Traffic & Travel | Delays again on the A465 Belmont Road due to motorists entering and leaving the McDonalds drive-thru in both directions.

We witnessed several near misses and people sounding their car horns in the last 20 mins, this is potentially an accident just waiting to happen !

#herefordvoice #herefordnews #hereford

Herefordshire Council teams have recently completed a programme of resurfacing and drainage works on the U92415 - Easthampton Lane, Easthampton, Shobdon in #Herefordshire.

Statement from Claire Ward, Acting Deputy Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service, Herefordshire Council

Claire Ward 

I am upset by this judgment and deeply sorry that we have failed this family. We have neglected the needs of the children and their Carers and deprived the parents of their rights. I am saddened that our actions deprived a Mother of her right to say goodbye to her child and my deepest sympathies are with the family on their loss. We will provide the family with any required support and care to rebuild relationships and to help repair some of the damage we have done.

I have taken immediate action to address the serious issues highlighted by this judgment. There is a clear need for an urgent and thorough external review of Herefordshire Children’s Social Care Services. The attitudes, culture and professional practice demonstrated in this judgment is shocking and well below the standards we expect. Appropriate action will be taken on the conclusion of our investigations, in accordance with the council’s HR procedures, any relevant professional body requirements, and the law. It is evident that our previous commitments to improve our social care services for children have fallen sadly short of the standards expected and we have failed to provide the expected and appropriate support to this family. This is indefensible.

The incoming Chief Executive, Paul Walker, has been working closely with the senior management team to ensure we make real and sustainable changes to our Children’s Social Care services. We have appointed Cath Knowles as Interim Director of Children’s Services, who is a qualified and registered Social Worker, to provide professional experience, leadership and assurance for the coming months. Our Social Workers continue to do their best, often in very difficult circumstances, to support families and protect vulnerable children in our community. We will ensure our staff have the support they need and the confidence and commitment to report any concerns as we make significant and lasting improvements to Herefordshire Children’s Services.

We have notified Ofsted and we are working closely with regulators and partner agencies to ensure we protect and safeguard the children of Herefordshire. We have added further reassurance measures within Children’s Services to ensure appropriate checks are undertaken for decisions relating to children in our care. The judgment also identified incorrect legal advice being given to management. This advice was plainly wrong and there have been significant changes made to the management and staff within the Children’s Legal Team to ensure processes are observed and advice is sound.

I requested a Department for Education review of our Children’s Social Care services to assess whether children in care are safe in Herefordshire. This review took place last week and found no immediate actions were required on the cases they reviewed but clearly further external reviews will be required to make sure our service is fit for purpose. While we seek to understand the full extent of past decisions made within Children’s Services, we regret that we may find further instances that do not meet the required standards. If you have any concerns about the way you or your family 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

If you are a child or young person and need someone to talk to Childline is free, private and confidential. Call 0800 1111 or visit Childline.org.uk

The Samaritans are also available any time of the day or night - call 116 123 or visit Samaritans.org

A new Click & Collect service is being offered from Monday - Saturday 8am-8pm - Sunday 10am-4pm at Tesco in Abbotsmead Road, Belmont in Hereford.

 

This new service could be beneficial for people who are unable to obtain delivery slots

A man has been arrested in connection with the report of a rape in Craven Arms.

The 19-year-old from Shropshire was arrested yesterday evening (Thursday 15 April) on suspicion of rape and currently remains in custody in Shrewsbury.

Police were called around 1.45am yesterday morning to reports that a 17-year-old girl was attacked in an alley near Craven Arms Railway Station.

Fire crews from Ewyas Harold Fire Station were mobilised last night to an RTC on Whitecross Road by the Sainsbury's / Aldi traffic lights.

Two vehicles had collided at the junction, crews made the vehicles safe using the RTC equipment and following recovery cleared the debris and any spillage. All airbags within the vehicles had deployed.

Police and Ambulance service were also in attendance and the traffic through the area had delays for a short period.

All persons were assessed on scene and thankfully no persons were injured.

📷 Ewyas Harold Fire Station

Crews from Kingsland Fire Station were called today to a female trapped under a car near Aymestrey. The lady was released using Holmatro UK rescue equipment, the lady is now in the care of West Midlands Ambulance Service.

She was very lucky to walk away from this accident.

Joint working from Leintwardine Fire crews, West Midlands Air Ambulance and West Mercia Police.

Police in our neighbouring county are investigating reports of a rape in Craven Arms, Shropshire.

Police were called at 1.43am this morning (Thursday 15 April) with reports that a 17-year-old girl had been attacked while walking through an alley near Craven Arms Railway Station. Police believe the offence happened around 12midnight after the victim got off of a train from Ludlow.

Officers are carrying out enquiries within the area and a scene guard is in place while the investigation is ongoing.

Shrewsbury Detective Inspector Dafydd Jones said:

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“We understand incidents such as this are extremely concerning to the community and we would like to reassure the public that we are following every line of enquiry and that there will be an increased number of patrols in the area while the investigation continues. Please be assured there are a significant number of officers dedicated to this investigation and the scene guard will be in place overnight while they carry out searches and make their enquiries.”

Anyone with information is urged to call 101 quoting reference 024i of 15 April or alternatively report it online through the Tell Us About section of the website. 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.

Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service rescued a person on West Malvern Road Malvern.

Casualty on the Malvern Hills with suspected leg fracture. Casualty reached by crews from Malvern Fire Station with Argocat off-road vehicle, and transported to roadside for treatment.

Leominster Police have advised us that they are attending reports of an overturned lorry on the A49 at Queenswood/Dinmore Hill.

Please drive slow, emergency services are on route.

Businesses on a Hereford industrial estate are being urged to make full use of a new Covid rapid testing site – and to help keep it open beyond a trial period.

Herefordshire Council says the new lateral flow test site at Block B, Skylon Court in Coldnose Road, Rotherwas, is being operated on a pilot basis until April 30.

The council says it is vital as many businesses in the area use the testing facility as regularly as possible and volunteer to help keep it open beyond the end of the month.

Testing is available to employees who cannot work from home and designed to find people who have the virus but show none of the symptoms.A council spokesperson said:

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“Around one in three people who are infected with Covid-19 have no symptoms so could be spreading the disease without knowing it. So if these cases are identified early it can help to reduce the spread and therefore limit the impact that this has on your business whilst also protecting the local community.

“Lateral flow device (LFD) testing is a fast and simple way to test people who do not have symptoms of Covid-19, but who may still be spreading the virus. The tests are easy to use and give results in 30 minutes.

“To operate beyond 30 April, we need the business community of Rotherwas to step-up and run this service, so if you are interested in supporting the testing programme and would like to volunteer, please let us know by signing up with the testing team on site and we will arrange training and support.”

The council says regular testing is essential to help control the spread of the virus. It has issued the following advice to businesses:

• Frequency – It is recommended that testing is undertaken twice weekly.
• Assistance – There will be a number of trained staff on site, to meet and greet, signpost people, advise on how to undertake your swab and answer any questions throughout the process.
• Clothing – Exterior doors and windows will be open to provide fresh air ventilation so please dress accordingly. Please do not bring any unnecessary items or bags that may be cross-contaminated.
• Registration – For the registration process you will need to have a smart device (phone or tablet) with a camera function to scan a QR code. If you do not have a smart device, additional devices are available on site to use and the registration assistant will be on hand to advise, however, it may cause a slight delay in the registration process if you are not using your own device. The registration process requires answering a number of questions on the device, so if you require reading glasses please ensure you have them to hand.
• Process – Link to demonstration self-swabbing process:
• Results – To receive your results, you will need to input your mobile phone number, so ensure you have this to hand for the registration process.
• Booking – No booking necessary just turn up!

The centre is open from 8am to 2pm on Monday, 1-6pm on Wednesday and 8am-2pm on Friday.

Testing is available to all those that work on the industrial estate and is on a first come, first served basis. You should not attend if you are showing any symptoms of Covid-19.

We have received tributes following the passing of popular and well liked local Dentist Bob Binnersley, who sadly died this week.

A message on the St Martins Dental & Implant Clinic that he founded in 1989 announced the sad news yesterday.

Bob Binnersley

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It is with great sadness that we have to announce the passing of Bob Binnersley.

Bob founded St Martins Dental Practice in 1989 starting with a small detached house and turning it into the seven surgery practice it is today. Including a training centre for dental nurses.

Between Bob and Krista, they not only created an amazing place to work but an extended STM family. Who still to this day when they hear the words ‘fancy dress party at The Binnersleys’ come running from far and wide.

As well as his fantastic dentistry many of Bob’s patients will remember him for his infamous jokes and one liners! The most common one being ‘A check up from the neck up, it won’t take long!’.

If he wasn’t being rude to you then you knew something was up!

He was incredibly passionate about dentistry and helping people. He was a founding member and chairman of the Hereford Independent Practitioners Society for over 20 years which helped to bring other dental practices in Hereford together.

Bob loved his cricket and would quite often have it playing in surgery with his nurse keeping a watchful eye on the score.

He also fought hard for Hereford to finally have the flood defences which we so desperately needed. As those that will remember his house and the practice flooded many times. Most weeks we would have phone calls asking for him to be interviewed on the radio!

Bob’s legacy will live on through his wife Krista, his children Richard, Rachel, James and Thomas and his extended family, also his STM family and all the dentists and dental nurses that he has trained and inspired along the way.

He will be greatly missed by us all. RIP Bingo

Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service crews were called to a fire late last night in Herefordshire caused by BBQ.

All 3 appliances from Leominster Fire Station were called to an outbuilding on fire just outside of Leominster. Crews used a hose reel, thermal imaging camera, ladders and hand tools to extinguish the fire and to remove the roof sheets to inspect for signs of fire spread.

The source of ignition for this fire was from cooking and heating during outside entertaining. With this type of activity set to increase during the following months, please take care where you are lighting BBQs and be aware of the surrounding area.

Access to this was made possible thanks to 521, the compact appliance. Crews were able to get close to the incident by navigating through the narrow drive entrance and around the back gardens, where a standard fire appliance would’ve struggled.

📷 HWFIRE Leominster

These units were not empty for long!

'Amazing Asia' is due to open within the next 3 months at the Hereford Old Market Shopping Centre

The restaurant is to occupy the former Prezzo building and boasts that over 80 items of Indian and Thai cuisine will be available on the menu.

More 'Positive News' for a brighter 'Positive Hereford' with even more shops and eateries opening over the summer.

Herefordshire Council teams have recently completed a programme of resurfacing and drainage works on the C1095 - Tillington in Herefordshire.

The roads look a lot better.

Who remembers the Launderette on the Belmont Road?

The launderette eventually moved to St Martin's Street Hereford in 2012 and the former building become home to Shire Stoves.

The building has this week been demolished to make way for a new project, another local landmark disappears.

Herefordshire Council are helping you to stay safe while casting your vote in this May's elections

On Thursday 6 May residents in Herefordshire will go to the polls to have their say on who represents them at the Police and Crime Commissioners elections, plus various local by-elections and Neighbourhood Planning Referendums.

While the elections are not until May, they’re already making plans to help you stay safe while casting your vote. 

There are a number of ways to have your say in the elections in May - you can vote in a polling station, by post, or by appointing someone you trust to vote on your behalf, which is known as a proxy vote.

Colette Maund, Electoral Services Manager for Herefordshire said:

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‘’We’re thinking about these elections now so that, however you choose to cast your vote in May, you can do so safely. We’re putting arrangements in place to help you stay safe at the polling station; you can expect many of the measures you’ve become used to in shops and banks over recent months, such as hand sanitiser, floor markings and face masks. But you also have the option to apply to vote by post or by proxy’’

Ailsa Irvine, Director of Electoral Administration and Guidance at the Electoral Commission said:

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“The choice on how to vote at this May’s elections is yours – you can have your say in person, by post or by proxy.

“If you’re thinking about voting by post, you can apply now. This will make sure your application is processed early, and your postal vote can be sent to you more quickly. It’s easy to apply and you can find out how by visiting the Electoral Commission website.

“You need to be registered to vote in order to have a say at the elections – the easiest way to register is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote”

 

Residents can visit the FAQ page on the Herefordshire Councils website at www.herefordshire.gov.uk/forthcomingelections to find out more about the elections on 6 May. The page will be updated with new information as it becomes available. Any residents who have questions can also contact their local elections team at elections@herefordshire.gov.uk or by phoning 01432 260107.

Statement on behalf of Claire Ward, Clerk to the Lieutenancy of Herefordshire:

“The councillors and officers of Herefordshire Council are deeply saddened at the news of the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh.

“The Duke of Edinburgh was the longest-serving royal consort in British history, and a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Thank you on behalf of Herefordshire to The Duke of Edinburgh for your devoted service to the UK and the Commonwealth.

“Our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this time.”

Statement on behalf of Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant, Edward Harley OBE:

“I am very sad to hear the news regarding His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.

“HRH has been a pillar of strength to The Monarchy, dedicating his life to supporting Her Majesty The Queen in her duties.

“The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which has offered opportunities to thousands of young people, is just one of his many lasting legacies.

“HRH has been a hugely positive and encouraging influence in so many fields.

“My thoughts are with Her Majesty and all the members of The Royal Family at this very sad time.”

Statement on behalf of Councillor Sebastian Bowen, Chairman of Herefordshire Council:

“It is with great sadness that we observe the passing of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. Our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this sad time. The flags across the county are being flown at half-mast as a sign of our greatest respect, and there will be books of remembrance located throughout Herefordshire to commemorate and celebrate fond memories of Prince Philip throughout his life.

“We first welcomed The Duke of Edinburgh to Herefordshire in 1957 when he accompanied the Queen on her first visit to the county as Queen and they have both visited us on several occasions since then. The last occasion was their visit on 11 July 2012 during Her Majesty’s celebration of her Diamond Jubilee, which will be a permanent memory for the people of Herefordshire. The Duke has always been such a marvellous consort to the Queen throughout the decades, helping to make the world envious of the British monarchy, which is without equal.

“The Duke of Edinburgh, when a young Naval Officer stationed on Malta was introduced to Polo by Lord Mountbatten, who was a great exponent of the game and wrote a classic manual on Polo. The Duke became a fine player with a very good handicap of four. He was a member of many winning teams. After Polo, the Duke took up Carriage Driving, very successfully. He was skilled, brave and very determined and won many Championships and represented Great Britain. He drove a team of the Queen's ponies to many successes. His enthusiastic participation greatly raised the profile of Carriage Driving.

“We owe The Duke a great debt of gratitude for the way he dedicated his life to be at the Queen’s side at thousands of visits in their service of our country and the whole of the Commonwealth. The way he supported the nation’s young people mature into responsible adulthood through his innovative Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme was a marvellous inspiration for many young people. I know that The Duke of Edinburgh Scheme has changed, greatly for the better, the lives of thousands of young people and taught them to believe in themselves and to learn that serving other people is the greater glory.

“He will be sorely missed, not only by the Royal family and his friends, but also by the nation as a whole.”