Part-time assistant general manager Neil Leighton, from Hereford, thought he was being scammed when he received a message while “aimlessly” playing the Cash Bolt Christmas Millionaire game on his phone saying: “Congratulations you’ve won £1M.”

Mr Leighton, who was on an evening call with friends from the UK and the US at the time, said he told them he had won £1 million – and promptly left the chat.

The 24-year-old tried to call the National Lottery to confirm his win but with the phone lines not open at that time of night, decided to hop back onto his earlier call, announcing to his friends: “I think I have won on The National Lottery by accident.”

He said: “They were so happy for me, although there was plenty of joking that only I could have won £1 million by accident.

“We stayed up into the early hours discussing the crazy turn of events and having a little browse on the internet looking at houses and holidays I could now afford.”

After confirming the win with the lottery officials the next day, he told his family the news.

“I walked into the house and my mum and dad both jokingly said I looked far too happy, what had I been buying?

“When I told them I’d bought something, a National Lottery instant win game, and I’d won £1 million, mum screamed, used some colourful language and then was convinced it was a scam.”

He said he is not rushing into spending his winnings, but as a fan of trains he may consider buying his own steam train one day.

“Ever since my grandad took me to see my first steam train when I was three, I have been fascinated.

“Now, if I’m not visiting a railway, I’m busy writing and filming my own take on Thomas the Tank Engine storylines which I share online, or collaborating with Thomas fans around the world on future projects.

“So, top of the list is buying my own home, where I can have a train room, an entire space dedicated to trains, and another room for filming and editing my Thomas content.

“Maybe, one day, if I’m wise with this win, I’ll swap the train room for my very own steam train.”

He is not planning to give up his job but wants to travel, take driving lessons and treat his family.

“It started with Thomas the Tank Engine and, to be honest, I never grew out of it.

𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗗!

Here's the latest look, courtesy of the nice people at JRNVisuals.

The snake run is almost complete and there is a whole host of new features in place.

Another fabulous StrongerHereford project offering a positive, social space and supportive community, Hereford Skatepark is also one of the UK’s most successful free outdoor facilities. The expansion will upgrade facilities and enable the skatepark to welcome more users.

Are you looking forward to the complete project?

A new diagnostic system which uses Artificial Intelligence to help doctors make quick decisions after a patient has had a stroke has been used for the first time at Hereford County Hospital.

Members of WVT’s stroke and radiology teams which are now using AI to help inform decision about the best treatment for stroke patients.

The software allows the speedy analysis of brain scan images which can be viewed on computers or via an app which runs on mobile phones

The new RapidAI software, which analyses brain images of stroke patients to help determine whether a patient is a suitable candidate for either an operation or drugs to remove a blood clot, only went live at the hospital yesterday.

“The new software does this by automatically identifying the presence of Large Vessel Occlusions – a blockage in one of the main arteries in the brain - to a high accuracy, as well as highlighting any possible intracranial haemorrhages – areas of bleeding - and giving a rating which is used to determine critical changes in the level of blood flow on CT brain scans in acute strokes.” said Jenny Vernel senior radiographer and PACS manager at the Trust.

“The results and images are immediately available to us within the Trust, on our existing Picture Archiving Computer System (PACS) as well as the Stroke Team and Neuroradiologists in Birmingham to assist in rapid assessment of the imaging to decide on the best treatment for the patient in the shortest time possible to maximise the reversal of stroke symptoms and vastly improve patient recovery.”

The software assists clinicians to make a quick decision as to whether a patient requires either a Thrombectomy (to remove the clot through an operation) or Thrombolysis (using drugs to remove the clot),” added Jenny.

“AI will never replace the clinical expertise that our doctors and consultants have, but harnessing this latest technology is allowing us to make very quick decisions based on the experiences of thousands of other stroke patients.

“The system is linked to the Comprehensive Stroke Centre at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, meaning that clinical teams and experts at both sites can make faster and more informed clinical decisions – this is essential when treating stroke patients.”

Wye Valley NHS Trust is the first Trust in the West Midlands to roll out RapidAI as a satellite hospital to University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust which is acting as the hub for the region.

The Razbari restaurant in the city's Eign Street, had their alcohol and late food licence suspended following a multi-agency swoop which found it employing staff illegally. Police arrested a Bangladeshi man in during the joint agency operation.

See our original news article 👉 https://hfd.news/UrxUH 

A meeting of Herefordshire Council’s licensing subcommittee on Wednesday (November 22) had been called to rule on the licence of Razbari restaurant. The committee chair, Cllr. Polly Andrews, stated that the discussion was primarily held in closed session since it was anticipated that personal details would be discussed.

Later, she declared that the council had decided to immediately suspend the premises licence as an interim measure in advance of a full review of the case, which will be considered on December 14, after hearing "compelling and credible" representation from West Mercia Police and a representative of the licence holder.

Though it was under different management, the restaurant had previously lost its licence due to a similar problem.

Next week is the first 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗟𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 from the lovely people at St Martin's FoodShare and everyone is welcome

𝗦𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝟭𝟬𝘁𝗵 𝟭𝟮𝗡𝗼𝗼𝗻 - 𝟮𝗣𝗠

St Martins Church Hall, Ross Road, Hereford.

𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗥𝗢𝗔𝗦𝗧 𝗟𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗛 - 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗥𝗢𝗔𝗦𝗧 𝗟𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗛

Firefighters from Leominster Fire Station supported with crews from Kingsland Fire Station were mobilised early this morning.

A spokesperson from Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service told Hereford Voice;

"Just before 0830 this morning, 2 crews manning a pump and the water carrier from Leominster (assisted by a crew from Kingsland Fire Station) were turned out to a Large Goods Vehicle that had caught fire on the A49 going north out of Leominster.

Thankfully, the lorry driver managed to get his load containing 7 tonnes of toilet paper off the carriageway into a lay-by.

Crews tackled the blaze with the freezing conditions proving challenging. The Environmental Agency and Highway Agency were also in attendance, to assist with the fuel, oil and water run off.

The A49 lay-by coming out of Leominster will be closed for 48hrs, to enable recovery and the clean up of this incident"

 

📸 Leominster Fire Station

This afternoon (30 November) officers in Hereford have arrested two men, both 20, on suspicion of supplying drugs and carrying offensive weapons.

Following intelligence, officers attended Widemarsh Street in the town centre around 2.30pm to find two men carrying drugs.
When officers attempted to arrest the two men, they attempted to escape from police, during which officers sustained injuries and several weapons were recovered.

Detective Sergeant James Moore said: “Firstly, I would like to thank the public who supported our officers whilst they attempted to arrest the two men. I appreciate it may have been alarming to some people and please be rest assured this was an isolated incident.

“Drugs ruin lives with the consequences far-reaching and we will not hesitate to disrupt the criminal behaviour of those suspected of being involved”.

Both men are now in police custody.

Hereford Voice was invited by Hereford City Council to join them at the launch of this new FREE bus service that will be operating across the city centre.

Thank you to Cllr. Cat Hornsey - City Cllr Hinton and Hunderton at Herefordshire Council, and Cllr. Paul Stevens who both kindly gave us an interview this morning and showed us around the new buses.

This brand new electric city bus services launches this weekend with the first official service running from Saturday!

The official launch is tomorrow, showcasing the new buses with a soft launch in the afternoon.

We are excited to see this new free service running.

Scheme will ensure vulnerable children are looked after in safe and high quality homes

Cabinet has today approved an investment of up to £6.3 million across five years, to commission registered residential homes for children and young people in the care of the local authority.

The project will see the provision of two two-bedroom properties in Herefordshire, expected to open in early 2025.

The smaller homes will provide a family-based environment for up to four children and young people aged 11 - 18 with a range of needs.

In comparison to other care provision options the scheme is expected to provide better value for money over the five year period and is one of a range of initiatives to increase the availability and type of provision for children in the care of the council.

Councillor Ivan Powell, Cabinet member for Children and Young People, said:

“Today’s decision means Herefordshire Council will be able to provide care and support for up to four children and young people in the county. Not only will this ensure that our vulnerable children are looked after in safe and high quality family style homes but it will also mean that they can benefit from remaining close to their local community.”

The council will now begin the process of contracting a single supplier for the service.

Over 85 diners enjoyed a 3 course meal at The Bookshop Hereford in the last of three “100% Herefordshire” Autumn Feasts on Tuesday 14 November.

As well as great local food they were treated to a surprise announcement that the County has achieved a Bronze award from Sustainable Food Places - recognising the collaboration and hard work that’s gone into all areas of the food system in Herefordshire, from food banks through community gardens to restaurants and farming.

The dinner included nose-to-tail lamb from Wye Organic who are pasture-fed certified farmers near the River Wye. Diners heard of the importance of good soil and diverse pasture and enjoyed a foraged salsa verde alongside, with cheesy cauliflower and carbon positive potatoes.

Dessert was a nutty meringue with Kelsmor Dairy ice cream, farmers Mark and Susan were also dining so came armed with reinforcements for the extras! In all, more than 16 local suppliers were involved in the event and the vast majority of all the courses was sourced from within the county, from farms using methods that support Herefordshire countryside and rivers.

Rebecca Tully, Herefordshire Food Alliance

We’ve been blown over by how popular this dinner was - we were squeezing people in every corner! It’s been joyous connecting with all the producers, and heartening knowing how many people want to enjoy proper local food that builds nature and our rivers.

The Bronze Award is a recognition that working together is making an impact - we hope we can put many more suppliers of great local food on the map!

Dorian Kirk, The Bookshop

It was great to work with so many high quality local producers, we were glad to use our skills to build their profile - and also to see our beautiful space so full of people who care just as much as us about sustainable food.

Kitty Stainsby of Wye Organic, Pasture-for-Life certified Lamb served in the main course.

I love selling my food directly to those who are going to eat it - such a great opportunity to get to know how their food is produced, to ask questions and to connect with farming. I am so proud of how I farm and the wonderful food we produce and have been so excited to be involved with this feast - 100% Herefordshire and 100% river friendly, just like us!

Richard Tyler, Diner

The food was SO scrummy and the atmosphere truly wonderful!

Matt Pearce, Director of Public Health

Herefordshire Food Alliance has shown just what can be achieved when creative and committed people work together to make healthy and sustainable food a defining characteristic of where they live. While there is still much to do and many challenges to overcome, Herefordshire Food Alliance has helped to set a benchmark for other members of the UK Sustainable Food Places Network to follow. We look forward to working with them over the months and years ahead to continue to transform place’s food culture and food system for the better.

Ross-on-Wye Town Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Carla Boyles as the next Town Clerk, succeeding Mrs. Sarah Robson, who is stepping down at the end of this year after eight years of dedicated service.

Pictured: Left to right: Sarah Robson and Carla Boyles

Carla brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to public service in this important role, which she has demonstrated in her role as Deputy Town Clerk to the Town Council over the last two years.

As Town Clerk, Carla will play a crucial role in ensuring the efficient functioning of local services within the town and as a key point of contact for the community and other stakeholders.

The external recruitment process was managed by Herefordshire Association of Local Councils to ensure a robust and independent procedure.

Carla states: “I am honoured to be appointed as the new Town Clerk and look forward to working with councillors, staff and the community for the benefit of Ross. I would like to thank Sarah for being a fantastic mentor to me over the past two years.”

Cllr Linden Delves, Chair of the Council’s Personnel Sub-Committee said: “I’d like to thank Sarah for her hard work over the last eight years and I'm delighted to see Carla take on the very important role of Town Clerk. I'm looking forward to working with her in her new role as we continue to deliver valuable local services.”

The Town Council wishes to express its gratitude to the outgoing Clerk, Sarah Robson and wishes her well in her future endeavors.

On Saturday morning, our crew were turned out to a fire in a residential area of town. On approach to the incident, it was clear that this was a well developed house fire.

"The crew of four set to work quickly, rapidly deploying a breathing apparatus team to tackle the fire using door entry equipment, hose reel jets and ladders, to stop it spreading to other attached properties.

After entry was gained, the BA team located the seat of fire in a rear bedroom and set to work extinguishing it. Supporting crews at this incident were provided by Hereford Fire Station and Leintwardine Fire Station. The Leominster crew went back to the fire ground twice through the night to re-inspect the property, and dampen down any hotspots present.

As the pictures show below, this fire has had an absolutely devastating impact on the occupier and their family, highlighting the importance of having working smoke alarms installed"

Source | Images Courtesy Of  Leominster Fire Station 

Herefordshire Council has signed a ground breaking agreement with three other English and Welsh local authorities today (10 November).

The Marches Forward Partnership became a reality at an official event held at Hay Castle on the Welsh and English border.  The new partnership sees Herefordshire Council join forces with Shropshire Council and Monmouthshire and Powys county councils, to take on some of the big challenges they all share.

The four local authorities will now work even more closely together with both UK and Welsh governments to progress this exciting cross border collaboration.

This will include working jointly to secure funding support from both governments as well as with a wide range of other partners to unlock more investment and explore new approaches to make major projects that benefit the Marches region become reality.  

Covering 80% of the English/Welsh borderland, the local authorities have similar characteristics and geography as well as an overriding mutual ambition for the region as a whole.  The Partnership provides a unique commitment to work cross border, cross country and cross party on major projects that are in the overall best interests of the region.

Transport, skills and housing, alongside energy, climate change, tourism and digital connectivity are high on the agenda, all common issues for the area’s population of almost 750,000.  By working together the four local authorities hope to deliver cross border successes and unlock millions of pounds for identified initiatives that support the Marches rural economy and green growth.

Leader of Herefordshire Council, Cllr Jonathan Lester, said: “This partnership offers a great opportunity to work with our neighbours on issues that are common to us all.

“While all the councils will continue to run for the benefit of their residents, the partnership provides a really helpful framework for collaboration on areas where we can get the most benefit and make the biggest difference by working together.

“These are very early days but we’ve already started discussion around what we would like to achieve and will be moving at pace to turn these ambitions into actions.”

Op Calibre, a national initiative to tackle personal robbery, launches this week in Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire.

It’s a national week of police intensification dedicated to taking action against personal robbery, and sharing crime prevention advice to help you keep your belongings safe when you’re out and about.

Anyone can become a target of robbery and offenders often target some of the most vulnerable people in society, including children.  The threats and extreme violence that may be used can be incredibly traumatic for victims.

This week-long operation aims to disrupt and target habitual offenders to take them off the street.  It’s not just about enforcement though; there is also a big focus on education, engagement and prevention.

Detective Chief Inspector Ross Jones said: “Thankfully, rates of personal robbery are low in our area and are continuing to decrease.  This isn’t something we take for granted though and officers work day and night year-round to tackle this highly traumatic crime.

“This week of intensification gives us the opportunity to target habitual offenders who are intent on committing crime.   

“Tackling robbery requires a multi-faceted response. We can’t do it alone, which is why as part of our prevention work we continue our ongoing engagement with partners such as schools, charities and retailers.  This gives us the opportunity to offer advice to those who are most at risk of becoming a victim, as well as to educate and engage with those who may be at risk of committing this type of crime.

“We’re sending a message to those who think it is ok to commit a robbery and inflict violence in our communities: we will not tolerate this. You will end up facing significant consequences and we will catch you.”

Below are some simple steps that you can take to reduce your risk of becoming a victim:

You are less likely to be targeted if you look confident. Move with purpose and try to be aware of your surroundings.

Plan your route and think about what to take with you, especially if you’re going somewhere you haven’t been before. Keep to busy, well-lit streets, walkways and paths which are more likely to be covered by CCTV. Only take licensed taxis or minicabs booked by phone or a mobile phone app.
 

Keep your mobile phone and valuables out of sight. If you’re using your phone it’s more likely to be snatched from your hand as you’re not paying attention to your surroundings, so look around you.
 

Never leave a mobile, any other device, wallet or purse on the table of an outdoor café, pub or restaurant. Same goes for any jewellery you might be wearing – keep it covered when walking down the street.
 

Finally – and this is so important to remember – if you’re threatened with violence, don’t risk your personal safety. Property can be replaced, you can’t.

Further information on protecting yourself from street robbery can be found on our website- How to protect yourself from street robbery | West Mercia Police

Anyone who has been a victim of robbery should report it to the police on 101 or by reporting it online.  In an emergency, and where is crime is taking place now, always call 999.

If you have any information about a burglary or any crime 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.

The New Hereford Electric Zipper Buses Coming Soon To Hereford! 

Ever wondered how we're ushering in a new era of eco-friendly commuting in Hereford? It's all thanks to the remarkable Government Funding that's electrifying our city, quite literally! Let's take a journey into the heart of this initiative and explore the empowering impact it holds for our community.

What is the Government Funding?

The Government, recognising the importance of sustainable transportation, has allocated significant funds to support our city's green transition. This financial boost is not just an investment; it's a vote of confidence in a cleaner, greener future for Hereford.

More information:

https://strongerhereford.co.uk

How Will It Benefit Hereford?

Eco-Friendly Commuting: The funding enables the introduction of state-of-the-art Electric Zipper Buses, minimising harmful emissions and reducing our carbon footprint.

Accessible Transport: It ensures the creation of a comprehensive network, connecting key areas of Hereford. This means more accessible transportation options for everyone!

Economic Growth: By embracing sustainable practices, Hereford is not only nurturing the environment but also fostering economic growth. The initiative creates jobs, stimulates innovation, and supports local businesses.

Why It Matters to You?

Cleaner Air: Reduced pollution means fresher, cleaner air for us all to breathe, promoting better health and well-being.

Cost-Effective: FREE Eco-friendly transport reduces long-term costs associated with environmental damage, leading to savings for taxpayers and residents alike.

Future Legacy: By supporting this initiative, you're contributing to a legacy of sustainability, ensuring a vibrant, green Hereford for generations to come!

Your Role in the Green Revolution:

Spread the word! By understanding and appreciating the significance of Government Funding, you can inspire others to support eco-friendly initiatives. Let's create a Hereford where clean energy propels us forward, together!

Every ride on the electric Zipper Bus is a step toward a cleaner, greener Hereford. Let's ride this wave of change and make our city a beacon of sustainability!

Source | Hereford City Council

A message on their Facebook page said;

"THANKS & GOODBYE //

It is with great sadness that we’ve made the decision to close the doors at Gilbies. We’ve spent 7 years serving our wonderful customers, but the combination of COVID, my own ill health, the rising cost of supplies and utilities, along with the declining footfall to the city have left us with little choice than to make this devastating decision.

We’d like to take the opportunity to thank our regulars, our staff & our families for your unwavering loyalty & support.

Customers with existing bookings should have heard from us this week, but please get in touch if you haven’t"

Sad news to read that this famous Hereford Bar has sadly closed.

Plans for improvement work to Leominster High Street and Corn Square have taken a further step forward as the preferred design is agreed and work set for work to start in January 2024

The High Street, Iron Cross, Victoria Street and Corn Street in Leominster will be enhanced with attractive surfacing, improved paving, wider pavements and raised tables at the major junctions making it easier for pedestrians. Corn Square will also be resurfaced in materials which will make the square more aesthetically pleasing and in keeping with its historic setting.

The proposed new timeline for these street works will see Corn Square and Leominster Town Centre remain open throughout the Christmas trading period and minimise disruption to residents and businesses at one of the busiest times of the year for the town.

Councillor Graham Biggs, cabinet member for Economy and Growth said:

We’re acutely aware of the pressures faced by small businesses across Herefordshire and where possible we will always seek to minimise the impact of street works especially at peak times such as Christmas. I would like to thank Leominster Town Council and all of those involved in delivering this scheme who have worked tirelessly to secure a commitment which will see the proposed street works delayed until January 2024 to allow full access to Leominster Town Centre throughout the Christmas trading period. Under this administration the Council will always act to support businesses and promote the local economy wherever possible and we will be offering to meet with local businesses to see how we can support their Christmas plans going forwards.

Original proposals had included the pedestrianisation of Corn Square to allow for events, and a reduction of traffic entering the High Street during the day. Due to feedback received during the consultation earlier this year there will be no immediate changes to the current parking or traffic arrangements. We can confirm that no formal decision on this has been taken by Herefordshire Council and nor will it be until a full consultation with residents, businesses and local stakeholders has taken place.

Plans for the improvement work will be available to view at Leominster Town Council Offices, Tourist Information Centre, 11 Corn Square, Leominster, HR6 8YP and on the Herefordshire Council website

The tender for this work is now live online. We value expressions of interest from local businesses