Hereford Voice

Herefordshire Council is restating its commitment to investing in improving the county’s roads, as it publishes its Local Highways Maintenance Transparency Report. The report shows how government funding is being used to improve local roads through ‘business as usual’ road maintenance, alongside how additional council funding has boosted the improvements, benefitting local families, businesses and key services. The recent investment has supported a move towards a more preventative approach to highways maintenance, which in time will lead to a reduction the reactive activity needed. However, while the report outlines the scale of the maintenance and improvement activity, it does not reflect the full benefit and impact of the council’s additional investment over the past two years due to a time lag in national road condition surveys. This year (2025/26) Herefordshire road users will benefit from £50million investment, including: 75 km (c47 miles) of resurfacing works 100 km (62 miles) of surface dressing works to provide preventative treatment. The substantial repair of 8 highway structures, The delivery of 2 schemes to protect the highway from land slip and river erosion The improvement of 50 safety barriers. The resurfacing of approximately 8 km of the footway and cycleway network. More than 100 small drainage schemes to remove water from the highway network The repair of 25,000 potholes, with the current preventative treatment strategy seeking to reduce potholes forming. This investment directly supports the Herefordshire Council Plan 2024–2028, contributing to: Helping families: Safer, smoother roads make daily life easier for families, whether commuting, getting to school, or accessing services. Economic growth: Better roads support local businesses, tradespeople, and workers by improving access and reducing travel time. Environmental resilience: Drainage improvements and low-carbon materials help protect the environment and adapt to climate change. Efficient services: A shift toward preventative maintenance reduces long-term costs and improves value for money. Councillor Jonathan Lester, Leader Herefordshire Council, said: “We know how important road conditions are to our residents, tradespeople, and businesses, which is why we’re investing in our network. “This investment is about more than just smoother roads—it’s about supporting everyday life in Herefordshire. Families benefit from safer school runs, reduced vehicle damage, and more reliable travel for work, shopping, and leisure. Small businesses and tradespeople rely on dependable roads to reach customers, deliver goods, and keep their operations running smoothly. Care workers and NHS staff need accessible routes to reach vulnerable residents quickly and safely - especially in rural areas. And people with medical needs depend on timely deliveries of prescriptions, equipment, and home visits, all of which are made easier by well-maintained roads.” Summer schedule for road resurfacing The council is continuing its additional investment in the county’s roads during the summer. A surface dressing programme will see 93km (58 miles) of network improved during July and August. And a programme of resurfacing works taking place throughout July and August will focus on improving the health of some key B-roads and C-roads: July B4224 Holme Lacy Bridge to Mordiford B4352 - Madley to Woodyatts Cross B4218 - Wyche Cutting, Colwall B4218 - Walwyn Road, Colwall A44 - Golden Cross to Bainstree Cross B4220 - Stony Cross to Westfield, Cradley B4348 - Much Dewchurch Village August A466 – Wormelow Village B4362 - Shobdon to Moor Meadow B4352 - Madley Village A4110 - Three Elms Road B4362- Bateman Arms A44 - Bredenbury B4234 - Ledbury Road, Ross On Wye B4214 - Munderfield Village July/August C1127 - Southbank Road C1047 - Kings Road, Orleton C1131 - Withies Road, Withington C1130 - Lock Lane, Withington C1130 - Withington to Whitestone C1129 - DUKE STREET, WITHINGTON C1105 - Worcester Road, A49 - Enterprise Way (Southern Ave railway bridge) Funding doubled for road safety improvement schemes This year (2025/26) the council is investing significant additional funding into road safety improvements such as improved crossings, new signage and signals, having more than doubled the road safety budget from £200,000 to £500,000. Plus, £3 million has been allocated for new road safety measures at Lock’s Garage and High Cross, and early stage work is already underway to draft initial outline plans for consideration and discussion with key stakeholders.

Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) has temporarily relocated Hereford Fire Station as of June 2025 to allow the full redevelopment of our St Owen Street site. From June, our crews will be operating from a temporary base at Mortimer Trade Park. This marks the beginning of an 18-month project to build a modern, efficient, and fit-for-purpose fire station that will serve the community for generations to come. What you need to know: There will be no disruption to emergency response services—we remain fully operational. The temporary location continues to allow HWFRS to provide a prompt and effective emergency response across the city and surrounding areas. Our Prevention and Protection Teams will provide targeted fire safety throughout the relocation period. We sincerely thank residents and local businesses for their ongoing support as we deliver this important investment in community safety.

Club President Graham Preece In a statement the club wrote; "Westfields Football Club are saddened to announce that Club President Graham Preece has passed away at home this evening. Graham was a devoted member of the Westfields club committee and played a huge part in the development of the club over the past 40 years He was a regular supporter both home and away and gave so much of his time to Westfields, organising Golf Days along with a huge amount of work behind the scenes. “Our thoughts and condolences are with his wife Jo and all his family & friends at this very sad time” stated Andy Morris on behalf of the club"

We wish to pay tribute to Andy and thank him for his relentless services to the community and at Belmont Community Centre A spokesperson for Belmont Community Centre said; "We are very sad to announce the passing of our former Chairperson, Treasurer, Trustee and friend, Mr Andrew (Andy) Myatt. Andy, a former Chairperson of Belmont Rural Parish Council worked incredibly hard to ensure the future of our Community Centre to which without this dedication wouldn't be what it is today. He was very highly regarded by all those who knew and worked with him. His legacy will continue throughout the centre. Our love and condolences to his family. Rest In Peace you will be sorely missed. Andrew Myatt 30 June ‪1944 - 24‬th June 2025"

So today we shared this lovely story about a Puffin in Herefordshire. Notice our timestamp, we shared this at 07:05. HOW DESPERATE IS THIS! 👇 YH actually followed our post at 07:25 (as usual) but altered their topic/timestamp to make it look like they had shared the story before us at 06:45! Forgetting we can see their edits! (How sad). Click on the little clock on their post you will see...🤭

Proposed installation of a new external ATM. The bank is currently undertaking a national programme whereby they are replacing and upgrading their ATMs. The existing machines are end-of-life and can no longer be maintained. The new ATMs are being installed with the latest fraud prevention solutions to keep customer transactions more secure than ever before. They are also accessible for people with hearing loss. The works comprise the installation of a new external ATM to the right-hand side of the building frontage through an existing doorway. The existing doors will be maintained and are to be fixed in the open position and a new external wall is to be constructed to match the existing to house the new ATM. All disturbed finishes to be made good to match existing. New ATM tablet signage is to be installed to above the new ATM (see drawing). Planning Application - P251595/L

Furthering NMITE’s ambition to develop skills in Hereford NMITE’s commitment to and investment in improving Hereford’s opportunities for economic growth has reached a new milestone as construction begins on its Centre for Innovation and Future Skills (CIFS). Its focus will be on developing skills for Herefordshire, helping to prepare local businesses and individuals for the future of work, whether that is upskilling, reskilling or developing entrepreneurial and innovative skills. The CIFS building is located on NMITE’s Blackfriars Campus, bringing innovation and entrepreneurship into the heart of Herefordshire’s future. Backed by over £2 million in capital funding from the Government’s Towns Fund, CIFS is a core element of the broader Stronger Hereford programme – an exciting initiative focused on making Hereford a better place to live, learn, work and visit. Built to the highest sustainability standards, CIFS, which is scheduled to open in Spring 2026, will be located on the corner of Blackfriars Street and Widemarsh Street and will be for all those wanting to realise their potential, whether school leavers, career-shifters, businesses or entrepreneurs. James Newby shares NMITE’s vision for the building “NMITE has always had at its core a real mission to deliver economic benefit to Herefordshire, and we believe our new centre will help power local economic growth, for example by helping new entrepreneurs get started and support the creation of new jobs in the local area. Our aim is to revolutionise upskilling, reskilling and to address the skills gaps for the current employment environment and for work in the future. And we will adapt our distinctive and highly effective approach to preparing our students for work to our programmes for developing skills for local people and businesses.” The plan is to create a very flexible building consisting of event/exhibition space; a flexible workspace; two seminar rooms; an informal, comfortable space for social interaction and working; a small room that can be used for immersive technology as well as kitchen and toilet facilities. CIFS has been expertly designed by local firm Arbor Architects and will be brought to life by local timber construction company, Firth Construction, with other members of the team including project management firm Greenwood Projects, mechanical and electrical designers VIDA, structural designers Giraffe Engineering and landscape designers Seed Landscape Design. The CIFS building will include 180square metres of new space and will renovate 90square metres of an unused part of the existing Edwardian building. A hybrid glulam beam made from UK grown timber is to be installed in the building as part of a project led by NMITE on Building from England’s Woodland. The project examines the suitability of certain species of English homegrown trees for their use in construction. The construction project offers an opportunity to demonstrate the viability of English grown timber in modern timber construction methods. “We’re delighted to be working again with local firm Arbor Architects and also award-winning Firth Construction who have impressed us with their focus on timber construction” says Anthea Parker, NMITE’s Director of Strategic Projects and Change. “It will probably come as no surprise that we will be using this new build as part of our education model.” An example of this is an educational challenge through the partnership between NMITE and Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) which will use the live retrofit and extension project at Blackfriars to develop a practical methodology for measuring the impact of the new structure on the existing form. The challenge with create an education workshop template that can be applied to other building typologies to upskill and inform retrofit approaches. “This will provide students on our new Construction Management degree which starts in September with real, hands-on learning opportunities” adds Parker. NMITE is no stranger to creating new, award-winning buildings as exemplified by the Skylon campus which has won Construction Excellence regional and national accolades for best value and social value, respectively. Once built, CIFS will become home to NMITE’s Innovation Support Programme delivered in partnership with Innovate UK as well as other courses and programmes and will be the venue for the Future of Work Conference (this year’s event took place on 5th June).

Lets discuss the Blackfriars end at Hereford FC Oh look someone else followed us within 40 mins, funny that..

A large amount of drugs and two bladed articles were seized during warrants executed in Hereford this morning (Monday 23 June). Hereford Police Officers carried out warrants at three properties in the Belmont area following concerns of drug dealing from the addresses. Around £3,500 worth of cannabis, £1,400 worth of cocaine, a quantity of cash, drug paraphernalia and several devices were all seized as evidence. Two large, bladed weapons were also seized from one of the properties. A 17-year-old boy, and two men aged 20 and 23, were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in supply of class A and class B drugs. All three people remain in police custody as they assist officers with further enquiries. The operation was organised by Hereford’s Proactive CID team and was based on good intelligence gathered by officers and community concerns.

Growing Local Just 30 minutes - Following Local

Hereford, UK – June 2025 – Growing Local CIC is celebrating the one-year anniversary of its veg box scheme and the opening of their children’s education garden at The Southside Farm, a 19-acre site located between Newton Farm and Grafton Lane - at the end of the Great Western Way cycle and footpath. Thanks to funding from the Hereford Stronger Towns Fund the community organisation secured a long-term lease from Herefordshire Council in Autumn 2023 and the capital to transform the site into a thriving community hub. Since then, the farm has developed four commercial-sized polytunnels and several acres of productive growing areas, supplying seasonal organic* (in organic ‘conversion’) vegetables to its veg box subscribers, local shops, and restaurants. Next week, fresh produce will also be available via an honesty farm shop on-site, The Veg Shed. A core part of Growing Local’s mission is education. The farm now features a children’s education garden and outdoor kitchen, welcoming school groups and the wider community in holidays to learn how to grow, harvest, and cook fresh, nutritious food. A further field has been planted with apple, pear, plum, damson, and nut trees, forming a new heritage orchard. Later this year, construction will begin on a community Cook Studio – a multifunctional space that will host cookery classes, a pop-up restaurant, and indoor teaching sessions - all celebrating field-to-fork food education. This has been designed by local architects Arbor. Special Anniversary Offers To mark the occasion, Growing Local is offering a free veg box to the first 30 new sign-ups to its Veg Box Scheme this summer. Use the code ONEYEAR25. You can sign up here - https://www.growinglocalvegbox.org.uk/ Collect your weekly veg boxes directly from the farm or a choice of seven hubs in Hereford and beyond. Why Become a Veg Box Customer? When you join our veg box scheme, you’re getting more than delicious, fresh produce. You’re becoming part of something bigger: Eat Well, Feel Great – Enjoy healthy, seasonal veg grown locally with care for both people and the planet. Connect with Community – Take part in farm events, volunteering days, and meet others who share your values Support Local Food Systems – Help secure your city’s veg supply and strengthen the local food economy. Tread Lightly on the Earth – Reduce food miles and support nature-friendly farming that nurtures biodiversity. Grow the Next Generation – Your support helps fund our Children’s Garden and educational programmes for schools, families, and community groups. A Word from the Team Louisa Foti, Director and Project Co-ordinator, said: "We are delighted to finally be opening our doors to the wider Hereford community and expanding our veg box scheme and educational programmes. This project has taken years of hard graft—from funding applications to lease negotiations, planning approvals, staff recruitment, and transforming a bare field into a vibrant community farm. Special thanks go to our dedicated volunteer and staff team who’ve worked tirelessly since October 2023 to bring our Southside Farm to fruition. This year, we continue developing the site with a new packing shed, machinery store, access paths and tracks, and services. But the real highlight will be building our long-awaited Cook Studio!" Find Out More To learn more about Growing Local’s work and initiatives, visit: www.growinglocal.org.uk Facebook: Growing Local Hereford Instagram: Growing Local CIC

OP CONCRETE - Murder of Christian BAGLEY on 21/06/2015 ssstwitter.com_1750420382895.mp4 West Mercia Police are appealing for information on the tenth anniversary of the murder of Chrisitan Bagley which occurred On Sunday 21st June 2015. Christian had been visiting his daughter on Father’s Day in the Hunderton area of Hereford. At approximately 10:30pm, Christian left an address on Cagebrook Avenue and began walking towards his home address (please see CCTV still). He was subsequently attacked and stabbed in the vicinity of an area known locally as “The Lines”. Despite suffering a fatal stab wound, Christian managed to make his way, firstly to Charles Witts Avenue and then Rogers Avenue to raise the alarm. Christian collapsed in Rogers Avenue and subsequently died of his injuries. To date, no persons have been charged with Christian’s murder. Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Lougher who is leading the murder investigation has said, “Ten years have now passed since Christian was murdered. He was a much loved son, brother and father. His daughter who was 19 months old when he died has grown up without her dad and Christian will miss out on those life events as she continues through life. I am appealing directly to anyone who has information about what happened to Christian that night to come forward. The person or persons responsible may have discussed their involvement with family, friends and associates. I appeal to those with information, to do the right thing and try to bring closure to Christian’s family. CrimeStoppers have issued a reward of up to £20,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction for Christian’s murder”. Get in touch here https://orlo.uk/lzeA5 Or, alternatively, speak to Crimestoppers anonymously 0800 555 111 or https://orlo.uk/Du8ol

“I was never given the chance to get to know him or for him to watch me grow up,” – these are the poignant words of Christian Bagley’s daughter as we approach the tenth anniversary of his murder in Hereford. The 12-year-old has penned a heartfelt letter about her dad who was so cruelly taken away from her on Father’s Day 2015 when she was only 19 months old. A decade on and with the case still unsolved, West Mercia Police continues with its investigation and is using the milestone to appeal to the public for their help too. Crimestoppers, the independent charity, is supporting the appeal by offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for Christian’s murder. On the night of Sunday 21 June 2015, Christian, aged 30, had been to see his 19-month-old daughter at his ex-partner’s house for Father’s Day. As he walked home towards Hunderton Bridge, along Villa Street adjacent to the River Wye and underneath the Great Western Way footpath, known locally as ‘The Lines’, Christian was stabbed by an unknown person. After being attacked near the concrete steps linking the street to ‘The Lines’, Christian managed to stagger to Charles Witts Avenue to seek help. However, despite the best efforts of emergency services at the time, he sadly died from his injuries. The weapon used, believed to be a kitchen knife, remained embedded in his left arm, while the handle that snapped off during the attack has never been found. No-one has ever been charged with Christian’s murder. Although several suspects were arrested around the time, they were later released without charge and the case remains unsolved. Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Lougher, of West Mercia Police’s Major Investigation Unit, said: “While we have continued to investigate this case, a decade on it seems timelier than ever to appeal again to the public to help us get justice for Christian’s daughter, mother and all his family and friends. “We hope this heartfelt message from a daughter who has grown up never knowing her father will prick the conscience of someone carrying a burden of knowledge about his murder to step forward and help us bring those responsible before the courts. “After ten years, loyalties and allegiances may have changed, and we hope anyone who knows something will do the right thing and speak to us. “We would urge anyone with information to scan the QR code which takes you directly to the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) or visit this link Public Portal. Alternatively, if you don’t want to speak to police, get in touch with Crimestoppers.” Alan Edwards, Regional Manager at Crimestoppers, said: “If you know anything about what happened to Christian but feel unable to speak directly to the police, please remember that Crimestoppers is an independent charity and guarantees 100% anonymity. “We do not ask for your personal details and will never trace your call or online contact. You can tell us what you know, and you will remain completely anonymous.” 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗕𝗮𝗴𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗱𝗮𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿. 𝗔 𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝟭𝟮-𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿-𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗱𝗮𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗱𝗮𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿, 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝟭𝟮, 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝟭𝟵-𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝘀 𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗺𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱. 𝗦𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝘂𝗽 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗮 𝗳𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗶𝗺: - “Somebody taking my dad away from me when I was little is something that can never be replaced. I have no memories of my dad or his presence in my life - only what other people have told me. “I was never given the chance to get to know him or for him to watch me grow up. I’ll never be able to spend Father’s Day, Christmas Day or a birthday with my dad. “There’s an emptiness that should not be inside me because somebody murdered my dad. “That void within myself will always be there. “Everything he did that day – 21.06.15 – was a ‘last time’ experience. “They still haven’t found who killed my dad or any answers to why somebody cruelly took him away. I love you dad!” 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲 ‘𝗝𝗮𝗻’ 𝗕𝗮𝗴𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝗮 𝗯𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗼𝗻. 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲, 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗮𝘀 ‘𝗝𝗮𝗻’, 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗱 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗼𝗻: - “Christian was the kindest person you would ever meet. “If I was across the water, he’d have walked across it just to help us. “Christian was the ‘clasp’ to the ‘link’. When they took the clasp, they broke it, whoever done it, they broke it, and the link fell one by one. They took it away, took the family away. “He loved his daughter; his daughter was his life. When his daughter was born, he was the most elated person you’ll ever know. “All I want to know is why? Why have you done this to my boy? – He’s stabbed for no reason whatsoever. He didn’t deserve it, he’s walking along, going home after seeing his baby daughter on Father’s Day. “Please, somebody somewhere knows something, and I want to know why? Just why? Tell me why you did this to my boy. “Ring up, or send a message, or whatever. Please come forward if you know anything.”

Local people are being urged to ensure they dispose of vapes responsibly, after two waste fires in the last week were found to be caused by vapes in household recycling bins. It is now easier than ever to safely dispose of small electrical items – including vapes – thanks to the council’s new waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) service, which forms a part of standard waste collections. However, it is vitally important that any small electrical items, such as vapes, batteries, hairdryers etc. are placed in a plastic bag on top of your bin, and never inside it. The bin collection crew will then put them in a separate cage on the collection vehicle and take them for recycling. According to the National Fire Chiefs Council, battery fires in bins and at waste sites is at an all-time high and a survey of councils across the UK has found that 94% said that fires caused by batteries in domestic waste were an increasing challenge. Electrical items and batteries should never be put into household rubbish or recycling bins as they can cause contamination and fires. Councillor Elissa Swinglehurst, Cabinet Member for Environment said: “We as a county are leading the way when it comes to collecting vapes and other small electrical items as part of our waste collections, but it is incredibly important that people follow the correct procedure and place their small electrical items on top of their bins, and not inside. Two fires caused by vapes have needed to be tackled this week alone, which not only disrupts waste collection and recycling, but also uses up valuable time for the fire service. “I would encourage anybody who is unsure to visit our website to find out more about our small electricals collection, and please make sure never to dispose of vapes within their household waste or regular recycling.”

A Chinese restaurant in Hereford has had its licence to serve alcohol and late-night food revoked after immigration-related arrests earlier this year. Herefordshire Council moved to withdraw the licence following a police-led operation at Planet Buffet on Commercial Road in February, during which two Chinese nationals were detained. Planet Buffet, which offered both dine-in and takeaway options, had been licensed to sell alcohol until 11pm and serve hot food until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. The council's only available penalty in this case was to revoke the premises licence. The council’s licensing subcommittee initially postponed its decision to allow time for the business owner, Yu Fei Huang, to attend the hearing and for documents to be translated. The meeting eventually took place in private on May 30. At the hearing, licensing officer Harry Spriggs reported that during the February inspection, officers discovered there was no designated premises supervisor — a legal requirement for selling alcohol. Mr Huang appealed to keep the licence, stating that one of the individuals arrested had since returned to Malaysia, and that going forward, he would ensure no illegal workers were employed. He also pledged to review and comply with the licence conditions. It was also revealed that the restaurant had a history of unpaid licensing fees dating back to 2016. Mr Huang claimed correspondence regarding the payments had either gone missing or never been received, and said the non-payment had not been intentional. Despite these assurances, the committee opted to revoke the licence. It cited the seriousness of the immigration offences, previous breaches of licensing regulations, and past suspensions as reasons for their decision. The panel also expressed concern over whether the owner would comply with licence conditions in future. Read our original article - https://hfd.news/ZAZ0r