Officers are appealing for witnesses and information after a man died following a collision in Hereford.

Police received reports in the early hours of this morning (Sunday 8 October) that a man was left seriously injured on Holme Lacy Road following a collision with a vehicle.

Despite the efforts of paramedics the man, aged in his 50s, was pronounced dead at the scene.

While the cause of death has yet to be fully established, the man is believed to have been struck by a vehicle causing him to suffer fatal injuries.

Detective Inspector Mel Reynolds said: “This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with the man's family at this incredibly difficult and upsetting time.

“Our enquiries are continuing and we’re particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have seen the man, or were themselves in the vicinity, of Rotherwas Industrial Estate towards Holme Lacy Road after 1am on Sunday morning.

“We would also like to speak to anyone who may have dash-cam footage, or who may have witnessed any vehicles, or people in the area acting suspiciously during this time.”

Anyone who has any information is urged to email PC Jonathan Lynes on jonathan.lynes@westmercia.police.uk quoting incident 68i of Sunday 8 October, 2023.

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

Local MP Jesse Norman has hailed the opening of the new Hereford cycle track as "a massive boost to the county and the community".

Jesse has backed the cycle track from its very inception as an early financial supporter, as Member of Parliament for Hereford, as a member of the Stronger Towns Fund board, and as Transport minister responsible for cycling and active travel.

Commenting, Jesse said:

"I vividly recall being hit up by Jim Kenyon for a non-trivial financial donation to support the cycle track in its earliest days! So it is such a joy to see it become a reality today.

"Massive thanks to Jim for his early vision and to all those over the years who have made it possible. It is so fitting that my friend the great Chris Boardman, Chair of Sport England, was able to come and open it.

"This is just the first of a whole set of local projects that will be coming on stream over the next year or so, thanks to our £22.4 million Stronger Towns Fund win in 2021. It is all really exciting, for the city and the county alike."

The Care Quality Commission visited Hereford County Hospital earlier this year and carried out a focused inspection on Maternity Services.

Something to shout about - Amie Symes, front row in the red dress, with colleagues after hearing news of the CQC’s “Good” rating for Maternity Services

The report, published today, praises the staff who the inspectors say were working “incredibly hard” to deliver a high standard of care to those using their services.

They added that they found a “well-respected and supportive leadership team” in the maternity service with skills and experience to run the service well.

Amie Symes, the Trust’s Associate Director of Midwifery, said: “We’re delighted to receive the CQC report which highlights overall improvements in our maternity service, and in particular the rating improvement to ‘good’ in how well-led the service is.

“We’re incredibly proud of our wonderful maternity team, working with dedication, enthusiasm and pride to achieve these improvements. We are fortunate to benefit from a highly skilled and experienced multi-disciplinary team across a range of specialities including midwifery, obstetrics, paediatrics, anaesthetics and theatres, and the improvements made are a testament to the team’s hard work and commitment to the service.”

She added that by working closely with, and listening to, service users had enabled the team to develop the kind of services local people want.

“Developing strong relationships with our service users through the Maternity Voices Partnership has enabled them to influence and shape our priorities. This, coupled with the implementation of local and national recommendations, has facilitated improvements to care provision.

“While the report identifies that the safe domain ‘requires improvement,’ we are committed and making good progress towards our quality improvement objectives.

“Our staff pride themselves on providing exceptional and compassionate care to women, babies and their families who access our service, and this remains our priority.”

Jane Ives, the Trust’s Managing Director, said: “Our excellent maternity team deserves this recognition.

“They have worked very hard to continually improve the service to women and families. Listening to the users of the service and responding to feedback, as well as implementing clinical best practice, latest research and national guidelines.

“Our next ambition as a Trust is to be rated as “good” overall, and this rating is a further step in this direction.

“We shall look closely at the full report and continue to closely monitor the service to further improve the quality of service we are offering our local communities.”
 

A spokesperson for Hoople said;

"We are delighted to announce that we have recently completed the purchase of a new head office building which will bring together more of our teams under one roof, with enhanced facilities for our colleagues, students, training delegates and visitors. Refurbishment work is underway at the former Conexus building on Legion Way in Hereford to provide flexible office spaces and state of the art meeting and training rooms, as well as comfortable indoor and outdoor break spaces. We are looking forward to relocating in early 2024.

To be in a position to purchase our own building is testament to the hard work and commitment of our teams and the leadership of our Board. Hoople now has over 600 employees providing a diverse portfolio of services. We have come a long way since Hoople’s inception in 2011, and the new building will allow for further growth and development"

Consultation to focus on Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) in St Owen's Street

Herefordshire Council is encouraging local people to take part in a consultation around the details of improved measures for cyclists and pedestrians in St Owen's Street, Hereford.

An earlier consultation on whether to introduce the contraflow proved that there is strong support for the proposed scheme. This consultation does not revisit that question but is a necessary next stage in the process where Herefordshire Council is legally required to consult on elements of the scheme.

The St Owen's Street cycle contraflow scheme will create a safer cycle route from the east of the city, promoting sustainable and active travel, while at the same time improving safety for pedestrians and motorists.

The scheme is part of ongoing improvements in Hereford city centre to create a more attractive environment for residents, visitors, shoppers, workers and local businesses, encouraging people into the city and ensuring they have a great experience when they are there.

As part of the work to introduce the scheme, Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) are required, which in turn requires a statutory consultation. The changes to the TRO cover the permitting of cyclists to travel in both directions on the one-way street, adjustments to parking, loading and bus stop layouts to incorporate the physical features of the scheme, and the introduction of areas of raised carriageway on St Owen's St.

Cllr John Harrington, cabinet member infrastructure and transport said: “In these difficult times it is more important than ever to support businesses with measures that will promote the economic success of the city. The proposed improvements in St Owen's Street will hopefully be a boost to our measures to allow people to use alternatives to the car to travel into and through the City. Contraflows can decrease journey times for cyclists compared to those travelling by car by providing more direct, safer, travel routes, and can also reduce inappropriate cycling on the pavement.

“We are asking for the views of local people around the specific details of the Traffic Regulation Orders, which are vital components of the street layout that will allow us to implement the scheme in the most effective way.”

The consultation starts on 19 May 2022, and runs to 16 June 2022.

People can find full details and take part in the consultation via the Herefordshire Council website.

Alternatively, if you are unable to complete the online form, you can post a written response to: BBLP St Owen's St Consultation, Balfour Beatty Living Places, Unit 3 Thorn Business Park, Rotherwas Industrial Estate, Hereford, HR2 6JT.

Responses to this consultation must be received on or before 16 June 2022.

If you require any further information on this scheme, please contact by email: StOwensSt@balfourbeatty.com.

Fabulous progress and well done to the team at Vision Building and Development

Can't wait to get our Hereford LIVE New HD Camera back online at the fabulous Pavilion venue.

P
Photographs courtesy of Vision Building and Development

An investment of up to £2.4m is set to be made by Herefordshire Council to boost capacity for children with Special Educational Needs at a school in Hereford.

The cash injection will be made at Hampton Dene Primary School’s Language and Communication Centre to provide an additional two classrooms, toilets, support space and outdoor area to face up to soaring demand for spaces.

The centre which was built to provide education for 32 children is currently running over capacity and the new investment will mean a further 16 spaces are available to improve educational outcomes for children with special educational needs.

The new expansion will also include a community and meeting room to help integrate the children into the centre with the school set to add a financial contribution towards the cost of this facility.

Cabinet member for Children and Young People Cllr Ivan Powell said: “This incredibly important expansion is a key element of our ongoing work to make sure there is high quality and sustainable specialist educational accommodation for children and young people in Herefordshire.”

Cabinet member for Community Services and Assets Cllr Harry Bramer said: “This is an area of considerable growth. This excellent centre was originally established to cater for up to 32 children. It has been at full capacity since 2018 and is now offering specialist support for more children than ever as the need continues to rise. This investment means the centre can rise to the challenge of these increasing numbers and offer excellent educational opportunities for more children.”

The investment will come from High Needs Provision Capital Grant and forms part of the Council’s Capital Investment Strategy.

The increased provision at Hampton Dene follows investment earlier this year to provide four new autism hubs at Leominster Primary School, St Weonards Primary School, Earl Mortimer College, and Aylestone High School.

The former nurse will not face further action on another five counts of attempted murder that a jury failed to reach verdicts on.

She will not face further action on another five counts of attempted murder that a jury failed to reach verdicts on.

A provisional trial date has been fixed for 10 June next year, and is expected to last two to three weeks.

Letby was found guilty in August of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder six other infants while working on the neonatal unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital between June 2015 and June 2016.

The 33-year-old was given a whole-life prison sentence for each offence she committed.

She has filed a formal appeal against her convictions - but a date is yet to be set for any potential hearing.

#HerefordVoice | #HerefordNews | #Hereford | #Herefordshire

A report outlining current financial pressures and the measures being taken to address them is to be considered by Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet

Like many other councils across the country, Herefordshire Council is experiencing significant budget pressures as it faces rising costs due to inflation, the cost of fuel,  and the continuing impact of increasing demand for adult and children’s social care.

A report to the council’s Cabinet meeting on 28 September sets out the first financial forecast of 2023/24 of a projected overspend of £13.5m and outlines initial actions expected to reduce this to £9.5m. Further action is needed to respond to the financial challenges the council is facing and ensure spending is within the resources available.

The council has a revenue budget of £193.3m in 2023/24 to deliver services, which includes £20m of planned savings to balance the books. The most significant budget pressure is in children and young people’s services (£10.6m) where a programme of improvement is underway.

The council will need to focus on the most essential activities and priorities if it is to balance the budget.

There are services the council must continue such as delivering statutory services (services the council is legally obliged to deliver), maintaining health and safety of staff, residents and businesses; and fulfilling contractual obligations.

Areas where action is already being taken to address the cost pressures include restrictions on the purchase of non-essential items, a reduction in the number of interim and agency staff, restrictions on the recruitment of permanent staff.

A review of services is also underway to ensure the way they are delivered offers the best value for money.

To see the cabinet meeting papers click here

The GMB says it was informed by administrator PwC of the development on Monday morning. It comes after a rescue deal involving the owner of HMV collapsed.

All 400 branches of collapsed retailer Wilko will close by early October with the "likely" loss of all 12,500 jobs at the chain, according to the GMB.

Police officers are currently at a property in central Hereford after a body of a man was discovered yesterday (9 September).

Sadly, the man aged in his 70’s was pronounced dead at the scene and his death is currently being treated as unexplained.

Detective Chief Inspector Tony Garner said, “I know that seeing a lot of police officers can seem alarming, but I would like to thank the residents in this area for their patience whilst we carry out investigations”.

Anybody with any information is asked to contact West Mercia Police on 01432 347155

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

On my litter picks notice there is a new product on the streets. These contain nicotine and should not be sold to under 18s. They come in various flavours which appeal to the younger generation. The worst aspect of the packaging is the small rubber stopper to the container, which like the plastic drink bottle tops wash down the drain, although most drains are blocked and kerbs are overgrown. The manufacturers, Chinese and the marketeers, Romanian don't care and the local shop keepers display the products at the point of sale encouraging their use. The packaging warns users with a skull and crossbones graphic as part of its design.

Vaping packages and rubber stoppers

Plastic drinks bottle tops

📣 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 | 🧡 Today, we remember firefighters John Davies and David Morris who tragically lost their lives 30 years ago today, fighting one of the largest fires the city of Hereford has ever seen🧡

Firefighters John Davies from Leominster, 34, and David Morris from Hereford, 35, both died when they became trapped by a fallen ceiling at the factory. They were among the 130 firefighters who attended the fire at the old ‘Sun Valley’ factory on Grandstand Road, Hereford on the 6th September 1993.

At 11:44, exactly 30 years on from the time of the call about the fire, Hereford Fire Station crews will be holding a parade at the St Owen Street fire station. Then, at the Lady Arbour Gardens at Hereford Cathedral at 3pm, dignitaries including the mayors of Leominster and Hereford, the chairman and vice-chairman of Hereford & Worcester Fire Authority and the Chief Fire Officer will attend a memorial parade when a wreath will be placed at the memorial plaque.

 

📸 HWFRS

Further to our 👉 'Breaking News' article back in February where we revealed that 'Greggs' are potentially going to be opening a large café at Phantom House on Holme Lacy Road, Rotherwas Hereford.

Last week Mrs Sara Humphries on behalf of Greggs Plc submitted plans for;

Proposed two fascia signs, one projecting sign, one digital promotional screen, new shop front, awning, two air conditioning condenser units and two extract grilles.

A further planning application was also submitted;

Proposed two fascia signs, one projecting sign, one internal 55" digital promotional screen.

An Application for a Certificate of Lawfulness for a Proposed use to confirm the Lawfulness of the proposed occupation by Greggs PLC (Use Class E) has already been approved by Herefordshire Council here.

"Localised remodelling of office accommodation"

https://councillors.herefordshire.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?Id=9619

Whatever that means?

Firefighters from Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service are currently in attendance at the Hereford Factory in Holmer.

Hereford Voice understands that the cause of fire is a sub station at the factory. People have been evacuated.

Congratulations to Randy Langford for being awarded a BEM medal—an incredible 98-year-old volunteer with 30 years of service to St Michael's Hospice - Hereford!

A spokesperson for St Michael's Hospice - Hereford said;

"He’s an incredible force of positivity in our community and a role model to us all"

Read more https://ow.ly/v2cK50PGeLv 

Following a shattered elbow at the end of March I have been confined to the house, not able to drive, ride my bike and do little else except help my partner. Even she is getting cheesed off with me. All this came about after discovering a carving knife in an outside drain, which the police weren't interested in and deciding to tell a neighbour to be careful who they talk to, tripped over some spare tyres in the dark and caused the injury. However things are slowing improving with my physio and daily readings of the Slog.

All things move slowly, but we all hope for a better time to come. Our problems are caused by a minority of individuals on our planet who wish to control and coerce us into their way of thinking. I thought it would be interesting to look at the figures behind our state of affairs.

Quoting from various sources in 2022 the number of countries run by tyrannical dictators were 57 - surprisingly none by women. Definition of a dictator - the ruler of a land rated “Not Free” as in the site below:

https://planetrulers.com/current-dictators/
and
https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/dictatorship-countries

These people want to run affairs that suit them and their minions only and have total disregard for everyone else. This has resulted in mass migration of people who cannot exist in these countries and they have to flee to escape the ‘manual of repression’ shared by modern tyrants:

https://english.elpais.com/international/2023-07-20/the-manual-of-repression-shared-by-modern-tyrants.html

So the world is changing for the worst. With the exception of Mongolia there is no democracy from the EU borders to the Sea of Japan. Most of Africa is in the same boat (no pun intended).

Pushing people westwards, putting them up in hotels, military camps and now in floating bulwarks off our coast exasperates the future condition and opportunities for UK citizens who now have to integrate with these new boys on the block. At £6 million pounds a day to house the masses including criminals many tourists can't find a bed for the night and the money they could spend is ‎lost to the local economy.

As things progress we will probably end up being run by one global dictatorship possibly the United Nations. However who pulls the strings above this lot can only be assumed to be a Mafia.