At just before 21:00 hours last night, multiple fire crews were mobilised to a fire at a commercial scrapyard between Knighton and Clun in our neighbouring county of Shropshire.

Firefighters from Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service and Gwasanaeth Tân ac Achub CGC / MAWW Fire and Rescue including crews from Leintwardine Fire Station and Clun Fire Station continue tackling the fire this morning.

A spokesperson from Clun Fire Station said;

"At 2053 last night, Clun crews were mobilised to a fire at Five Turnings. En route to the incident, large smoke plumes could be seen from several miles away.

Our Incident Commander requested Make Pumps 3, Water Carrier 1 and Light Pumping Unit 1.

This incident was a fire involving scrap at a commercial yard.

Once in attendance a further message was sent requesting make pumps 4. This incident then went to level 2 where a make pumps 8, water bowers 3 and ALP 1 was requested.

Fire crews worked swiftly with the help of the occupiers to tackle the blaze and stop it spreading further to the surrounding area and buildings.

This incident required the assistance of our colleagues from across the county, plus firefighters from over the border in Mid and West Wales and Hereford and Worcester.

Please be aware that this incident is still ongoing, so the road is likely to be closed. Also, due to the large amount of smoke in the area, we would advise nearby residents to keep their windows closed"

📸 SFRS

#HerefordVoice | #HerefordNews | #HerefordshireNews | #Shropshire | #HWFRS | #Clun | #Knighton

An investigation has been launched following a rape near Victoria Bridge in Hereford yesterday (Sunday 7 August).

We were called by the ambulance service shortly after 11pm when the victim disclosed to paramedics that she had been raped.

It’s believed the incident took place on the river path between the tennis courts and Victoria Bridge between 9pm and 10pm on Sunday 7 August.

A cordon is currently in place on the river paths around Victoria Bridge while investigations take place. The cordon is likely to remain in place for most of today. Please avoid the area.

Superintendent Edd Williams, local policing commander for Herefordshire, said: “I understand that this incident will cause significant concern within the local community, particularly as there have been a number of similar ones in recent weeks.

“I’d like to reassure the public that we are taking these incidents incredibly seriously and thorough investigations are taking place. The victims are being supported by specially trained officers.

“There is nothing evidentially to link the recent incidents, however we are keeping an open mind and pursuing all lines of enquiry.

“There will be an increased police presence around the river paths over the coming weeks, particularly during the late evening and overnight.”

Anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen anything or have information or dash-cam footage which may help with the investigation is asked to please report it online under the Tell Us About section of the West Mercia Police website quoting reference 22/78581/22.

If you are unable to report this online please ring 101.

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.

The Herefordshire Hoard is coming home! Hereford Voice can reveal today.

The Herefordshire Hoard is an Anglo-Saxon and Viking age hoard buried around 878. The items recovered to date include a gold arm bangle with beast head clasp, a magnificent pendant made from a rock crystal sphere encased within a gold decorative cage, a gold octagonal ring with black inlay, a silver ingot and twenty nine coins mostly of Alfred the Great of Wessex and Ceolwulf II of Mercia.

 
Credit British Museum - A 9th century gold octagonal ring 

Hereford Museum had until the end of July to raise the funds to acquire it, we have and Hereford Voice understands from a reliable source that they have done it! 

The Hoard was at risk of being bought by private collectors and be lost to the public. It may even have ended up abroad!

Thankfully this successful campaign and the kind public donations received from hundreds of people and additional funds raised from professional bodies in grants and donations has secured this 'Viking Treasure' and the hoard will soon be coming home to Herefordshire.

Credit British Museum - A 5th to 7th century crystal pendant

The Story of the Viking Treasure 

* The Herefordshire Hoard is one of the most significant early medieval treasures ever discovered in Britain. Its discovery was revealed through reports from the Crown Court in Worcester. In November 2019, four men were found guilty of concealing, stealing and selling the ‘Viking’ treasure they had recovered illicitly from a field in Eye, near Leominster in Herefordshire four years earlier. The men were sentenced to a combined jail term of more than 23 years, ranging from 12 months to 10 years.

A dragon's head bracelet

The small portion of the hoard recovered so far includes three gold ornaments, a silver ingot, and 29 silver coins. But photos recovered by police during their investigations suggest that, when complete, the hoard had contained several more ingots and around 300 coins. It is possible that the collection also contained other objects, but the quality of the recovered photos makes this uncertain. The combination of intact ornaments, bullion, and a mixture of Anglo-Saxon, Frankish and Islamic coins suggests this was a Viking hoard deposited around 878.

Just 31 coins were recovered but the majority of an estimated 300 is still missing.

At the time the hoard was buried in the late ninth century, Britain was divided into different kingdoms, including Wessex and Mercia. Those kingdoms were individually fighting for survival against the Viking invaders. Coins from Mercia and Wessex, which form part of the Herefordshire Hoard, share some similar designs. This suggests an alliance between Wessex and Mercia that was most likely formed to strengthen their battle against the Vikings.

Silver Ingot

Significance of the Herefordshire Hoard

The Herefordshire Hoard re-writes English history

• The coins show an alliance between Alfred the Great of Wessex and Ceolwulf II of Mercia, revealing clues into the politics of the period when the idea of a unified England was taking shape.
   
• Ceolwulf II is recognised for the first time as a significant ruler and king of Mercia equal to Alfred of Wessex
   
• The hoard is the first evidence of likely activity of the Viking Great Army in Herefordshire.

The objects themselves are beautiful, the result of great craftsmanship.

The Herefordshire Hoard is of national importance and currently kept in the British Museum, but we can today reveal that enough funds have now been raised with the 'Bringing the Hoard home to Herefordshire' campaign! so that it will now be available to the public of Herefordshire to see in Hereford where it belongs!  

Positive Hereford

Above is just a small selection of the Herefordshire Hoard which you will soon be able to view at the Hereford Museum and Art Gallery. How is that for some really Positive News!

Remember Where You Heard It First..

Even LOWER Fuel Prices Today at Griffiths Garage in Leintwardine, Herefordshire.

⛽ Unleaded Reduced to £154.9

⛽ Diesel Remains at £169.9

Griffiths are really setting a precendent with their lower than average fuel prices!

L📣CAL NEWS | Hereford Police have cordoned off a car following an incident in an area on Abbotsmead Road close to the entrance and garage of Tesco's in Belmont Hereford this morning.

Hereford Voice have approached the Police for further information.

A hosepipe ban could be in place across Herefordshire in the coming weeks if this prolonged dry weather continues, with another rise in temperatures forecast.

Water companies across the UK are being "strongly urged" to enforce a hosepipe ban.

Environment Secretary George Eustice said it was “right” that some firms had already taken action to address the driest period in England since 1976 - but other utility companies are yet to follow suit.

Writing in The Sunday Telegraph, Mr Eustice warned the "very unusual" mix of record hot weather and low rainfall means suppliers must go further to ensure there's an adequate water supply.

Further hosepipe bans could be introduced after the environment secretary called for water companies to implement restrictions, the first public intervention by a minister over the potential drought.

Southern Water has enforced a hosepipe ban in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. South East Water will enforce a ban from next Friday, while Welsh Water will introduce one for Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire from 19 August barring households from using hosepipes to water their garden, wash their car or fill pools.

George Eustice said: “I strongly urge other water companies to take responsible action to protect and preserve our water supplies during this exceptionally dry period.”

Mr Eustice also urged companies to do more to reduce leaks and said the government would finalise plans to make it easier to gain planning permission for new reservoirs by the end of this year.

He added: “Water companies have a duty to ensure adequate supply, and they have assured me that essential water supplies are safe.

“In accordance with their drought plans, water companies across the country have rightly taken action to mitigate the effects of this prolonged dry weather as pressure has increased on water resources and environment.”

It comes after the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology said most of the UK’s rivers were on “red alert” with campaigners calling for immediate nationwide hosepipe bans.

Last month was the driest July in England for more than 100 years and some areas have had their driest summer on record.

According to forecasts, rivers are set at the most severe drought warning level across the country, even in areas where there has been rain in recent weeks.

The Rivers Trust has accused water companies of waiting until the last minute to implement bans so as to avoid negative reactions from customers.

ilke Homes installs first factory-built homes for Stonewater in Hereford

120-home affordable-led development being delivered via £23 million partnership between ilke Homes and Stonewater

New development will reinvigorate site that has laid derelict for the last six years – in line with Government’s ambition to build more homes on brownfield land

Scheme set to deliver much-needed affordable housing as house prices continue to rise rapidly

Modular housing pioneer ilke Homes has craned into place the first factory-built homes on a site in Hereford where the company is delivering an affordable housing scheme for leading housing provider Stonewater. 

The scheme, which sits on College Road, is being delivered through a £23 million partnership between ilke Homes and Stonewater.

Supported by Homes England, the formerly derelict site on the Holmer Trading Estate is being transformed to tackle the local growing demand for affordable housing – with work on site set to complete by early 2024.

The site, which was secured by ilke Homes from the landowners and subsequently bought by Stonewater last year, was the first project ilke Homes had secured under its full development “turnkey” offering. This approach involves the housebuilder leading the entire development programme, from site identification and gaining planning consent, through to developing the scheme and finally installing the factory-built homes.

The planned development is set to deliver 74 affordable rent and 46 shared ownership homes, comprising a mix of one, two, three and four-bedrooms, underpinned with accreditations from NHBC, the leading home construction warranty and insurance provider.

In addition, Stonewater will be providing a high-quality public realm for new and existing residents to enjoy.

All the homes being delivered at the former Holmer Trading Estate will be manufactured along production lines at ilke Homes 250,000 sq. ft factory in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire – a facility that is backed by a £30 million investment from the Government’s national housing agency, Homes England. 

There were just 52,100 affordable homes completed in England in 2020-21, representing a 12 percent decrease. However, there is a national housing waiting list of more than 1.1m households, according to homelessness charity Shelter, underlining the need for more affordable homes.

A slowing down in affordable housing completions is being compounded by rapidly rising house prices, which have hit record highs for over five consecutive months. According to Rightmove, prices hit £368,614 this month.

Thanks to precision-engineering techniques, the homes being delivered will be some of the UK’s most energy-efficient. All homes will achieve at least a ‘B’ Energy Performance Certificate rating, making them more energy-efficient than 92 percent of the UK’s housing stock. 

The energy performance of each home also translates into huge cost savings for Stonewater’s customers, who could save hundreds of pounds on energy bills each year, as it is far cheaper to heat and power one of ilke’s homes compared to a traditionally built due to increased levels of air tightness.

Tom Heathcote, Executive Director of development at ilke Homes, says:

“Skyrocketing house prices, rising energy bills and near double-digit inflation means many households are faced with an unprecedented cost-of-living crisis. More now than ever, it is crucial we ramp up the delivery of energy-efficient affordable housing, so it’s great to reach the latest milestone on site.

“Since launching our full development “turnkey” offering, we’ve been able to offer housing associations, councils, investors and developers a solution to housing delivery that provides certainty over construction programmes. We look forward to continuing to work with the forward-thinking housing provider Stonewater to deliver this 100% affordable scheme.”

Matt Crucefix, director of development (South and West) at Stonewater, said:

“The journey to net zero in conjunction with tackling the housing and cost-of-living crisis requires ambition and innovation. MMC has an integral role to play with overcoming these challenges – particularly with providing high-quality homes that are energy efficient and therefore more affordable for our customers to manage.

“College Road is our first development with Ilke Homes, and it’s been an exciting project to get underway. We’re really proud to see the first eight homes delivered on site and look forward to seeing the rest of the scheme take shape.”

Councillor Ange Tyler, Cabinet Member – Housing, Regulatory Services and Community, commented:

“Delivering genuinely affordable homes for the County of Herefordshire is crucial to support families who would otherwise struggle to start on the housing ladder.  It is a key priority of the County Plan to help deliver such homes.   The fact that the whole site will be delivered at speed through modular house building by ilke homes is a leading example that such development can be achieved to tackle the housing shortage but also help families to live in sustainable homes for the future.  The Council looks forward to working with ilke Homes and Stonewater as the site evolves over the next two years.”

Full details - http://hfd.news/hgS

Hereford's Greyfriars Bridge (also still known as The New Bridge)

The bridge construction began in 1965 the bridge was finally opened in 19th January 1967 by The Right Worshipful The Mayor of Hereford, Alderman Edward Peter Carter.

The Railings which run along both sides of the bridge have deteriorated dramatically over the years and are in desperate need of sandblasting and re-coating. 

We started a campaign back in 2018 here but since then 'no work has been done' although this topic has become more popular locally, so we're hoping that National Highways will begin some of the repairs sooner rather than later but we are informed that the planned works are still a few years away..

Below are a few photographs that we have taken today highlighting how the railings have deteriorated over the years.

#HerefordVoice | #HerefordNews | #HerefordshireNews | #YourHerefordshire | #HerefordCommunity | #Hereford | #Herefordshire

A topic on the Herefordshire Council Twitter feed said;

"The Bingo Hall site in Berrington Street is looking for help.

Now empty, the site is looking for help support the ground floor conversion into artist workshops & exhibition spaces"

To help or find out more contact Andy Johnson

andyjohnson@phonecoop.coop

01544 327344

West Mercia Police have arrested a man after a woman was allegedly raped on the riverside path in Hereford.

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said they were looking for a man described as tall and tanned after officers were called to a report that a 20-year-old woman had been raped by a man between midnight and 1.30am as she walked along a river path beside the river Wye in Hereford.

A police cordon was in place on a riverside path all morning and into the afternoon after a rape was reported on Sunday, July 31.

The attack happened on the opposite side of the rowing club between the Old Bridge and Great Western Way, close the the Hunderton bridge.

On Wednesday afternoon, West Mercia Police confirmed that a man had been arrested. The investigation continues.

Hereford Diocese (A registered Charity) which is the Church of England in Herefordshire and South Shropshire, is one of 16 organisations in England that has been awarded a share of the £1.3 million ‘New Deal’ fund to help support communities.  The grant of £38,630 will be used to support several projects in Herefordshire which strengthen engagement and tackle social issues, including those arising from the impact of COVID-19.

In many rural communities across the diocese, Churches provide a significant network of physical spaces, volunteers and community knowledge, reaching even small communities and providing many community-based support services.  The new grant will seek to pilot the use of churches as bases for community-based mental well-being support, developing activities that build on the opportunities offered by churches for reflection and mindfulness and bring people together in a safe, hospitable space.

The project plans to address local needs by welcoming people of all faiths and none into spaces of hospitality, sanctuary and reflection while providing community-based support on people’s doorsteps.  In many rural areas there is often a lack public transport links and this had a significant impact during covid on people who need help.  Many were unable or unwilling due to the risk of infection to travel.  This social isolation often exacerbated demand for mental health services and increased the burden as life has returned to normal.

Sam Pratley, Diocesan Secretary, explains: “We are thrilled to receive this grant, which will be used to support a number of schemes.

“As a diocese, our focus is on intergenerational mission and community support.  We have been instrumental in partnership social projects, including debt counselling, 6 food banks, increasing the number of Good Neighbour Schemes from 2 to 12, and 4 Compassionate Communities Schemes. The Diocese has also partnered with Citizen UK in supporting over 250 Ukrainian guests to find host families and with the local authority in supporting people being discharged from hospital.

“We know that people of all ages (old and young) in rural communities want services on their doorstep, transport links are limited and the increasing cost of fuel places strain on household budgets which are already stretched to the limit.

“This often means people choose not to seek the help they need in rural communities and remain isolated with deteriorating physical and mental health.

“Piloting the use of churches to reach even small, rural communities is a potentially hugely cost-effective way of reaching tens of thousands of people who are otherwise hard to reach.  This is what the Church does well and for the many volunteers, it is often an expression of their Christian faith.”

The project seeks to build on the work churches began in lockdown by providing a wide range of opportunities for people to make and sustain social connections.  Churches have been set up as Talk Community Hubs (These are the Council’s mechanisms for engaging communities) to ensure effective partnership-working with the local authority.  In addition, the funding will support the ongoing work of other projects, including a foodshare, café and activities at St Martin’s Church, Hereford and Mental health GP support services run by LEAF Ledbury  and well-being walks in Peterchurch nr Ross on Wye.

This is excellent news for each and everyone of these wonderful projects, in particular, St Martin's FoodShare featured in the photograph, which Hereford Voice have supported since it began and long may it continue!
 

Following on from our Facebook page topic last week titled 'Should Government Ban Disposable BBQ's?' here 👉 http://hfd.news/jfL  

London Fire Brigade, which has been calling for a ban on disposable barbecues, said it was "good news" and wants to work with retailers to "reduce the risk of dangerous grass fires".

In the wake of multiple wildfires and weeks dry weather across the country we are seeing more and more fires, many are caused from disposable BBQ's not being disposed of safely and now the London Fire Chief is calling for a complete ban with growing support from other fire officers.

London’s Fire Commissioner is calling for a total ban on disposable barbecues following one of the busiest weeks in our history.

Back ban petition

Disposable barbecues also pose a health risk and heat can be retained for many hours after a barbeque has been put out. The Brigade is backing a petition set up by Toby Tyler whose son Will was severely burned by a disposable barbecue.

The petition can be found here https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/618664

The mother of a woman who died in Hereford last month has paid tribute to her best friend and daughter.

Charlotte Holland (Savage), 20, died at an address in Green Street on Sunday, July 17.

Charlotte’s mother Gaynor has paid tribute to her "beautiful, funny, caring and loving daughter", her "precious baby girl Charlotte".

“As a mother, I never ever expected to have to write something so tragic and heart-breaking as this – my heart is in pieces, and I know many of you who knew Charlotte loved her dearly," she said.

“As most of you know by now my beautiful daughter Charlotte passed away in what I can only describe as completely devastating circumstances.

“The heartache I am enduring at this awful time knows no boundaries. I still cannot and don’t think I ever will accept the loss of my baby girl and best friend.

“We respectfully request that we are allowed to grieve in private as a family at this difficult time.”

West Mercia Police Officers were called to Green Street in Hereford shortly after 5am on Sunday, July 17, following a report of a concern for safety.

Upon arrival, it was found that Charlotte had sustained unexplained injuries and sadly she was pronounced dead at the scene.

A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder but has since been released on police bail as police investigations continue.

Hereford Voice can now reveal that Tudors Kitchens and Bathrooms will be re-locating to the former Gibbs & Dandy unit on Widemarsh Street in Hereford.

The company have outgrown their current unit at Sweetmans Yard just off Harrow Road and will be moving to the new bigger unit, (dates still to be confirmed) hopefully before Christmas. 

We originally broke the news that Tudors had been bought out by Robert Price Builders Merchants back in December 2021 in our article here 👉 http://hfd.news/Ds4

The acquisition of Tudors Building Supplies, and its two specialist branches (Roofing and Kitchens, Bathrooms & Landscaping), will see the Robert Price network expand to 27 branches across South East Wales, and now Hereford too.

As the largest independent builders’ merchants in the South East Wales region, Robert Price run multiple traditional merchants branches, as well as a selection of specialist divisions for roofing, timber, insulation and agricultural supplies.

Although Tudors are integrating into the Robert Price Group, the acquired building suppliers will continue to trade under the Tudors name. Customers will also experience some additional benefits, which include access to other branches in the Robert Price network, their additional specialisms, an increased range of stock availability, and the Robert Price group expertise.

“We are delighted to welcome such a trusted and respected local merchant, and its team, into the group” Marketing Director at Robert Price, Molly Pike, explains.

“Both businesses share many of the same service priorities: a commitment to our loyal customer base, reliability, and integrity within our communities.

“Tudors have an excellent reputation for service, and Robert Price is looking forward to expanding our business on the other side of the border.”

It will be good to see the empty unit re-opening with news kitchen and bathrooms displays.

Remember where you heard it first..😉

Police are appealing for witnesses following reports that a woman was raped in Hereford.

Between 12am and 1.30am this morning (Sunday 31 July) a 20-year-old woman reported that she had been raped by a man as she walked along a river path in Hereford.

The incident took place opposite the rowing club between The Old Bridge and Great Western Way. After the incident the suspect then fled from the scene along the pathway in the direction of Luard Walk or the Hunderton Estate.

The suspect is described as male, with tanned skin, of a slim build and around 6ft tall.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Peters, said: "As part of the investigation we are now turning to the public for your help in identifying this man, by appealing to anyone who may have captured CCTV or dashcam footage in the areas of Bridge Street, King Street or the Hunderton Estate at around 12am and 1.30am.

"We would also appeal to anyone who may have used the river path between those times to come forward, no matter how insignificant you feel your information could be.

"We understand that this incident will be very worrying to the local community and I want to reassure the public that we have been, and continue to take it very seriously, and that there is likely to be an increased police presence in these areas whilst we continue with our investigations.

"The victim is being supported by specially trained officers and is being kept updated as the investigation progresses."

Anyone with information, dashcam or CCTV footage that may help with the investigation is asked to contact police by calling 101 or visiting  https://www.westmercia.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/ quoting incident 58i of 31 July, 2022.

Alternatively, information can be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Work began this afternoon and it is looking much better already with all the debris from the floods of storm Dennis back in February 2020 removed however, there is still a long way to go.

(Saracens Head, Old Wye Bridge – Bridleway Closure

Bridleway closed from Tuesday 23rd August 2022 to (and including) Thursday 25th August 2022.

Bridleway closed between 8am and 4pm each day for 'Trial Pits')

Remember where you heard it first..

Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service crews from Hereford Fire Station were mobilised to a large fire at the rear of a property in Hunderton during the early hours of this morning. A shed was well alight when the crews arrived but the fire was swiftly extinguished.

📸 Sebastian Olzyk

A man has been charged with attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon following an incident in Kington, Herefordshire on Friday.

Alexander Stone, 37, of Bridge Street, Kington will appear at Kidderminster Magistrates' Court on Monday.

He is remanded in custody.