Read the Herefordshire Council statement in response to the publication of an Ofsted letter following a recent planned visit of our children's services department

Ofsted has published their letter this week following a planned visit of our children’s services on 7 July 2021, in line with the inspection of local authority children’s services (ILACS) framework.

During the recent visit inspectors reviewed our arrangements for children in need and children subject to a child protection plan.  They looked at a wide range of evidence, including interviews with staff, discussions with senior leaders and case discussions with social workers and team managers.  They also looked at our performance management and quality assurance information and children’s case records.

Ofsted identified three areas for priority action:

• Address inconsistent and variable social work practice to ensure that children are the focus of assessments, planning and interventions.
• The frequency and effectiveness of case supervision and the monitoring of children who are subject to child in need and child protection planning.
• Shortfalls in case-holding capacity for social workers, including newly qualified social workers, to allow them to respond effectively to children in need of help and protection.

Inspectors recognised the significant changes recently made to the senior leadership for children’s services and stated the following:
 

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“The new leadership team in place since March 2021 has completed a comprehensive critical evaluation of practice across the service.  This team has begun to understand the challenges that need to be resolved in order to improve practice; they have accurately identified the necessary priorities for improvement.  An improvement plan has been developed that appropriately addresses the concerns.  This has corporate backing, including a financial commitment to support the improvement plan.”

Councillor Diana Toynbee, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Safeguarding and Corporate Parenting and Catherine Knowles, Director for Children and Families, shared:

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“We welcome the findings of the report, Ofsted’s priority actions reflect those identified by the new leadership team.  It was reassuring that Ofsted confirmed we knew ourselves well and recognised that our areas to improve have already been agreed through our newly formed, multi-agency, Children and Families Improvement Board.

“Our Children’s Improvement Plan forms the basis of the long-term vision and changes to Herefordshire’s children’s services.  The delivery of this plan is monitored through the Improvement Board that is independently chaired by Gladys Rhodes-White, Department for Education Advisor, to ensure that real and sustainable improvements are made.  This partnership approach will help to ensure that children are at the heart of everything we do and we support and help children, young people, and their families at the right time, in the right way.

“We are fortunate to have passionate and dedicated staff, managers, members, partners, foster carers and the children and young people themselves and we will continue to work together to achieve a Good Ofsted rating, but we recognise that this will take time.” 

You can view the full Ofsted report for the 7 July 2021 visit here. - We have also attached the pdf below

If anyone has concerns about the way they, or someone they know, have been treated by Herefordshire Children’s Social Care services, you can contact us at www.herefordshire.gov.uk/careconcerns or email CareConcerns@herefordshire.gov.uk

Herefordshire_Focused_visit_of_local_authority_childrens_services_July21.pdf

Over the next few weeks, you may notice some bin collections are later than normal

This is due to staff shortages.

Herefordshire Council are working hard to make collections, so please only report a missed bin if it has not been collected by 5pm - before this time, a crew may still be on their way to you.

The Council are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

Landline phones will be axed by 2025: Digital switchover leads to fears elderly and vulnerable will struggle to cope if they're forced to rely on mobile technology

* Millions of customers will be pushed online for first time or must rely on mobile 

* Upgrade will impact services that rely on the existing telephone network like alarms, phones in lifts, payment terminals and red telephone boxes

* Concerns over older and vulnerable households which are not online, do not use a mobile phone or live in a rural area with poor connectivity being left behind

* Around 6 per cent of homes– roughly 1.5 million – do not have internet access

Is this going to affect you and your relatives? Technology taking over humanity. I have a smart phone but hardly use it. Still use the old style flip phone no problems. The internet is getting to be a joke with the sites' cookies wanting to collect all your data to sell on to third parties. The dictatorship wanting to track you 24 hours and social interaction a thing of the past - just do as your told or else. 

Ian and rowsentinel have been at sea for 77 days so he hasn’t seen land for 75 days since he left New York

He is 300 miles from Bishop’s Rock lighthouse, his finishing line and he will be able to see it from 20 miles away

What a fabulous adventure, full of twists and turns and some terrifying force 10 storms too but you're almost home now Ian, we've been following you all the way, you've got this!

Follow Ian's journey and donate here https://rowsentinel.com

Positive Hereford | The Royal National College for the Blind (RNC) have been awarded a grant of £3000 from Hereford City Council which will go towards funding new lawnmowing equipment.

This will help the College maintain their grounds for the benefit of RNC students and guide dogs.

Full details can be found HERE

A man who drove whilst drunk and skipped a red light which led to a collision that seriously injured two people last year has been jailed for his reckless actions.

Loic Freeman, aged 26 and of Bullinghope in Hereford, appeared at Gloucester Crown Court yesterday, Thursday 12 August, where he was sentenced after previously pleading guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

He was sentenced to three years and nine months reduced to two years and six months to allow for his guilty plea for the first offence, with the same sentence being given concurrently for the second offence reduced to 20 months in recognition of his guilty plea.

He was also sentenced to an extended period of disqualification from driving of 15 months with a further period of three and a half years to run on his release from prison.

Officers from Gloucestershire Constabulary's Roads Policing Unit attended the collision on Halfpenny Bridge in Lechlade at the end of May last year shortly before 10pm which involved Freeman, another vehicle and members of the public who were watching the NASA launch of the SpaceX rocket.

Upon attendance it was found that Freeman's car, an Audi A5, had collided with a Mercedes-Benz which was travelling along a narrow bridge operated by traffic lights.

Freeman had driven through a red light when the vehicle he was driving collided with the Mercedes, it caused the car to spin, mount the pavement and collide with a wall.

A group of four pedestrians were in the area at the time with one woman, 47-year-old Nadine Wood from Lechlade, being pinned between the Audi and a wall which caused serious injuries.

She was taken to John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford by air ambulance and was later treated for fractures to her right leg and pelvis, both of which were life changing.

As a result of the collision she now has multiple metal plates in her pelvis and blood clots within her lungs. She is still suffering from her injuries more than a year after the collision and has reduced mobility.

The front seat passenger of the Mercedes, a man in his 40s from Swindon who does not wish to be named due to still coming to terms with what happened, suffered life changing injuries to his abdomen. He was taken to Great Western Hospital in Swindon where he received an operation to fit a stoma and nearly died twice. 

He too is still suffering from his injuries and like Nadine Wood has had several operations as part of his on-going treatment and care.

Freeman walked away from the scene leaving the pedestrian, Nadine Wood, trapped between his car and the side of the bridge screaming in agony, and when officers attended his whereabouts were unknown.

There were a large number of members of the public and emergency service workers who were able to assist officers in locating Freeman, who was found nearby.

He was detained by officers from Wiltshire Police, who noted that he smelt strongly of alcohol when he admitted to driving the car at the time of the collision. Officers required Freeman to provide a sample of breath and conducted the roadside breathalyser procedure, with a reading of 127; this being nearly four times the drink drive limit.

He was subsequently arrested on suspicion of driving a motor vehicle whilst over the prescribed alcohol limit and causing serious injury by dangerous driving before being charged with two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving earlier this year.

Gloucestershire Constabulary has now released dashcam footage of the collision, with permission from the victims, which shows the recklessness of Freeman's actions and the impact it had on those who were in the area at the time.PC Tim Griffiths said:

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"Freeman showed no remorse for his actions that night, and both of his victims sustained life changing injuries, in particular the

front seat passenger of the Mercedes who was extremely lucky to survive the collision as he was resuscitated twice whilst being operated on.

"In interview Freeman provided a written statement in which he said that he didn’t realise that he was over the limit and didn't feel intoxicated, and wouldn't have driven if he had, yet nearly three hours after the collision he provided an evidential sample at the Constabulary's custody suite which was still nearly three times the drink drive limit.

"The dashcam footage that we have issued, which although distressing, shows just how serious the consequences of drink driving can be and I hope that others will remember this story when considering if they are safe to drive after drinking.

"Nobody made him drive, he made the decision to get behind the wheel of his car of his own free will, to drive through the red light without regard for anyone else that night and both victims are living with that selfish act and will probably continue to do so for many years to come."

 

Dashcam footage from the Mercedes Benz which was involved and shows the collision can be found here ➡️ https://we.tl/t-fZKjt37lac (warning, footage shows point of impact of both vehicles)

A man has been found guilty of the murder of Neil Parkinson, who was found dead in Cotheridge in Worcestershire last December.

Neil, who was 66, from Clifton-Upon-Teme was leaving his partner’s property in Cotheridge on Saturday 12 December when it is believed he was attacked at the end of the driveway. He and his vehicle were driven to a layby on the Ankerdine Road and set alight. 

Earlier today (Thursday 12 August), Mark Chilman, 52, from Pencombe, in Bromyard, was found guilty of murder by jury.

Mark Chilman 

He will be sentenced on Monday 16 August at Worcester Crown Court.Senior Investigating Officer, DCI Dean Jones, from West Mercia Police’s Major Investigation Unit, said:

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“I’m pleased that Chilman has been found guilty for the brutal murder of Neil Parkinson.

“Chilman committed a senseless act that ended Neil’s life prematurely, and he will be sentenced on Monday.

“Neil Parkinson’s family have understandably been left devastated, Neil was simply leaving his partners home to return home to take care of his elderly mother when he was tragically killed in a senseless attack and my thoughts and condolences remain with them.”

 

After discussions with the Ward Councillor, who has been in discussion with parish council, residents and local businesses, the Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Transport has asked that the works planned along the B4224 at Fownhope village and Fiddlers Green, which were due to commence on 23rd August 2021 are postponed to later in Autumn, therefore the B4224 will NOT be closed during this period.

Photograph courtesy of Google Maps

We had planned to deliver these works during the school summer holiday to minimise disruption to commuters and school traffic, but in response to concerns over the impact on local tourism and leisure, particularly following the full easing of COVID restrictions, these works will now be delivered during Autumn – the exact dates to be confirmed in the next couple of weeks.

Initial analysis from the Knife Angel Hereford team shows that at least 102,000 people visited the statue during its recent visit to the city.

Photograph courtesy Jon Simpson

In addition, more than 700 school children took part in associated workshops to learn about and discuss issues related to violent crime. A further 30 free to attend events were organised for the general public, including sessions about coping with stress after lockdown and bereavement workshops. The Herefordshire Walking Festival even included a visit to the Knife Angel along two of its routes!

During its four week stay, the Knife Angel became a focal point for visitors to the city. Nearly 200 volunteers were recruited to provide advice and information. These included Samaritans and Vennture team members who were available to offer additional support for those who needed it.

Thousands of photographs were taken of the Angel, including stunning shots from the official photographer, Jon Simpson.

The Knife Angel was free to visit, but nearly £11,000 was donated on site by members of the public. Thanks to their generosity and to grant awards from West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner, West Mercia Police, The National Lottery Community Fund, High Sheriffs of Herefordshire (2020/1 & 2021/2), Eveson CharitableTrust, Community Safety Partnership and the Clocktower Foundation, the Knife Angel team has gathered a legacy fund of more than £30,000 to continue with its work to raise awareness of the devastating impact of violent crime.

The Knife Angel’s visit to Hereford was organised over 18 months by a core team, led by Alison Davies and Meryl Cain. Alison, who lost her own son to knife crime in 2018, says:

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“We are thrilled by Hereford’s response to the Knife Angel and would like to thank everyone who supported us, volunteered, or visited the statue.

Many visitors were visibly moved and deeply affected by this stunning work. It certainly helped to stimulate debate and discussion around the subject of violent crime of all sorts and how we can prevent it. That can only be a good thing, and we are now planning how we can continue the debate into the future.”

 

More than 350 knives and two guns were surrendered to the two Knife Angel amnesty boxes (one located at the Knife Angel site at Hereford Cathedral, the other at Hinton Community Centre). These will now be melted down to produce a commemorative sculpture for the city.

The Knife Angel left Hereford in the early hours of 12 July. It is currently at its home base in The British Ironworks in Oswestry, awaiting its next public appearance in Chelmsford, Essex in the September.

Partner organisations

We are very grateful for the support of the following organisations:

John Campion West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner, West Mercia Police, The British Ironwork Centre, The Chapter of Hereford Cathedral, Hereford Diocese, Herefordshire Council, The Herefordshire Community Foundation, The Clocktower Foundation, Herefordshire Business Board, Golden Valley Web Design, Herefordshire High Sheriffs (20/21, 21/22), Eat Sleep Live Herefordshire, Hereford Voice, Signs & Labels Hereford, Safeguard Medical, The Green Dragon Hotel, Wyvern Flooring, Tudor Building Supplies, Hereford Rotary, Herefordshire Lieutenancy, The Beaumont Trust, West Mercia Youth Justice Service, Gabbs Solicitors, Your Herefordshire, Hereford College of Art, Herefordshire & Ludlow

College, No Wrong Door/HVOSS, BBO/HVOSS, Close House, The Samaritans, Vennture, Hereford City Youth Council

The National Monument Against Violence & Aggression - The Knife Angel

The Knife Angel is a stunning 27ft tall, 3.5-ton sculpture of an angel made out of 100,000 confiscated knives received from 43 Police Forces across the UK. Originating from The British Ironwork Centre in Oswestry and created by sculptor Alfie Bradley, it took two years to construct.

Prior to lockdown, the Angel toured around the UK and has become a national monument against violence and aggression in all its forms.

Ian and rowsentinel have endured a terrible 48 hours but they’re still going. Ian has no power on board and just one channel of communication left. It’s a very difficult situation but he can row, he’s going in the right direction and he can use a compass to navigate.

Food stash!

Then, like a gift from the Gods, he found a stash of food he’d forgotten about Beef jerky, nuts and dried fruit and hot chocolate. He’s so chuffed, it made a huge difference to his morale at the toughest of times. rowsentinel now need your help…

We’d love to get the charity total past £100,000 to give Ian a massive push in these really difficult days. Please spread the word about the huge effort that this former #specialforces soldier is making.

Donations for St Michael's Hospice - Hereford and the Special Air Service Regimental Association https://hfd.news/guy

#HerefordVoice | #HerefordNews | #SASRegiment

Ian was upside down, up to his neck in a flooded cabin, in the middle of the Atlantic in the pitch black.

His navigation books are destroyed. He has a rudder so he can steer and he has water and food, but everything is soaking wet. He’ll know what’s possible once he’s checked himself and the boat but he’s a very determined, very special man.

With 4 days of bad weather still to come, Ian is checking what he can but he’s lost most of his power, a lot of kit and communications equipment.He is battered and bruised but feeling strong. He has lost AIS (the alarm) so the coastguard is alerting other ships of his location.

Former SAS soldier Ian is rowing 3400 miles solo from NY to the Isles of Scilly without GPS! He hopes to raise £500,000 for charity more details rowsentinel.com

Latest update an hour ago: 10:00am Ian is continuing to row towards the IOS and has less then 600 miles to go. He’ll do everything that he can to complete the challenge.

Good luck Ian we are following your progress.

From the people at Hereford City Life ...this is a consumer brand of the Hereford BID 

The fabulous local businesses featured in the video are:

En BBQ
Saxtys
Venue Nightclub
Castle House Hotel
Green Dragon Hotel
Left Bank
King Street Kitchen
The Courtyard
Lupa

Three men have been sentenced at Worcester Crown Court for a total of more than 16 years in prison for drugs offences.

Pictured left to right - Keith Hill 47 | Lewis Plant 22 | Bradley Reader 20

Keith Hill, aged 47, of Ridgemoor Road, Leominster, was stopped by officers on June 30, 2020, while driving a van in Leominster. A quantity of heroin, crack cocaine and cocaine was found hidden under a seat. A search of his home was later carried out and officers seized a torch which was a fully working stun gun. Keith Hill was bailed for further enquiries.

While officers investigated Hill’s offences they discovered he was involved in transporting Class A drugs from Liverpool into Herefordshire. He then used others to distribute heroin, crack cocaine and cocaine throughout the county.

On 12 March 2021, officers carried out four simultaneous search warrants in Leominster and Kington as part of the investigation. In total officers recovered just under 1kg of Class A Drugs which had a potential street value of approximately £100,000. Equipment used to compress the drugs was also found at one of the properties as well as £7,000 in cash.

Lewis Plant, aged 22 of Hawkins Court, Hereford and Bradley Reader, aged 20 of Tan Y Bryn, Holyhead, were both distributing Class A drugs in Leominster and Hereford and were arrested as part of the operation. Keith Hill was also further arrested at that time.

Hill was sentenced on Thursday 5 August to 12 years - reduced to 9 years for an early guilty plea - for conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine, possession of a prohibited weapon and possession of criminal property.

Plant was sentenced to 6 years - reduced to 4 years 10 months for an early guilty plea - for conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine.

Reader was sentenced to 3 years - reduced to 2 years 3 months for an early guilty plea - for conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine.

Detective Inspector Matt Cartwright said: “Following the initial arrest of Keith Hill we were able to identify that he was distributing drugs throughout Herefordshire.

“I welcome the sentences handed down to these three men. It demonstrates that we will not tolerate any form of drug dealing and those caught should expect a severe prison sentence.

“Tackling drugs and organised crime is a force priority and we will continue to pursue those involved. Our teams have worked tirelessly to uncover this county line and the criminality within it. We continue to work closely with our communities who share vital intelligence with us so that we can help protect people from harm.

“I urge anyone who is concerned that drug dealing is happening in their street or town to please contact us, or alternatively Crimestoppers – an independent charity – and we will investigate.”

West Mercia Police’s Protect campaign aims to tackle serious and organised crime together and is underpinned by a four P principle – Pursue, Prevent, Protect and Prepare.

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 I.P address. You can contact them online or by calling 0800 555 111.

A man from Sutton St. Nicholas, Hereford, who stole £87,640 worth of sheep has been sentenced at Worcester Crown Court on Wednesday 4 August to eight months imprisonment. A proceeds of crime hearing is scheduled to take place on 24 November.

Daniel Smith, 25-years-old, pleaded guilty to four counts of theft at Hereford Magistrates’ Court on 7 July 2021.

The sheep were stolen from four locations in fields in the Marden, Sutton St Nicholas and Cross Keys areas of Herefordshire between 2 November 2020 and 26 January 2021.

One of the victims identified sheep being sold as those stolen from his farm and subsequently 92% of the stolen sheep were recovered over the following two days in March 2021.

Wildlife Crime Officer, PC Josh Kitchen of West Mercia Police, said: “We are pleased with the result of this investigation and hope that it reassures the farming community that livestock theft will not be tolerated and that police will fully investigate these incidents.

“Livestock thefts across the UK totalled £2.3million in 2020 and the act often causes suffering for the animals and additional financial pressures for farmers.

“I would like to thank the farmers involved for their assistance in this investigation as well as the cooperation of Hereford Livestock Market. Without their assistance it is unlikely these sheep would have ever been recovered.”

If you suspect any stolen sheep are being sold please contact Wildlife Crime Officer Josh Kitchen on 07773053436.

The freehold disposal of Hereford Town Hall is being discussed at a meeting set for August 6th

It's not a simple 'yes or no question' because this is public money that needs to be spent!

There are huge maintenance costs to consider, many of the county's historical buildings require regular maintenance and the Hereford Town Hall needs at least £2.5M spending on it immediately just to bring it up to standard, but there is a lot more work required. This is mainly down to the lack of ongoing maintenance since back to the 1990's.

The reason for this consideration, from our understanding, is that the Town Hall could be sold to the Hereford City Council and or including a possible 3rd party (CIC) which will be discussed further at the meeting on August 6th 2021. A community interest company (CIC) is a special form of non-charitable limited company, which exists primarily to benefit a community or with a view to pursuing a social purpose, rather than to make a profit for shareholders. Therefore, access to finance – whether through provide donors, grants or community development finance – may lead a social enterprise to operate as a CIC rather than as a standard company. These funding options such as grants etc are available to CIC's but this source of funding would not be available to a Council. 

Councillor Gemma Davies, cabinet member for commissioning, procurement and assets, said that in setting this year’s budget, it was vital £11.2 million in savings was identified, including new approaches to managing council assets.

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“We are in discussions with Hereford City Council around the transfer of Hereford Town Hall to their ownership,”

she said.

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“The possibility of a community asset transfer has been explored, however, a receiving organisation has not been found to date, so the council is now also considering other options.

“We appreciate how much local people and visitors love the town hall. It is a beautiful, historic building, and we have not taken this decision lightly."

Hereford Town Hall was built in 1904 and is a Grade II Listed building.

In order to bring the Hereford Town Hall and other historical buildings across the county up to standard would most likely result in a increase in Council Tax, so the real question here is; 

'Would you prefer in increase in your Council Tax or for Herefordshire Council to consider these other options'?

Supporting Local Business | Sensory & Rye are opening in the former 'British Heart Foundation' shop opposite the Kerry, but they need a little bit of local support...

Over the last 6 years we have seen the incredible rise in Herefords food scene and they have been right at the heart of it.

Based in Bastion Mews they have built this creative, beautiful restaurant, packed with good vibes, stunningly beautiful food and some of the best coffee in Hereford!

Bastion Mews has been their original home, but they are restricted by size and their ideas, passion and creativity needs space to grow!

They are moving into the British Heart Foundation building, just across from where they are now and they are already in the process of turning it into the most incredible restaurant! The additional space will Sensory & Rye to offer a dinner menu, live music, breakfast, brunch and lunches as well as many more ideas that they have secretly kept up their sleeves.

Their small team have made huge strides in the renovations, but they need local support to help them to complete the journey.

If you would like to help, full details https://bit.ly/3wWxEu8

‘Hereford City Life’ backed by Hereford BID are launching the ‘Hereford Gift Card’!

They are launching a brand new gift card to help encourage customers to spend their money with local Hereford businesses.

The Hereford Gift Card is a pre-paid ‘Master Card’ based programme, that can be accepted by independents and nationals within Hereford city centre.

Consumers

The new Hereford Gift Card can be purchased as a gift for a family member or friend or even to give to someone to say thank you. The gift card is just like any other gift card that you see on the high street and you will be able to use it to spend in many of the local shops, cafés, restaurants and bars and all participating businesses in Hereford City Centre including Marks and Spencers, Primark, New Look, Timothy Hawkins Gallery, Saxtys, Pleasance and Harper, Toni and Guy, Fox and Mabel...to name but a few however, a full list of those participating businesses will be provided once the gift card is launched in the next few months, just in time for Christmas!!

Businesses

This scheme is another great way to encourage visitors to shop and spend with your business and can benefit many sectors, including retail, hospitality, leisure and service. 

How do I register?

To register your business as an approved Hereford Gift Card location, please visit the registration page here https://hfd.news/kwj and follow the steps outlined.

Costs

Being an approved location for the Hereford Gift Card will cost you nothing other than the levy you already pay to us. Every penny the customer spends on the card will be loaded on the card too - there are no hidden fees!

What if I have more questions?

If you have more queries about the Hereford Gift Card and registering your businesses, you can find FAQs on the Hereford BID website using our link - https://hfd.news/2so or alternatively, please feel free to contact Hereford BID by email info@herefordbid.co.uk 

On our recent visit to the Town Hall our friend John Marshall explained the history of the Coat of Arms and we are so pleased that he has put all of the incredible history into writing for your reading pleasure!

It's been 376 since Hereford was under siege from the Scottish!

The infamous battle resulted in the creation of Hereford's Coat of Arms, and the two stories are closely intertwined.

In 1189, King Richard I gave the City its first royal charter, and with it came Hereford's first Coat of Arms, but the remainder of the design dates much later, to 1645, at which time the realm was in a state of Civil War.

The City of Hereford stood for the King, and was stationed with Royalist troops. The garrison for the City, however, was very small, no more than 150-200 men at most. Then, a large Scottish force of 14,000 men marched to attack Hereford - mercenary troops fighting for Cromwell. They surrounded the City with the intention of capturing it, confidant that they could defeat the vastly outnumbered Royalists.

However... the citizens of Hereford joined with the soldiers in the garrison, enacting the duties of fighting men so well that they kept the invading Scottish troops at bay for approximately five weeks. The enemy was unable to make a single penetration of the City's defences during this time, their only achievement being the destruction of one span of the old bridge over the Wye and dislodging a few stones from the City walls.

In the end, the Scots gave up trying to capture the City and retreated, leaving the Royal Standard flying in triumph over the City. King Charles I, upon hearing of this, was delighted and full of praise for the citizens of Hereford. So much so, that he visited the City in order to thank them personally for their success, and made the Grant of Arms which the City now possesses.

The shield on the coat was given ten crosses in white and blue, representing the surrounding forces of the Scottish troops. The motto for the City, which is also on the Coat, was granted; INVICTAE FIDELITATIS PRAEMIUM - which means; "Reward for faithfulness unconquered". A lion crest can now be seen on the top of the Coat, signifying loyalty and defence of the Crown. The helmet below the lion is also very rare, and is only found on the Coat of one other authority in England - the City of London.

Full story of the Coat of Arms HERE