Before you head for Ladbrokes on Monday morning, just run your eye down this race card to see if you can spot the winner.                      

David Davis  The first government Brexit Minister who should have seen it through to the end. Instead, there have been three further ministers.

Liam Fox  All anyone can remember about him is that he used to have a friend called Adam.

Michael Gove  Good at gurning. But gurning lost popularity in the era of the Victorian music hall.

Matt Hancock  His permanently vacant expression says it all: “Lights out, nobody home.”

Jeremy Hunt  The numpty with the Assad-like jug ears.

Savid Javid  The self-satisfied slaphead who chose to take his daughter on a £1700-a-night safari, instead of meeting Port Talbot steelworkers.

Boris Johnson  Now being described as ‘The pneumatic huckster’. That new haircut won’t garner many votes from the 1922 Committee.

Andrea Leadsom  Alleged Leader of the House who seems to have difficulty knowing which day of the week it is.

Dominic Raab  On 29 March he voted for the deal he had resigned from the Cabinet over in order to vote against it. Priceless.

Amber Rudd  The Home Secretary who couldn’t say how many Windrush  migrants were forcibly repatriated to the West Indies.

Gavin Williamson  Former fireplace salesman, being heavily tipped by the Daily Mail, who describes him as having “matinée idol good looks.”

With all the news at the moment highlighting knife crime and shootings how does it come to this? 

My theory is that organised high level crime is where it starts well before it gets to the kids on the street. I believe it is linked to illegal immigration. 

Imagine you want to get into the UK - unless you are a good swimmer or forger of documents you will be tempted to use a trafficking group who for thousands of pounds will get you across the channel. Arriving and secreted somewhere in the UK your traffickers know your illegal and say to you that in order to earn money to survive and pay them back for their services you carry drugs for them. Seems a good idea until you stray into someone else's patch. The health and safety advice is you need to protect yourself and the recommended form of defence is a knife. 

You are now have an established source of income and you like to spread the message so everyone can be enticed into have a piece of the cake. By getting children on board and setting up the county lines of distribution is when trouble at the local end begins. Kids involved talking to their friends on how easy it is to get a nice handout for introducing substances to the playground result in arguments and jealously. Jimmy Smith appears to be doing very well at the tuck shop and using a brand new smart phone in the playground. Soon our illegal immigrant is a human resources manager creating his own little empire. 

Arguments years ago at school revolved around bullying with name calling and the rare fisty cuffs when the gathered spectators would call out "fight fight", until a teacher appeared to bring the situation under control and the offenders marched off to the head teacher for a good flogging. Nowadays matters are sorted out after school hours on the street corner or in the local park with devastating consequences. No policemen to investigate who is involved, no community policemen looking after their patch, no Neighbourhood Watch operating - you are better off asking the local postman what is going on. Everyone is now on their own including the general public. 

All this can be reduced with proper border controls and we don't want the military helping out or it is going to be machine guns all round. The real problem is we have no idea who is actually here in the UK.

I have just been listening to the live stream from Full Council held yesterday at the Shire Hall in particular, the reactions from various Councillors about the alternative budget proposed by IOC.

Live Stream can be found here

At around 228 of the live stream Cllr Paul Rone speaks, during his brief response I notice that he says that if turning off the traffic lights is such a good revolutionary idea, then why has nobody else done it? Well actually Paul, quoting you using your own words from yesterdays meeting, "Seek Before You Speak"

Turning off traffic lights has been successful in several towns and cities, one that comes to mind is Portishead, check out the video below:

Portishead Traffic Lights

Furthermore, you suggest that nobody has done this other than Invercargill in New Zealand, you also suggest that this place has a mere population of 7,500 people, well actually you are wrong sir, it is almost as big as Hereford! 

Education Lesson below:

Quote

Invercargill is the 13th-most-populous city in New Zealand by population (50,800). The top 10 cities in New Zealand are: Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, Tauranga, Napier-Hastings, Dunedin, Palmerston North, Nelson, Rotorua.

Invercargill is the southernmost and westernmost city in New Zealand, and one of the southernmost cities in the world. It is the commercial centre of the Southland region.

You also say that it would be dangerous for pedestrians?? I am confused as there is no suggestion that any of the pedestrian traffic lights would be turned off at all, they would still be working, if this was given a trail and yes that is all we have ever asked for, a trial. Cllr. Rone also suggest that it would work for maybe 12 hours and then there would be mayhem? Again, we have video evidence much of which you will find on our youtube channel where the traffic lights have been out of order for several days and it is common knowledge that when these lights are out of service and using our words, the 'traffic just flows' in Hereford.

To suggest that the members commenting on here are irresponsible keyboard warriors is totally unfair, there has been a lot of research over the past 20 years including that of one of our members Martin Cassini, you can check out his credentials here

Martin Cassini on the One Show

Finally, you also ask why is nobody else doing this? Because people like you are all too quick to reject these proposals. Well as you can see above other towns and cities are doing this successfully or is your dismissal just down to the fact that this is not your or Cllr Edwards idea?

Cllr. Rone and Cllr. Edwards, I am passionate about our city and keen to explore all ideas that may eliminate the terrible daily congestion in Hereford, I just wish others would look and explore some of these ideas. 

Town Hall Rich List 2019

In 2017-18: 

There were at least 2,454 council employees who received total remuneration in excess of £100,000. That's 148 more than in 2016-17.

608 council employees earned over £150,000.

A total of 28 local authority employees received remuneration in excess of a quarter of a million pounds in 2017-18.

The local authority with the greatest number of employees receiving remuneration in excess of £100,000 was Essex council with 55 employees in total earning over this amount. Essex also had the highest number of employees earning over £150,000 at 13.

The TaxPayers' Alliance (TPA) presents the Twelfth Town Hall Rich List, the only comprehensive list of its kind, with council-by-council breakdown. Praised in the past by politicians from across different political parties, it is the go-to guide for local government executive pay deals. It details the full remuneration and many of the names of all local council employees whose remuneration exceeds £100,000.

Many senior managers at local authorities have performed well in tough financial times. There are many reports of residents seeing no difference in the services they receive despite the necessary savings being made. However, the Town Hall Rich List also showcases the executives who have overseen failing departments, or received bumper pay-offs after poor performance in the job.

THE REPORT

COUNCIL BY COUNCIL BREAKDOWN OF DATA

Salaries £278,603,551    
Expenses £1,106,790    
Bonuses £654,920    
Compensation £8,710,473    
Pension £38,528,461    
Total £329,948,787

Herefordshire's top 6"earnt" £713,500

Wonder how many of these were women.

I have now implemented phase II of our traffic lights campaign and that is in the form of a petition from the very start!

[Please note that this is totally separate to our lights out campaign. This petition deals only with the traffic lights at night]

Please read the petition and you can offer your support by simply signing it. 

#trafficlightshfd

Part-Time Traffic Lights Petition Here

Here are a few photographs taken along the river path opposite the Hereford Rowing Club this evening. 

Herefordshire Council has approved expenditure to invest £150k in improving car parking across the county.

The council operates 43 car parks throughout Herefordshire and as these are well used and important assets in local economies it is vital that they remain fit for our visitors and ensure continued growth countywide.

Herefordshire Council, as a member of the British Parking Association, considers factors such as accessibility and car safety as a priority when promoting the use of a car park in a local area.

The programme of enhancement works we are carrying out include works to improve signage and accessibility at Maylords car park, particularly for those parking with children – including 12 new parent/child spaces; Improving the car park surface and signage at Merton Meadow car park; Improvements to tackle anti-social behaviour and improve safety at Garrick Multi-Storey Car Park, as well as a new lighting system at the heavily used Plough Lane car parks.

Several car parks in locations throughout the county have also been identified as being in need of some minor enhancement, such as surface repairs, line markings or replacement drainage.

Chris Jenner, Assistant Director for Technical Services, said:

Quote

 

“The council is always striving to improve the general amenity of public car parks in a positive way for local communities. Car parks are an essential part of our vibrant local economic centres and it is critical that they are accessible, safe, convenient and easy to use.

“We are members of the British Parking Association and subscribe to the values of the Positive Parking Agenda, and so our priority with these works has been improving accessibility for parents and ensuring an environment where car park users feel safe.

“We are committed to improving your car parks, and we are delighted to announce this programme of works.”

 

Would you give up your car? I already have - only hire one when I need it to travel further afield.

Motorists will be paid up to £3,000 to leave their car at home and take a bus or ride a bike in government plan to cut congestion and air pollution

Motorists will be given cash credit for public transport and electric cars 
They will have to hand over their cars for a period in a bid to reduce emissions 
Trial, which will take place in Coventry, could be rolled out nationwide  

Drivers who promise to give up their cars will be given £3,000 a year as part of a scheme to reduce pollution.

A pilot scheme, which will be launched in Coventry, West Midlands, later this year, will see motorists given cash credits for public transport, electric car and bike hire.

Those who agree to leave their cars at home are set to gain as much as £3,000 a year, according to a report in The Times.  

The plans were approved by the West Midlands Combined Authority on Friday and will see credit added to a smart card with the aim of encouraging motorists to 'give up their private vehicles in exchange for a limited time period of support'.

Documents presented at the meeting said the aim was to 'stimulate a long-term sustainable shift in travel behaviour' among drivers, who will be asked to surrender their car for a period.

John Seddon, head of transport and innovation at Coventry City Council, told the newspaper around 100 people would initially take part in the trial, funded by a £20 million Department for Transport award.

'We see it as a variant of scrappage schemes of the past but rather than trading in an old car for a newer one, it is trading in the car for the ability to use other modes of transport,' he told the paper.

Ah I see a problem - "other modes of transport"

SETTING: Early morning in the kitchen of the Speaker’s Residence, Houses of Parliament.

Rt Hon J Bercow: “Sally dearest, I do wish you would come in properly attired. A torn pair of pink knickers bearing an unsmiling emoji across the crotch is hardly appropriate for the Speaker’s spouse. Anyway, what time did you get it?”

Mrs Bercow: “Just after 4.00 a.m. Is there any Merlot left?”

Bercow: “I think I’d switch to Nescafé if I was you. Can you please pass me that tool kit under the sink?” (The chimes of Big Ben striking 9 o’clock ring out, causing the whole kitchen to shudder. With difficulty, the Speaker’s wife delivers the heavy tool box.) Mr Bercow lifts its twin lids, mumbling to himself: “It HAS to be Imperial. Metric would never do!”

Mrs Bercow: (pouring herself the last of the Merlot): “What on earth are you on about, John?”

Bercow: (Furiously rummaging through the contents of the tool box): “I’m looking for the 16” adjustable with the chromed handle. I need it for tomorrow morning. Before the Prime Minister’s final Brexit statement.”

Mrs Bercow: “What are you planning to fix? My bathroom shower?”

Bercow: “I’m not planning to fix anything, my dear.” (Triumphantly waving aloft a large mole wrench.) “THIS is to be my final Spanner in the Works!”

I can't seem to post a comment on this topic in the Hereford Times today. I am not sure what it is that the HT do not like so I am posting the comment on here.

Quote

I feel that there should be a maximum prize of £10 milllion. There is only so much an individual needs to live on, the rest is wasted on meaningless bling usually suggested by family, friends and advisers. £70 million split across more winners (say 10), the money would enter the local area and stimulate the economy. One big winner will spend maybe £10 million and then be advised by the vultures in the city to put the rest in funds boosting their bonuses.

The net worth of the wealthiest 0.1% of Americans almost equals that of the bottom 90% combined.

The combined wealth of Zuckerberg ($62.3 billion), Bezos ($131 billion), Brin ($49.8 billion) and Page ($50.8 billion) is larger than the combined wealth of the bottom half of the American population.

Is this what we all wish for?

They have posted comments I have made concerning the above.

Leader of Herefordshire Council strives for continuity across the Cabinet portfolios 

Councillor Jonathan Lester, Leader of Herefordshire Council, has announced changes to Cabinet and support members today.

The Leader will continue to direct the council’s corporate policy and strategy and have overall budget responsibility. Councillor Roger Phillips will support the Leader’s national relationships, such as with the Local Government Association and County Council Network. Councillor Tony Johnson will support the Leader’s regional relationships, such as with the Midlands Engine.

Councillor Nigel Shaw will step up to Deputy Leader and represent the Leader of the Council in his absence. This will be in addition to his role as Cabinet Member for Finance, Housing and Corporate Services with a breadth of responsibility from leading the revenue and capital budget setting process, to wide-ranging corporate issues such as legal and democratic services, human resources and health and safety.

The Cabinet Member for Young People and Children’s Wellbeing will be Councillor Elissa Swinglehurst, who will focus on her responsibility for children and young people’s wellbeing, safeguarding, education and attainment.

Councillor David Harlow will continue as Cabinet Member for Economy and Communications with a focus on economic development and regeneration, and will now be supported by Councillor Jon Johnson.

Councillor Jonathan Lester, Leader of Herefordshire Council, said:

Quote

“Cabinet changes have been kept to a minimum to reflect the good work achieved by Members in the lead up to my election as Leader of the Council. I would like to welcome Councillor Swinglehurst to Cabinet, filling my previous role as Cabinet Member for Young People and Children’s Wellbeing. She is committed to keeping children and young people safe and giving them the best start in life and I look forward to seeing her leadership across the range of council children’s services.”

The full list of Cabinet Members and their support members as of 13 March 2018:

Councillor Jonathan Lester Leader of the Council / Corporate strategy and budget

National external liaison support: Councillor Roger Phillips

Regional external liaison support: Councillor Tony Johnson

Councillor Nigel Shaw

Deputy Leader / Finance, housing and corporate services
 

Councillor Harry Bramer 

Contracts and assets
 

Councillor David Harlow 

Economy and communications
 

Economy and communications support member: Councillor Jon Johnson

Councillor Paul Rone 

Health and wellbeing

Councillor Philip Price 

Infrastructure

Councillor Barry Durkin
Transport and regulatory services

Councillor Elissa Swinglehurst

Young people and children’s wellbeing

Young people and children’s wellbeing support member: Councillor Jenny Hyde

Some residents will see changes to their waste collection day from 18 March

There will be changes to the waste collection day or week for many Herefordshire residents from Monday 18 March.

Collection times across the county could be affected, so everyone’s bins should be put outside by 6.30am on collection day, or the evening before.

Herefordshire Council will write directly to residents who will see a change to their collection day, the majority of which are around the Ross and Ledbury areas.

Herefordshire Council has been working with FCC Environment to make collection routes more efficient, and to prevent missed collections. Very few changes to collection routes have been made since 2014 but many new properties have been built across the county since then so changes are needed. Collection areas have been grouped together to ensure that all the waste in that area is collected on one day, rather than over several days.

In the long term, this will mean that we reduce vehicle emissions and save fuel. The time saving also means there will be more flexibility to cope with seasonal changes in the amount of waste and recycling being collected, and create more capacity to allow for future housing developments.

Residents can check their bin collection days, download a collection calendar and find answers to further questions online at www.herefordshire.gov.uk/bincollection

Mrs Ubique has just phoned our Doctor to make an appointment which is not classed as urgent but needs to be seen fairly quickly . Some members will know that a couple of months ago she had surgery at the County.

The first available appointment they can offer her is the 26th July !

We are now driving upto the Drop in Centre at Asda - if she has to wait a couple of hours it's better that over 2 weeks.

The Secretary of State for Transport has confirmed the compulsory purchase and side road orders for the southern link road in Hereford.

The southern link road, which will be constructed from the A49 to the A465 and linking to the B4349 Clehonger Road, will provide easier access to the Hereford Enterprise Zone, and looks to reduce congestion on current routes and increase capacity at key junctions, bringing significant improvement especially to the Belmont and Lower Bullingham areas.

The construction of the new road will commence later this year when the necessary statutory process are completed and will be complemented by improved walking and cycling routes so that residents can make healthier choices about how they travel.

The confirmation of the orders has been received following the outcome of a public inquiry held in late October / early November 2018.

Copies of the confirmed orders and associated plans will be available to view from Thursday 21 March 2019 at Blueschool House in Hereford, HR1 2LX.  There is the opportunity to appeal the validity of the orders or the decision-making process (not the decision). Any appeal must be submitted by 16 May 2019.

It's coming up to 18 months since scaffolding appeared at the front of town hall, surely on such a significant building in Hereford this should have been sorted by now.

This and the scaffolding in high town my walk into town was pretty depressing & made worse by Talk Talk canvassers preying on every single person in their sight including me.

Does anyone know where this will be situated? I've heard conflicting things. One friend has said it's going in the former Lakeland shop on commercial street and another has said it's going in the former poundworld shop at the Brooks retail park. More entry level employment opportunities can only be good for Hereford 

Jobs advertised here

Two new businesses will be opening soon in the building formerly occupied by Chadds.

Coco Nail Bar is due to open this Friday and a new Barber Shop will also open soon just next door in Commercial Street.

Hereford's largest independent department store Chadds closed in June 2008 after trading in Hereford for almost 80 years.

Many Voice regulars will remember Dave Benjamin, Hereford Butter Market’s long-time fishmonger and tireless Its Our County councillor. It is hard to believe that he died eight years ago at the age of 56. I attended his funeral, held in Hereford Cathedral, and was impressed by his chutzpah in requesting John Lennon’s Imagine to be played for the coffin’s departure. 

The council’s cabinet (plus supporting ‘suits’) were there in force that day, doubtless celebrating the demise of one of the leading members of IOC’s Awkward Brigade. And of course they had the last laugh. When a modest brass memorial plaque (sponsored by marker stallholders) was fixed to a back wall of the Butter Market, Hereford Council approved the location of a cash dispenser directly in front of it.

Memories of The Admirable Fishmonger came coursing back to me recently when I drove past the semi-derelict hulk of Victoria House on Whitecross Road. I realised that it was almost a decade ago that Dave (backed by his St Nicholas Ward supporters) campaigned vociferously for this former residence of the Victoria Eye Hospital’s Chief Surgeon to be rescued and refurbished for the benefit of the local community. From then until now, it has lain abandoned and neglected and is now perilously close to the point of extinction. Yet Herefordshire Council just sits and watches. Doubtless Victoria House will soon be demolished, to make way for yet more student accommodation for the new university.