Hereford Voice

Two men were arrested after a warrant was executed at a campsite in Herefordshire this morning (Thursday 7 August) over concerns of drug dealing. Police were acting on intelligence surrounding suspected supply of class A and B drugs into the Hereford and Leominster areas. Officers from Hereford CID were supported by Task Force, the Local Policing Priorities Team (LPPT), Neighbourhood Crime Fighting Team (NCFT) and a dog handler as they attended the site off Stonehouse Lane near Bringsty. They arrested a man in his 20s on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs as they carried out a search of the caravans and outbuildings on the site. A second man in his 20s was also arrested on suspicion of threats to cause criminal damage and being concerned in the supply of class A drugs. A third person – a woman in her 20s - was arrested for failing to appear at court on a separate matter. A quantity of cannabis was found, and mobile phones were checked as part of the investigation into suspected drug dealing in the county. Detective Sergeant Jim Moore of Hereford Proactive CID said: “This morning, Herefordshire officers executed a warrant at a campsite near Bringsty following intelligence gathered around suspected dealing of class A and B drugs into the Hereford and Leominster areas. “A man in his 20s was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs – cocaine and is currently helping us with our investigation. “A quantity of cannabis was seized from one of the properties and mobile phone searches conducted - further enquiries will be made. “We hope today’s actions shows we will always act on concerns around the supply of drugs in our county and act where appropriate to disrupt and shut down drug dealing networks where possible.”

At around 4pm yesterday afternoon (Sunday 3 August) a blue Suzuki Celerio SZ2 car and a coach collided on the A4103 at Cradley in Herefordshire. The driver of the car, a 67-year-old man, sadly died at the scene. Nobody else was injured and no arrests have been made. We’d like to hear from anyone who saw, or who has dashcam footage, of the collision itself or the vehicles in the minutes before. Anyone with information or footage is asked to contact PC Ellis on 07971395290 or daniel.ellis@westmercia.police.uk quoting incident number 304 of 3 August 2025.

Lidl shoppers spot dog playing a piano in supermarket logo Lidl shoppers have taken to social media to share their discovery which they can’t “unsee”. But, even the keenest of shoppers are only just noticing the hidden animal in the supermarket’s logo. Have you seen it? TikTok user @skintdad has pointed out that “when you see it, you can’t unsee it”. Hereford Voice - That's all we see now 😂

A Hereford store has been temporarily closed following the discovery of illegal tobacco concealed in a ceiling space. Officers from Hereford city centre team joined partners at Trading Standards, supported by sniffer dogs from BWY Canine for a visit to Liam Halal supermarket on Eign Gate, Hereford yesterday (Monday 28 July). During the search, officers located a highly sophisticated concealment hidden in the ceiling of the shop, which was operated by hydraulic rams and locks. With no co-operation from those working in the shop, the concealment was opened by force and a quantity of illegal tobacco was located and seized. Illegal cigarettes with an estimated equivalent retail value of £4,275 or street value of around £1,900 and illegal hand rolling tobacco with a retail value of £190/street value of £27 were taken away. The sale of these items would amount to almost £3,400 of duty being evaded. Trading Standards officers closed the shop under Closure Order Powers contained available within the Crime & ASB Act 2014. They are due to attend Herefordshire Magistrates Court to apply for a three-month closure to disrupt the criminality and help protect the public from the sale of illicit tobacco products being sold there. Police Sergeant Duncan Reynolds from Hereford city centre team said: “Yesterday we attended a shop on Eign Gate following community concerns around the sale of counterfeit and illicit tobacco. “Working with our partners at Trading Standards and an independent drugs dog handler, we uncovered a highly sophisticated concealment hidden in the ceiling of the shop, operated by hydraulic rams and locks. “The illegal tobacco products were seized by Trading Standards who closed the shop using their powers and are now in the process of applying for a three-month closure to disrupt the criminality and help protect the public from the sale of illicit tobacco products. “We will continue to visit stores suspected of selling counterfeit tobacco and illicit vaping products to shield our communities from harm and act where appropriate. “The black market of illegal products takes revenue away from the legitimate sales of legal tobacco and vapes by law-abiding retailers and such counterfeit and illicit items are often linked to organised criminal gangs and modern-day slavery.”

The Three Counties show has Royal visitors today This one took just under 30 minutes to get noticed

The Murals look fabulous Someone else thought the same just 19 minutes later..

Awe inspiring - that's what patients, visitors, staff and passers-by are saying of the new artwork on the walls of the MRU and Radiotherapy Unit at the County Hospital. Artist Curtis Hylton has now finished the spectacular mural of a kingfisher and butterflies and has begun work on the third wall which will depict apple blossom and robins.

So predictable! It took just 21 minutes to copy our FB topic (notice the clever little 'Press Release' title, well this was shared on Monday and we have waited until today to prove this exact point). Again, 'Hereford Voice Leading The Way For Other To Follow'

Okay, let's put this following us to the test again today. We are just about to share the news which was actually shared on Monday about 3 new murals going at Hereford County Hospital. We have waited until today to give other pages time to share the news. The last news of Mural's in Hereford was very popular, We have just shared this story on our forums HERE at 07:43, and on our Facebook page at 07:57 so let's see how quick it takes someone to 'FOLLOW US' with this story

Artist Curtis Hylton has rolled up his sleeves this week to start work creating three large murals on the walls of the MRU and Radiotherapy Unit at Hereford County Hospital. The nature-inspired murals will appear over the course of the next couple of weeks. Locals will recognise Curtis' style as he is the artist behind the Herdsman pub mural. Curtis is pictured outside the buildings this morning along with an artists impression of what one of the three walls will look like. The new artwork celebrates Herefordshire’s natural beauty, and will feature apple blossoms, robins, kingfishers, and woodpeckers. Funding for the mural is generously provided by donations to the Oncology Trust Fund, which supports enhancements that benefit patients and staff, beyond essential service delivery needs. Passers-by wanting to watch progress will be welcome to pop by during the next couple of weeks.

A major milestone was reached this week when a significant financial gift was given to the Waterworks Museum by the SR & PH Southall Trust. This capital investment provides much greater financial security and allows the Museum to make long term plans knowing there will be a solid financial base. Pictured are Candia Compton from the SR & P H Southall Trust and Jill Phillips from the Museum signing the contracts in front of the Southall Gallery. (Candia is the daughter of Stephen and Philippa Southall who were founding members of the Museum; the Southall gallery was named after them). According to Jill Phillips, Chair of Trustees and Governance Director "This financial gift provides the Museum with real security for the first time and is a tangible endorsement of our long-term vision for its success". SR & PH Southall Trustees commented on "being delighted to have made this gift to the Waterworks Museum. This entirely volunteer run, energetic team is full of ideas for future displays :the museum is a valuable asset to the city and county of Hereford. Trustees hope that this endowment will grow through donations and bequests". This is great financial news, as small independent volunteer-led Museums like the Waterworks Museum remain vulnerable to ongoing economic changes and operational challenges.

In a tribute Herefordshire Council said they are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Council Leader, John Jarvis, who died on Sunday 13 July 2025. Former Councillor Jarvis was a prominent figure in Herefordshire Council, serving as the ward member for Kerne Bridge from 2006 to 2015. He held the Cabinet portfolio for environment and strategic housing for four years before becoming Council Leader from 27 May 2011 to 24 May 2013. Cllr Jonathan Lester, Leader of Herefordshire Council, said: “On behalf of the Council, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, family and friends for their loss. “Former councillor Jarvis was a dedicated public servant whose commitment to Herefordshire left a lasting legacy on our county. Well respected across the political spectrum, Councillor Jarvis embodied a collaborative spirit. His tenure was marked by significant achievements that advanced the county's growth and prosperity. Under his guidance, the Cabinet made the pivotal decision in 2012 to redevelop the old cattle market site into a vibrant retail quarter, a move he described as "the right decision for the city" to revitalize Hereford's economy. He was instrumental in launching the ‘Herefordshire You Can’ campaign to promote Herefordshire as a dynamic place to live, work, and visit. Councillor Jarvis also oversaw the introduction of the Herefordshire Local Plan Core Strategy 2011-2031, championing housing growth to meet the county's needs. Former Councillor Jarvis's vision and leadership continue to shape Herefordshire today, and he will be greatly missed by colleagues, residents and all who knew him.” As a mark of respect, Herefordshire Council will be flying the County Flag at half-mast for the remainder of this week and on the day of the funeral. Details of the funeral arrangements will be confirmed once known.

Herefordshire Council, in partnership with Balfour Beatty Living Places, will begin essential restoration works on Mordiford Bridge starting Monday 21 July 2025. The project, expected to last up to six weeks, is part of the council’s ongoing commitment to improving infrastructure and ensuring public safety across the county. The works will focus on strengthening the flood arches 2 and 3 on the upstream side of the historic bridge, which have been weakened over time due to repeated flooding. These arches are vital for managing water flow during periods of heavy rainfall, and the restoration is crucial to preserving the bridge’s structural integrity and long-term functionality. There will then follow a process of removing and replacing the parapet alongside the narrow section of the bridge above the arches. All upgrading works conform to Grade II listing standards, meaning the bridge will retain its unique character. The works will take place under a 24-hour road closure, seven days a week, but the public right of way footpath in the fields next to the bridge will be maintained, and in preparation for the main phase, preliminary carriageway works have already commenced. During the closure, a signed diversion route will be in place via B4224 Hampton Park Road, A438 Ledbury Road, and C1292 Dormington. On-site marshals will be available to assist with queries and additional local works may be identified and completed during this period to minimise future disruption. Cllr Barry Durkin, Cabinet Member for Roads and Regulatory Services, said: “We understand that road closures can be inconvenient, and we appreciate the public’s patience as we carry out these vital improvements. Mordiford Bridge is one of our key transport links, but it has taken a battering from the impact of the river over many years. These works are essential to ensure the safety and resilience of this historic river crossing.”

Oona The Puffin Has Been Released! Elliot and the team from Vets for Pets Hereford Oh this is such wonderful news, thank you to Elliot and the whole team at Vets for Pets Hereford and to the fabulous people at RSPCA West Hatch Animal Centre Previous Update 14th July from RSPCA West Hatch Animal Centre The long anticipated update on Oona, the puffin found in Hereford! Since arriving in our care, from Vets for Pets Hereford, she has been housed on one of our seabird pools, where we have been able to assess her condition and behaviour. Initially, although bright and well in herself, she was very reluctant to spend time on the water and wasn’t doing much in terms of preening and rewaterproofing her feathers. When sea birds spend time in rehab it’s common for their feathers to become contaminated due to not spending time on water, not preening and also all of the necessary handling that is required for feeding, weighing, cleaning out and veterinary treatment. So because of this she received a wash by our skilled wildlife assistants, in order to bring her feathers back to a good condition. This is super important for the successful release of these pelagic birds, who spend the majority of their life at sea, only coming in land to rear their chicks. See our original article on the Puffin in Hereford which soon went viral- https://hfd.news/7qCyS

A rapist from Hereford was sentenced at court yesterday (Wednesday 9 July) to eight years in prison. Lukasz Szwagulinski, 36, of Whitecross Road, Hereford was found guilty of four offences – two counts of rape of a female, one of sexual assault by penetration and one of sexual assault between December 2024 and January 2025. Szwagulinski was handed a prison sentence totalling eight years when he appeared before Worcester Crown Court. He was also handed a restraining order against his victim. DC Amy Cook, of Hereford Reactive CID, said: “We are pleased to get this result for Szwagulinski whose predatory behaviour fully warrant this custodial sentence. “I would like to pay tribute to the bravery and resilience of his victim and hope this result shows we will always listen to anyone who has been a victim of rape or sexual abuse and prosecute where appropriate, and that it may encourage anyone who has suffered similar abuse to come forward and speak to us. “We will always listen to you, take your concerns seriously and protect you from predators like Szwagulinski.” You can report sexual offences and rape here on our website Report rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences | West Mercia Police Always call 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, information can be shared anonymously with the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by visiting crimestoppers-uk.org .