Interesting to note that the towns of Bromyard, Ledbury, Leominster, Kington are having a say in their future. Not surprising Hereford City, one of the largest parish councils in the country is not listed. With seven wards in Hereford City residents may wish to have a say in their future. How do they go about creating a plan? Most of my enquiries have not been responed to. Perhaps a city councillor can elaborate?
     
    If the neighbourhood plan had been in place would OLM have gone ahead?

    Teenage girl injured following collision with car in Belmont Road, Hereford

    megilleland
    By megilleland,

    From Hereford Times website:

     

    10:38pm Friday 14th February 2014 in News

     
    Hereford Times: A girl was in collision with a car in Belmont Road, Hereford, tonight.
     
    A girl was in collision with a car in Belmont Road, Hereford, tonight. The girl sustained a head injury following the accident that happened in Belmont Road, near Tesco, at 7.20pm.
     
    She was treated at the scene before being taken to Hereford County Hospital. It is understood that the road is still closed between Tesco and Goodrich Grove as police investigate the scene.
     
    Witnesses can call police on 101.

     

    Came back from the city centre last night at 10.15pm and the police were still there. The road is very busy at this junction and with McDonalds on the opposite side of the road to the estate lots of youngsters cross this road daily and risk their lives even though there is a light controlled crossing at the Oval further up Belmont Road. Hope the girl recovers from her injury.


    Hereford Academy requires special measures

    megilleland
    By megilleland,
    This story follows on from the success of "Hereford Sixth Form College students net Oxbridge places." A bit of a damper on educational attainment locally. At least the problem has been recognised and hopefully everyone - staff,  parents and students at the school will turn it around quickly.
     

    8:29am Thursday 13th February 2014 in Hereford Times News

     
    Ofsted places Hereford Academy in special measures
     
    THE Hereford Academy has been placed in special measures as pupils continue to struggle with English and Maths at the South Wye school.
     
    Under new criteria the two subjects are given a heavy weighting, and while the Academy continues to makes progress in both, that progress was deemed insufficient.
     
    Principal John Sheppard said the school was not hiding from the situation – plans are already in place to recruit a new head of maths – but said that improvements in other areas show the Academy is still moving forward.
     
    The cultural shift that began with a new building is now evident throughout it; the report itself noted that “all forms of bullying are rare†and that students’ “spiritual, moral, social and cultural understanding is well developedâ€.
     
    That, to some extent, is why the "inadequate" grading is so frustrating to the school’s leadership team.
     
    “It means that the rest of the school doesn’t get the credit it deserves,†said Mr Sheppard.
     
    “We are not complacent, we are facing up to this and the report mentions the changes that we put in place before the inspection, but we are on an upwards trend.â€
     
    Changes to the inspection process – with a much greater weight placed on the data than on the inspection itself – meant the Academy was only likely to achieve a 'Requires Improvement' grade at best.
     
    Having taken over at the school in 2008, Mr Sheppard has worked at schools in special measures before.
     
    And for the Academy, it will now mean working closely with an inspector until the school is ready to be re-assessed.
     
    Among those areas that will come under scrutiny, English and Maths will head the list, with teaching having been described as “weak†and leaders and managers criticised for not driving improvements quickly enough.
     
    In the report, lead inspector Michael Blakely said: “The proportion of students attaining five GCSE grades A* to C (including English and maths) has improved too slowly and remains stubbornly below levels seen nationally and in schools in similar circumstances.â€
     
    While the maths department will undergo a restructuring process, Mr Sheppard believes the English department is much closer to where it needs to be, and has brought in a former inspector to improve standards.
     
    Like a number of Herefordshire schools who have recently undergone inspections, the success of students receiving ‘pupil premium’ funding was also a key factor.
     
    And according to the November report, those students at the Academy achieve almost two thirds of a grade lower at GCSE than their classmates.
     
    The Hereford Academy was graded a "good" school at its previous inspection in 2011.

     

    The Ofsted inspection regarding Hereford Academy (10 pages).
     
    The Hereford Academy has raised various questions regarding this inspection here on their website.

    Belmont Ward, Hereford City Council Election

    megilleland
    By megilleland,

    Nobody appears to have given a date for the Belmont Ward, Hereford City Council election on this website. The date is Thursday 13th February 2014. The polling station is at Belmont Community Centre, next to the Library. Polling hours are from 7am to 10pm. Don't forget to vote.

    The statement of persons nominated can be seen here:
    https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/media/7615203/spn_hereford_belmont.pdf


    Free Tea & Coffee At Waitrose!

    Colin James
    By Colin James,
    Waitrose.jpg
    A free cup of tea or coffee every day as a myWaitrose member

    Nothing says 'welcome' more than a lovely hot cup of tea or coffee, so let us treat you to a free regular tea or coffee every day! You can enjoy one cup a day - to drink in or takeaway.* Simply present your myWaitrose card at the till and you won't be charged a penny.

    Choose from the following regular drinks - Americano, Cappuccino, Latte, Tea, Mocha and Espresso (Decaffeinated versions available on request. Mocha and Espresso available in selected stores only)

     

    My Sister uses hers where she lives each time she goes into town! Remember you have to order a seperate card for each of you.

     

    Click Here


    Asylum please

    gdj
    By gdj,

    Hello,

     

    Having had my questions about the damage being caused by the new free school deleted by the HT I can no longer log on there.  No message of explanation, so I have either offended the HT or Geoff Hughes.

     

    So please can I join Biomech on the Naughty Step here?

     

    Thanks


    Adrian Bridges & Phil Edwards Plan New Car Park

    chrisbull
    By chrisbull,

    As the vortex was given away to developers does this mean another car park  put in the wrong place that is what happened at Newton farm waterfield road part of an arrangement that was done by the developers do you see a pattern emerging ?


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