As shops re-open, people return to work and more people visit Hereford and the market towns, the government has asked local authorities to introduce temporary measures that give pedestrians and cyclists the space they need to maintain social distancing and travel safely. 

The measures, which will include using temporary barriers and signage to widen footways, some timed or partial road closures and dedicated cycle lanes, will allow more space to walk and cycle in busy areas. Speed reductions to 20mph on some streets will help pedestrians and cyclists feel safer where road space is shared.

The temporary measures, which are being introduced week beginning 20 July, are being funded by government Emergency Active Travel Funding, which has allocated £20,000 to Herefordshire to promote walking and cycling for short and local journeys. The temporary nature of the measures will allow them to be reviewed and additional funding is expected in the coming months to install further measures.

Cllr John Harrington, Cabinet member infrastructure and transport, explains:

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“During lockdown lots of people took the opportunity to travel locally in a different way, with a huge number choosing to walk or cycle instead of using their cars for short distances. This made a big difference to congestion, to people’s health and to general feeling of wellbeing and quality of life. In our City and towns it was fantastic to see people choosing to leave their cars at home if they could and use their bikes or feet. It was particularly nice to see more families cycling together, feeling safer with the reduced traffic.

“As the restrictions are lifted we want to provide as much space to cyclists and pedestrians as possible to encourage them to continue with that and to free up pavements for safe queuing and distancing. We want people to feel relaxed when they come into town and to spend more time and money within our towns and City. It is important that we can adapt how we use space to support this.

“We’ve consulted with the City and town councils and local businesses and amended some of our initial proposals as a result of their feedback. Now is a good time for everyone to consider how they travel locally and what is better not just for our road network around Herefordshire but what is good for us and the planet. There will be further active travel measures considered over the summer.”

Full details including location maps are available on the Herefordshire Council website HERE

The temporary measures being introduced to provide more space for pedestrians and cyclists are:

Hereford

Cycle lanes on Newmarket St, Blueschool St, Commercial Rd, Ledbury Rd (uphill

Extended timed closure in High Town and Widemarsh St – 10.30am – 5.30pm

Closure of Old Wye Bridge except cycles and buses northbound

Closure of Aubrey St at junction with King Street

Parking suspension on Broad Street (west Green Dragon side), King St (south Spread Eagle side) and Bridge St (east Left Bank side)

Shared use footway on Station Approach

Extended 20mph zone (see map for exact area)

Bromyard

Footway widening on High Street and New Road

Suspension of some parking bays

20mph zone town-wide (see map for exact area)

Ledbury

On way on Woodleigh Rd except cycles

20mph zone town-wide (see map for exact area)

Leominster

Timed closure (except cycles) on High St, Victoria St, Corn St and Corn Square 10am-1pm Mon – Sat

20mph zone town-wide (see map for exact area)

Kington

Moderated traffic speed on High St

20mph zone town-wide (see map for exact area)

Ross on Wye

Moderated traffic speed through the town centre

20mph zone town-wide (see map for exact area)

Hereford_active_travel_response_map.pdf

Bromyard_active_travel_response_map.pdf

Kington_active_travel_response_map.pdf

Ledbury_active_travel_response_map.pdf

Leominster_active_travel_response_map.pdf

Ross_on_Wye_active_travel_response_map.pdf

Antisocial Behaviour: This is the Spur Retail Park in Holmer Road Hereford this morning.

This is the mess that is here virtually every morning from people’s behaviour from the night before. 

West Mercia Police / Hereford Cops should be handing out regular fines to each of these culprits. 

This is not something new either, this has been going on for a few years.

This is quite frankly disgusting behaviour, why can’t people gather quietly and dispose of their litter properly? We even have wooden pallets being thrown around the car park now..

Please Note: After we took these photographs and video we collected all the litter and put it in the bin correctly and the pallets were also removed and put in a safe area. Herefordshire Council

Horse dies as a result of eating grass cuttings.

Thursday 30th July, in the Hampton Bishop area we have had a report that someone put grass cuttings into a horse’s field. Unfortunately this has resulted in the Horse loosing is life on the 2nd August. 

But why?
The grass cuttings begin fermenting almost as soon as they are cut and the horses will gorge on them as they are so palatable, causing a build-up of gas in the Horses stomach.
As horses have a one-way stomach valve, they are unable to vomit or even burp to relieve the pressure. The gases given off by the fermenting cuttings can expand to the point where they rupture the stomach, causing an agonising death.

Choking hazard
As the grass cuttings have been finely chopped up, horses won’t need to chew as much or at all before swallowing the grass. This results in the horse gorging on the pile of cuttings and therefore eating large amounts very quickly. The cuttings can compact and become lodged in the horse’s throat, causing them to choke. 

Poisonous Plants
There are many plants that are poisonous to horses. These could be mowed up along with the grass cuttings which may cause the horse additional harm. Depending on the plant, the range of problems include severe diarrhea, liver damage, collapse or even death. 

Although feeding horses may seem harmless, your kindness may kill!

https://www.bhs.org.uk/…/horse-health-and-si…/grass-cuttings

The Leader of Herefordshire Council has welcomed a multi-million pound investment into the county, announced by Government and allocated by the Marches LEP.

More than 700 new jobs and 300 homes are to be created across the Marches region as part of the Government’s Getting Building Fund (GBF), and three of the six projects that will benefit are in Herefordshire. 

Planning applications for housing and employment sites in the north of Herefordshire are being delayed because of the elevated level of phosphates in the River Lugg catchment area. As part of the Integrated Constructed Wetlands project, up to 8 wetland sites can be built adjacent to sewage treatment works in the River Lugg catchment area to lower the phosphate levels, creating up to 500 jobs by unlocking development potential for 1,385 homes whilst also delivering strong environmental benefits through these rich bio diversity habitats. The money from the Marches LEP will add a further £1m to this project to add to the funds already earmarked by the Council.  

The council’s refurbishment of the historic centre of Hereford will also benefit from a £3m investment in the streetscape with high quality materials as part of a masterplan to ensure Hereford is vibrant and supports businesses creating new opportunities for visitors and retailers. Again this will add to the funds already earmarked for this project by the Council.

Accelerated funding will also speed up the Skylon Park Campus Development, which is a pivotal component of NMiTE, and will create 26 jobs, 100 construction jobs and 200 new learning opportunities.Cllr David Hitchiner, Leader of Herefordshire Council, said:

Quote

 

“We are very pleased to hear of the new funding that is being allocated by the Marches LEP to support several projects in the county. Overall the Integrated Constructed Wetlands project will unlock 1,300 potential homes in the county by lowering the phosphate levels in the River Lugg. This means that as well as providing housing potential and creating 500 new jobs, the project will deliver upon the council’s strong commitment to maintaining and improving the environment.

“A further £3m and £1.6m respectively, will contribute to our city centre refurbishment works and the exciting development of campus facilities on Skylon Park. The historic core of Hereford will benefit, with investment to ensure the city is a vibrant and attractive place to work and visit, creating new opportunities for businesses and retailers, and raising the profile of the city as a tourist destination. Skylon Park, meanwhile, is a pivotal component of NMiTE and the additional funding will speed up the delivery of over 100 new jobs and cutting edge learning opportunities for 200 new learners.

“The investment is great news for our local economy which, like the rest of the country, is still working hard to mitigate and overcome the impact of Covid-19.”

 

In The Guardian 6th August 2020

England's planning reforms will create 'generation of slums'

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(extract)

The biggest shake-up of planning for decades has caused fury that moves to fast-track the construction of “beautiful” homes across England will “dilute” democratic oversight, choke off affordable housing and lead to the creation of “slum” dwellings.

Under the proposals, unveiled on Thursday, planning applications based on pre-approved “design codes” would get an automatic green light – eliminating a whole stage of local oversight within designated zones.

Land across England would be divided into three categories – for growth, renewal or protection – under what Robert Jenrick, the housing secretary, described as “once in a generation” reforms to sweep away an outdated planning system and boost building.

New homes, hospitals, schools, shops and offices would be allowed automatically in “growth” areas. In “renewal” zones, largely urban and brownfield sites, proposals would be given “permission in principle” subject to basic checks. Green belt and areas of outstanding natural beauty would be protected.

While the proposed changes are likely to appeal to developers, they prompted stinging criticism from housing charities, planning officers and architects who warned of a new generation of fast and substandard housing.

Boris can move quickly when there is money to be made. Robert Jenrick's got form in helping out his friends developing sites in London. Wait for the free for all with the developers, the council and housing associations building everywhere, especially on the open spaces enjoyed by residents. More blight for the future as these bodies can't look after what they have already got. Interesting to hear the Civic Society views on this one.

The Earl heard about the council’s response to flooding and Covid-19

Herefordshire Council was delighted to be joined by His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex for his first ever virtual Royal Visit on Wednesday 22 July.

The visit was hosted by Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire, The Dowager Countess of Darnley. The Earl was keen to hear about the experiences of children, adults and communities and hard work of schools, services and Herefordshire Council staff, partners and volunteers who have provided support during the Covid-19 pandemic and local flooding events.

There have been many unexpected changes to teaching and delivering services over the first half of the year. The Earl learned about the impact of these changes on children, young people and adults, and staff.  The Earl also heard about the strong and resilient relationships between the council, schools, partners and volunteers.

The Earl met with staff who have supported vulnerable children and young people through the pandemic, two head teachers shared how their schools have adapted. He met with children from Weobley School and listened to poems they had written about their lockdown experiences. Mariam Njeri, a young person with care experience, read her poignant poem about life under lockdown.

Chris Baird, Director of Children and Families said:

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“It was an honour to welcome His Royal Highness to Herefordshire and to showcase how children and young people in Herefordshire have responded and the fantastic work that has continued by the staff in the county during a very difficult time. To show how we were able to adapt but continue our support, especially to our most vulnerable children and young people is a testament to the county’s commitment to them all.”

The Earl was then introduced to the adults and communities services and heard about Talk Community which has provided support to the most vulnerable during lockdown. Wendy Carter shared her experiences of volunteering as a ‘shield buddy’ during lockdown, which provided extra support for clinically vulnerable people . He then met partners from HVOSS, Vennture and other community leaders who have worked with the council to provide ongoing support to vulnerable people.

Stephen Vickers, Director of Adults and Communities said:

Quote

“It was a great opportunity for our staff, partners and volunteers to explain to His Royal Highness the difficulties faced in Herefordshire over the last six months due to the flooding and pandemic. But it was also fantastic to highlight the partnership working between agencies and amazing people in Herefordshire who stepped up to volunteer.”

RTC involving large goods vehicle carrying farm feed and a tractor/trailer carrying potatoes. 

The A449 Beefeater towards Ledbury and at Fownhope turning, Ross on Wye bound from Ledbury. 

Photo courtesy of Ross-on-Line

People have been treated by West Midlands Ambulance Service. Both drivers had a lucky escape. Ross on Wye Fire Station and Whitchurch Fire Station crews have both assisted with significant fuel leaks which were prevented from entering drains using environmental grab packs and soil. 

Road will remain closed for some time while they await recovery of vehicles.

Police Appeal: Did you see an altercation on Wednesday at 1.50pm near to WHSmiths in Broad Street, Ross on Wye?

Two men were involved in a psychical and verbal altercation. If you have info call West Mercia Police on 101 quoting 335 I 29072020 or contact Crimestoppers

Young car drivers gather most nights on the Spur Retail Park Holmer Road Hereford. (Halfords | Dunelm | Hobbycraft | Maplin) most of the time they are sat in the car park in their cars.

Gates were installed only a few months ago and it is down to the last manager to leave the park to lock the gates. This happened during the first few weeks only and now the gates never appear to be locked at night. 

These drivers sit there for hours and just throw all of their rubbish out onto the floor, this is disgusting! There are bins provided so there is really no excuse. 

It would be good to catch the culprits and have them prosecuted, I have already taken a few photographs and logged number plates.

BBC Local News 30th July:

Free hospital parking to come to an end

Free parking at hospitals in Herefordshire comes to an end on Saturday.

It will affect the car parks at the County Hospital in Hereford as well as the community hospitals in Bromyard, Leominster and Ross-on-Wye.

The free car parking was introduced at the start of coronavirus lockdown in March.

Safeguarding support for Herefordshire's vulnerable children and young people has continued throughout the pandemic

The Children’s Commissioner for England, Anne Longfield, recently released a report “Teenagers Falling Through The Gaps” highlighting concerns for children and young people who were already vulnerable and falling through gaps in the UK’s school and social care system, before the pandemic. The report rightly focuses on how vulnerable children and young people can now be more vulnerable due to the impact of the lockdown and COVID19. 

I acknowledge the content of the report and I feel it is important to highlight the work of the council and our partners to safeguard Herefordshire’s children and young people. 

The wellbeing of children and young people is our core priority.  Working closely with our partners and children and young people themselves, we have created a Children and Young People’s Plan which lays out a multi-agency approach to the safety of the children and young people living in the county.  Our multi agency safeguarding measures enable support to be in place to keep vulnerable children and young people in education, guide them towards employment and protect them from the risks of domestic abuse, poor mental health, substance misuse, crime and exploitation.

During the recent lockdown these multi-agency safeguarding measures have continued to operate and have responded to any safeguarding concerns received regarding any child or young person in Herefordshire.  The council’s social work teams, family support and early help services have quickly adopted new ways of working to ensure that support has continued across the county for children and families that needed our services.  In April the council introduced a new ‘Edge of Care’ service to work with children and young people and their families to either prevent the child entering into care or to enable them to leave care services and live back within their family network.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the partners involved in the care of Herefordshire children and young people and to the staff who have embraced their new ways of working during this pandemic to ensure that support services have continued.  I would also like to thank the children, young people and their families themselves, who have shown immense strength during these difficult times and have adapted to the changes in their lives under extraordinary circumstances.

I recognise that the effects of COVID-19 and the lockdown are significant and serious. This includes reduced opportunities for employment. It is something that as cabinet we are focusing on as part of our work, particularly with regard to young people and those who are vulnerable.

At this present time we are not sure how the future will look, but along with our partners Herefordshire Council, through the Safeguarding Children and Young People in Herefordshire Partnership will continue to work to ensure that we stay connected to the vulnerable children and families in our local communities and they can be assured that the wellbeing support will be there for them when they need it.  

Our complete and utmost respect shout out goes to 📣TJ Baldwin Burghill. 

TJ Baldwin has resurfaced the BMX track in Hereford totally FREE of charge! Yes FREE! We cannot think of many that would give up 2 weeks or their time for such a project.

The track originally cost £80,000 when first installed, so a massive THANK YOU to Tony and Kev who deserve our absolute appreciation for this fantastic work that they have taken time out to complete. 👏👏👏

Thanks also to 👉 Councillor Sue Boulter who fought for most of the funding, we understand £3,200 came from the Hereford City Council and the rest was topped up from the local group that she runs, so thank you! Councillors rarely receive recognition so credit where credit is due.

This year has been a challenging year for many people so it is fabulous to be able to share such good positive news, please SHARE this news with your friends too. 👏

The Guardian - Sun 26 Jul 2020

Coronavirus outbreak at Shropshire caravan park confirmed

Twenty-one new cases of Covid-19 have been identified at the site in Craven Arms

The council fears the number of cases at the site, which is in the town of Craven Arms, will continue to rise before infection control measures start to take effect.

All residents at the site who have come into contact with one of the people who have tested positive have been asked to self-isolate with their households for 14 days.

The 21 people who tested positive for coronavirus were asked to self-isolate for at least seven days from the time they started showing symptoms or from when they received their positive test result.

A testing centre has now been set up on a nearby business park, and everyone living on the site has been offered a test.

The centre will be open for the next two weeks between 10.30am and 3.30pm and those living nearby can book a test online via NHS Test and Trace or by ringing 119.

A playground close to the caravan park has also been closed to help reduce social contact and the risk of transmission.

Visitors are welcome with a brand new exhibition, The Two Thomases.

Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 3 pm

• The Cathedral kindly ask that if you are displaying any symptoms of Covid-19 that you refrain from visiting the Cathedral
• To access the Mappa Mundi & Chained Library, visitors will be asked to arrive at the main entrance of the Cathedral and follow the one-way system through the building into the Chapter House Garden. 
• There will be a hand sanitising station at the entrance to the exhibition that they ask all visitors to use before entering 
• Staff will be taking a name and contact number or email from one person in each party to support with NHS Test and Trace
• Limiting numbers of visitors into the exhibition to support with social distancing. On arrival at the Mappa Mundi & Chained Library, you may be asked to wait at the door as other visitors move through the exhibition. 
• To support with the one-way system and to prevent crowding, they have opened the cloister doors at the end of the exhibition so that visitors will exit to the West End of the Cathedral. 
• Currently, visitors do not need to book tickets in advance of their visit. Instead these can be purchased on the day from the member of staff at the Exhibition entrance. Card, cash or smartphone payments, but cards are preferable if possible. 
• The one-way route through the Mappa Mundi & Chained Library is easy to follow, but one of their volunteers may ask you to wait outside the Mappa Mundi chamber for other visitors to move on to ensure everyone’s visit is comfortable. 
• Volunteers will be welcoming visitors to the exhibition and helping to control visitor numbers. You are kindly asked that visitors respect social distancing guidelines throughout their visit. 
• Unfortunately they are unable to distribute any leaflets or interpretation literature within the exhibition at this time. Information can be found online here and a range of books and souvenirs are available to purchase from the Cathedral Shop. 
• The touchscreens may be unavailable for use to avoid any health risks 
• If you are looking to plan a larger group visit with individuals from outside of your household or bubble, you are kindly asked that you contact the Cathedral Office (office@herefordcathedral.org) in advance so that they can support your visit.

Full details can be found on the Cathedral website 

The new timber walkway construction on the embankment of Belmont Pools (to improve the safety of pedestrians/cyclists across the causeway) has now been completed and looks fabulous! 

We originally broke this story back in April on our Facebook Page here but forgot to add it to our forums, so here are the photographs we took at the time.

Does anyone have any history on the Belmont Pools? There are more than two, if you walk through the woods there were always a few other smaller pools although there only appears to be one small one now, so 3 in total. 

 Do we know who owns them or who owns the land etc?...

We have received any enquiry from a local Herefordian who is interested in the history so any information or old photographs would be appreciated.

West Mercia Police’s approach is in in line with the approach outline by NPCC Chair, Martin Hewitt. being in line with the statement from the NPCC Chair…Chief Superintendent Sue Thomas said:

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“As you will be well aware new legislation around face coverings is now place.  As our public engagement approach has proven successful within our communities thus far we will continue to explain and encourage first and foremost and issue fines only as a last resort.

“As I’m sure the public will understand we will not be responding to general reports we receive of people not wearing face coverings. However, we will of course be there if people refuse to leave a premises or where there are concerns around public order and our local policing teams will be engaging with local businesses over the coming days.

“You will be able to report breaches to us online and we will use this information to help us identify if there are key problem locations so that we can support those business.”

 

West Mercia Police are appealing for any information and any witnesses to come forward following a fatal road traffic collision in Hereford.

Between 11.30pm and 3am, the car which had two occupants inside, was travelling between Mordiford and Dormington and appears to have left the road at Clay Hill Pit in Hereford. The car has finally settled in a roadside orchard.

Tragically, a 23 year old man and a 17 year old girl inside the car were killed.

Chief Inspector Edd Williams said: “Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of both victims at this extremely difficult time.

“An investigation is underway to establish the circumstances of the collision. If you have any information please call us on 101 and quote incident number 184 of 24 July 2020.