Council launches a directory of warm spaces ready for winter

Talk Community at Herefordshire Council has launched an online directory of warm spaces ready for the winter.

The warm spaces listed in the directory are open to anyone who may be struggling with the increase in the cost of living and will be completely free of charge to residents looking for somewhere to keep warm and well during the cold weather.

Venues such as Herefordshire’s libraries are already signed up to the warm spaces scheme and offer additional services such as free wifi, computer access and plenty of interesting books to read.

A number of the countywide Talk Community Hubs are also listed in the directory. As well as a warm welcome, people will be able to access up to date health and wellbeing information and details on services and activities within their local community and across the county.

Councillor Ange Tyler, Cabinet Member for the community, said:

“We know that many people are worried about making ends meet this winter due to the rising cost of energy bills and the rapid rise in the cost of living.

“The warm spaces initiative is part of a range of measures being put in place to support residents throughout the winter months. The venues offer a safe environment for people, where they can go to warm up, see a friendly face and access information and support on a wide range of topics from money worries to local activities, if they need it.

“We are also appealing to voluntary, community and social enterprise groups that can offer local people a warm space, to sign up to be listed in the directory on the warm spaces webpage.”

To find out more about warm spaces in Herefordshire, including the venue opening times, visit the Talk Community website: www.talkcommunitydirectory.org/warmspace

Staff at Hereford Sixth Form College have celebrated its £3.7m new building with a ‘topping off’ ceremony.

Hereford Sixth Form College Staff with representatives from Owen Hicks Architecture, William Powell & Sons and Consultants from Futures

College Principal Catherine Brearey was joined by Deputy Principal Phil Tranter, Estates Manager Paul Rogers, Finance Director Sallyanne Griffiths, Chaplain Deborah Jackson, and representatives from Owen Hicks Architecture, William Powell & Sons and Consultants from Futures, to mark the structural completion of the building, set to open in September 2023.

The new building has been designed to meet the growing accommodation requirements for HSFC as well as offering students fantastic facilities. The landmark building, named "Thornbury", will provide HSFC students with specialist accommodation, including a large Dance studio, a state of the art fitness studio, 9 classrooms and 4 changing rooms.

The building has been designed by local architects Owen Hicks Architecture and is being built by local building firm William Powell and Sons, the same team who designed and built the HSFC Reception building, which opened in 2018.

 Principal Catherine Brearey said “This stunning new building will house our Criminology, Psychology, Dance and Musical Theatre students in state-of-the-art facilities. The construction team are making excellent progress and we expect our students to be benefitting from the new building by September 2023.

The roof is a special feature with one half being a sedum living roof, designed to absorb carbon dioxide as well as other airborne particles, and release oxygen into the atmosphere. The other half has 27kw of Photovoltaics (PVs). The building will be heated with air source heat pumps has magnificent views all the way to Woolhope."

A man has been charged after an incident in Hereford.

Raymond Long, 50, of Baysham Street, Hereford, has been charged with wounding with intent.

He appeared at Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court today and has been remanded in custody to appear at Worcester Crown Court on 7 November.

The charge is in relation to an incident in a house on Baysham Street in Hereford at around 3.30pm on Saturday 8 October where a woman in her 70s suffered a head injury.

A consultation has been launched on proposed improvements to the streets and public spaces in Hereford’s historic Cathedral and River Wye Quarter.

Changes are being proposed for the layout and use of the streets and public spaces in the historic core of Hereford, around the Cathedral and the River Wye area - Broad St, King St and Bridge St, and surrounding areas.

The improvements aim to create an attractive, vibrant city centre to help support existing businesses and encourage people to stay longer when they visit, helping to boost the local economy.

The proposals give more space for pedestrians and cyclists, with a new layout and design that gives motor vehicles reduced priority. There are areas for small events, activities and street dining with lots of attractive seating and planting. The unique character and history of the area is a key consideration in the designs, along with making the area safe and enjoyable for all users.

To find out more about the proposals and to give your views, visit www.herefordshire.gov.uk/consultations.

You can visit Hereford Library to view a map of the proposals and complete a questionnaire.

The consultation closes on 8 November 2022.

Councillor John Harrington, Cabinet member infrastructure and transport said: “It’s important that we continue to invest in our beautiful and historic City so that everyone who visits or works there has the best possible experience and enjoys spending time there.

“We’ve been speaking with main stakeholders in the area to consider what improvements can be made in the Cathedral and River Wye Quarter of the City.

“We want this area to be a vibrant, active place where people want to spend time and where businesses want to be based. This area is unique in its heritage and feel, so it’s vital we listen to the local business community and residents to identify the measures that would work best to enhance this area.”

The cost of the design proposals is being met through the Hereford City Centre Improvement programme, which is jointly funded by Herefordshire Council and Marches LEP. Once the final designs are agreed the funding for implementation, such as from grants, will then be sought.

Does anyone know the history behind why there is scaffolding around the stair and lift tower behind Jacobs Court on Commercial Street?

Research shows that planning permission for this tower was granted in 2005 but was found to be in contravention of building regulations sometime after that. The scaffolding has been in place for many years now which is a shame as the main building is quite beautiful both inside and out.

Is there a plan to have the work completed or will it stay like this forever?

Congratulations to Sensory & Rye Tripadvisor Travellers Choice 2022 Award Winner! 👏

Web | https://www.sensoryandrye.co.uk

The famous Hasbro board game today launches their Winning Moves 'Hereford' themed edition and will be available to purchase from Philip Morris & Son from 10:00am this morning, also available from other retailers including Amazon.

The Long Shot: The Inside Story of the Race to Vaccinate Britain
The Inside Story of the Race to Vaccinate Britain written by Dame Kate Bingham, former Chair of the UK Government's Vaccine Taskforce, and Tim Hames

Link for ticket (event is free to attend)

 At the event Kate will be signing copies of "The Long Shot"

Refreshments provided

Date and time
Fri, 21 October 2022, 18:00 – 20:00

Location
New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering, Skylon campus Canary Drive Skylon Park Hereford HR2 6ST

___________________________________________________________________

Let's hope you don't have to be jabbed to attend!

A man from Hereford has been jailed for life for rape.

34-year-old Andrew Cooke-Edwards, of Aylestone Hill, was sentenced at Worcester Crown Court today (Monday 3 October).

He will serve a minimum of nine years and nine months in prison.

Around 1pm on 19 November 2020, he attacked a 23-year-old woman on the river bank in Hereford.

He threatened to kill the woman unless she handed over her mobile phone. She did so but Cooke-Edwards orally and vaginally raped her. She was later found by members of the public.

Later that day, Cooke-Edwards was arrested and later charged with two counts of rape, making threats to kill and robbery.

He subsequently pleaded guilty.

Detective Constable Lawrence Smith said: “This was a shocking attack on an innocent young girl.

“We greatly admire her courage for helping to bring her attacker to justice and hope that this sentence might allow her to move on with her life.

“We strive to prosecute anyone responsible for a sexual crime and urge anyone with any concerns about an incident, whether recently or in the past, to please get in touch.

“You will be offered our full support and we will do everything we can to help you.”

Anyone with any concerns about a sexual crime can report it by visiting https://www.westmercia.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us/ or calling 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

You can also get help from the West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre.

Visit wmrsasc.org.uk or call 03456 461188.

A man has been charged in connection with the death of a 39-year-old man in Ross-on-Wye yesterday (Sunday 2 October).

Kestutis Lekunas of Bluebell Close in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire was charged with murder yesterday evening (Monday 3 October). The 35-year-old has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Worcester Magistrates Court later today (Tuesday 4 October).

A 39-year-old woman who was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, in relation to the incident has been released and will face no further action.

A murder investigation has been launched following the death of a 39-year-old man in Ross-on-Wye.

At around 9:30am this morning (Sunday 2 October) police were called to Bluebell Close following reports of an altercation.

Officers attended along with colleagues from West Midlands Ambulance Service.

On arrival it was found that the man had sustained serious injuries and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

A 40-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and a 39-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, both individuals remain in police custody.

Detective Inspector Stephen Cook said: “This is a shocking incident and our thoughts go out to the family of the man who lost his life.

“I understand that incidents of this nature can be alarming, but would like to reassure the local community that this is an isolated incident and there is no wider risk to the public.

“Our officers remain at the scene and you may see an increased police presence in the area over the coming days as our investigation continues.”

We’d like to hear from anyone who saw the incident or captured it on dash-cam / CCTV.

If you have any information that could help please report this online under the Tell Us About section of the West Mercia Police website quoting reference 184 of 2 October. 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 at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/ or 0800 555 111.

📣 POSITIVE HEREFORD | Hereford City Council have created a brilliant annual event in the heart of our beautiful city and yesterday marked the start of a few weeks of non-stop activities, markets, music and craft plus lots more besdides.

The first day of the Hereford AppleFest ended with the headline act and the legendary #DoctorandtheMedics, live in Hereford High Town!

Thank you to Hereford City Council and all the sponsors involved for presenting this wonderful festival to Hereford 👏👏👏

#HerefordVoice | #HerefordNews | #PositiveHereford | #YourHerefordshire | #HerefordCommunity | #EmbraceHereford | #HerefordEvents | #HerefordCity | #Hereford | #WhatsOnHerefordshire

Mayor of Hereford Mark Dykes officially opened the 16 days of apple-themed festivities, beginning with live music in High Town from 12pm until 9pm today!

Don't miss out on the celebrations!

Details 👉 https://herefordcitycouncil.gov.uk/hereford-applefest/

📸 Hereford City Council

#HerefordVoice | #HerefordNews | #HerefordshireNews | #PositiveHereford | #EmbraceHereford | #HerefordCommunity | #HerefordEvents | #HerefordCity | #Hereford | #WhatsOnHerefordshire

West Mercia Police statement : A man from Shropshire has been charged following an affray that occurred at Q club sports bar (formally Hereford Snooker Centre).

Andrew Reading, of Allcroft Close in Onibury, Craven Arms has been charged with two counts of grievous bodily harm, one count of possessing an offensive weapon and one count of affray.

The 33-year-old was remanded in custody and will appear at Worcester Magistrates’ Court on Monday 17 October 2022.

The charges relate to an isolated incident that took place on Saturday 17 September just after 5pm at  Q club sports bar (formally Hereford Snooker Centre).

See the original article here

Initial repairs to the High Street monument were carried out in 2020 following a genourous £30,000 donation from former Lancaster bomber Stuart Heaton.

Photo courtesy of Historic England 

However by early 2021, cracks started to appear on the memorial and green mould was clearly visible, particularly around the base.

Ledbury Town Council said repairs would take place as soon as possible.

Yesterday they issued the following statement;

"Ledbury Town Council would like to provide residents of Ledbury with an update on the progress on the repairs to the War Memorial in High Street, Ledbury.

The Council have appointed Caroe & Partners to act on their behalf and draw up a specification, apply for Listed Bulling Consent and to send out the specification to competent contractors

At an extraordinary meeting of Council in July Members were advised that the Listed Building Consent application had been submitted and that Caroe had identified three companies who had expressed an interest in tendering for the works. The details of these three companies were provided to Councillors to enable them to undertake due diligence prior to the tenders being received.

Members were also provided with a draft Preliminaries report for consideration and advised of questions that Caroe had raised prior to its completion.

It had been hoped that work would start to the War Memorial in late August and completed prior to the Remembrance Service in November. However due to a delay in receiving the Listed Building Consent this unfortunately was not the case. This has

now been received and three tenders for the works have also been received and will be considered at a meeting of Council on 6 October 2022.

The Council are mindful that the Memorial is the centre point for the Service of Remembrance on Friday, 11 and Sunday, 13 November and as such should be available on these dates. Sadly, this does mean that the works to repair the War Memorial and paving will not now commence until after the Remembrance Service in November.

The Council are working with Caroe & Partners to ensure the works are carried out as soon as possible, and on the appointment of the successful contractor will provide

more information on the start date, and timescales for completion.

The Council would like to apologise for the delays but hope that residents will understand that they want to make sure all necessary processes are followed to ensure the work to the War Memorial is carried out to a required standard.

Thank you for your patience in this matter"

Angela Price - Town Clerk
On Behalf of Ledbury Town Council
Contact details: Tel: 01531 632306
Email: clerk@ledburytowncouncil.gov.uk

There is an increased police presence in Hereford this evening.

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police told Hereford Voice

"Officers responded to a call at around 5pm today after a disturbance broke out at Hereford Snooker Centre in Coningsby Street.

Police and ambulance services are in attendance. Two men have been arrested. One man has been taken by air ambulance to hospital. There are a number of other casualties, but the extent of their injuries is unknown.

A police cordon will be in place around Coningsby Street, Widemarsh Street and the immediate vicinity.

Please be reassured that the incident is contained and there is no threat to the wider public, however, please avoid the area to allow the police to continue with their work.

Thank you"

Emergency services have been called to a property on Belmont Road (A465) in Hereford this morning.

Multiple vehicles with officers from West Mercia Police and crews from West Midlands Ambulance Service (Officialwmas) are at the scene.

More details as we receieve them later.

The National Moment of Reflection will take place at 8pm on Sun 18 Sept & be marked by a one-minute silence. This can be marked privately at home, with friends & family or at locally arranged community events & vigils. For details of larger public events: https://orlo.uk/8FrMS