Hereford Voice

Avon and Somerset Police are urgently trying to locate two men who have absconded from HMP Leyhill. Prison staff have told us the men left at some point between 5-8pm on Thursday 1 January. Matthew Armstrong and Daniel Washbourne are not thought to have any connections to Avon and Somerset, but are known to have links to Warwickshire and Herefordshire respectively. A third man who is suspected of absconding at the same time was arrested by our officers in Bristol yesterday. Police releasing CCTV footage of Armstrong and Washbourne taken on New Year's Day which shows the clothing they were wearing. Urgent actions have already been completed, including circulating the men as wanted via national police systems. Intelligence work to trace their movements is ongoing. Address checks have been made out-of-force too and proved negative so far. As a precaution, we would advise any members of the public who see them to not approach. If you see any of the men, pictured, please immediately call 999 and quote reference number 5226000700. Alternatively, if you have information that may assist our enquiries, please call 101. Full details ➡️ https://orlo.uk/DgiRx

River Island currently has more than 220 stores across the UK and Ireland and employs around 5,500 people. These closures are all part of a restructuring plan (which was approved by the High Court). The full list of River Island stores set to close in the UK before the end of January 2026 is: Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire Bangor Bloomfield, Northern Ireland Barnstaple, Devon Beckton, Greater London Brighton, East Sussex Burton-Upon-Trent, Derbyshire Cumbernauld, Scotland Didcot, Oxfordshire Edinburgh Princes Street, Scotland Falkirk, Scotland Gloucester, Gloucestershire Great Yarmouth, Norfolk Grimsby, Lincolnshire Hanley, Staffordshire Hartlepool, County Durham Hereford, Herefordshire Kilmarnock, Scotland Kirkcaldy, Scotland Leeds Birstall Park, West Yorkshire Lisburn, Northern Ireland Northwich, Cheshire Norwich, Norfolk Oxford, Oxfordshire Perth, Scotland Poole, Dorset Rochdale, Greater Manchester St Helens, Merseyside Stockton On Tees, County Durham Surrey Quays, Greater London Sutton Coldfield, Warwickshire Taunton, Somerset Workington, Cumbria Wrexham, Wales River Island chief executive Ben Lewis said: “River Island is a much-loved retailer, with a decades-long history on the British high street. “However, the well-documented migration of shoppers from the high street to online has left the business with a large portfolio of stores that is no longer aligned to our customers’ needs. “The sharp rise in the cost of doing business over the last few years has only added to the financial burden.”

There will be temporary new entrances when driving into Hereford Train Station short-stay car park during January 2026. Herefordshire Council are building the new integrated Transport Hub at the station. It means people using the train station have easy-to-use, and reliable links to all types of transport, and it's a more enjoyable, safe experience for visitors and residents who are walking to and from the station. The temporary works simply mean that if you're arriving by car, you will turn into the short-stay car park, and also for pick-up and drop-offs, via the junction next to the Station Medical Centre, and you'll follow a one-way route around the short-stay car park. It will be clearly signposted on the approach road. Access to the long-stay car park is unchanged. The Council have already been in touch with local taxi firms and bus operators, so they can operate as usual. There are two phases to the work, and both aim to cause minimal disruption to all users. We'll be putting a new canopy in place as part of the January works, all part of making it a more enjoyable experience and environment outside the station for the future. Phase One From Tuesday 6 until Friday 23 January, drivers will enter and exit the short-stay car park via the Station Medical Centre road. Phase Two From Saturday 24 to Saturday 31 January, drivers will enter the short-stay car park via the normal station road, and exit the short-stay car park via the Station Medical Centre road.

Two men have been arrested following a drugs warrant at a property in Herefordshire on Tuesday 30 December. Police officers from Hereford CID led the warrant at an address in the Ewyas Harold area acting on intelligence around the suspected manufacturing of illegal drugs there. Once inside they found a concealed area designed to produce suspected ‘magic mushroom’ type products and cannabis and cannabis edibles. A large quantity of cannabis was found, together with cannabis hash and suspected magic mushrooms which were all seized, as well as a quantity of cash. A man aged 46 was arrested at the address on suspicion of being concerned in the production of a controlled drug. Following the warrant another man, aged 29, was arrested at an address in Whitestone, Hereford on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug. Both men have been released on bail as the investigation continues. Detective Constable Simon Caine of Hereford Proactive CID said: “Yesterday we executed a drugs warrant at an address in Ewyas Harold following intelligence around the suspected manufacturing of illegal drugs there. “We arrested one man at the property and another at a separate address following the raid in relation to drug production and supply. “A large quantity of cannabis and cannabis products as well as suspected magic mushrooms and cash were seized, and our investigation is continuing. “The warrant has without doubt disrupted a sizeable drugs operation, the likes of which have a harmful impact on the communities we are here to protect and serve – in this case illegal drugs that were likely aimed at a younger age group. “The public are our eyes and ears on the ground and we would encourage anyone who suspects there may be drug dealing in their neighbourhood to report it to us via West Mercia Police website. Always call 999 in an emergency.” 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 IP address. You can contact them online or by calling 0800 555 111.

As we step into 2026, we want to sincerely thank our 83,000+ followers across the Hereford Voice network — including Old Hereford Pics, Twitter/X, Instagram, and our website. Your trust and support are the reason we do what we do. Thanks to you, our Hereford webcams — watched by a worldwide audience — have now surpassed 2.6 million unique views since their inception. That reach is something we’re incredibly proud of, but it’s the community behind it that matters most. A special thank you also goes to our advertisers, whose continued support helps make what we do possible. As we move forward, Hereford Voice will continue to publish news and events from Hereford and Herefordshire — with integrity, balance, and purpose. We are not interested in chasing engagement, outrage, or cherry-picked headlines for a few extra clicks. That approach doesn’t serve our community, and it’s simply not who we are. In 2026, we will continue to champion local events and festivals, celebrate our people and places, and share the stories that genuinely matter — not just the ones that shout the loudest. We have plenty of exciting plans ahead and look forward to continuing to provide free local news, images, stories, and trusted updates throughout the year. Here’s to a positive, connected, and community-focused 2026 — Hereford Voice

A new partnership between Herefordshire Council and leading journey planning app, Citymapper, means Herefordshire residents, students and visitors will now find it easier to plan journeys across the county. The new app brings together real‑time bus tracking, step‑by‑step directions and integrated travel across bus, rail and cycling. All local bus operators are integrated, including Stagecoach, Sargeants Brothers, Yeomans Travel and National Express. National Rail services (including rail replacement buses) are also included. For cyclists, the app can factor in Beryl bikes or a personal bike, helping you to choose the mode that best suits you. A real‑time bus tracker allows you to see accurate arrival times and follow your bus, with traffic delays automatically factored in for more reliable travel times. This means no more waiting at a stop wondering when the bus will arrive, and fewer unexpected delays. The app works seamlessly across the wider Midlands, London and the north of England, so you can use a single, familiar tool wherever you travel. Councillor Phillip Price, Cabinet Member for Transport and Infrastructure, at Herefordshire Council, said: “Citymapper is a great step forward for Herefordshire and supports the council’s wider commitment to modernise local transport and ensure residents, students and visitors have the tools they need to travel with confidence. “By giving people real time travel information, we’re reducing uncertainty for passengers and encouraging greener, smarter choices. Whether commuting into Hereford, heading to college, or planning a day out in the county, it’s now simpler to get from A to B.” Find out more on the Herefordshire Council website or download Citymapper today and start planning your journeys seamlessly across Herefordshire

Singer Ellie Goulding has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to biodiversity and the climate. Born in Hereford, Elena Jane Goulding, the 38-year-old was was raised in Lyonshall, and went on to attend Lady Hawkin's School in nearby Kington, and later studied at Hereford Sixth Form College. The chart-topping popstar, who is a global environmental ambassador for the UN, is celebrating being in the New Year Honours List on her birthday, December 30. Outside of music, Goulding is an activist and philanthropist, having raised awareness for environmental causes and women’s issues. In 2013 she took part in the Chime For Change concert, a global female empowerment initiative founded by Beyonce Knowles, actress Salma Hayek-Pinault and former Gucci creative director Frida Giannini to raise awareness for women’s issues related to education, health and justice. She is also patron of The Marylebone Project, which provides services for homeless women, and is an ambassador for the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). She was appointed a global goodwill ambassador for the UN Environment Programme in 2017 and is now a global environmental ambassador.

A former Herefordshire Councillor who has devoted years to maintaining a lush city green space has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM). Philip Edwards has lived in Herefordshire all his life, and spent 27 years serving as either a parish, city, or county councillor. When living in Belmont, he saw the South Hereford residential area develop over the years, which drove him on to become a "community champion", seeking safe open spaces for people to enjoy, areas for family play, or those seeking country walks just moments away from the city. As a result of this, he set up Belmont Haywood Country Park and its Country Park Supporters group, which is now in its 12th year. Mr Edwards said the task continues to be "challenging, physically tiring but mentally and aesthetically rewarding." He has now been awarded a BEM as part of the New Year's Honours list, with the award often bestowed upon those who have demonstrated "hands-on" service in their community. "This British Empire Medal is an honour which I gratefully accept after many years of seeking and maintaining safe public open spaces, in particular, within South Wye areas of Hereford city," he said. The announcement from the Cabinet office said BHCP is one of Mr Edward's victories, but the award is also for his work as a councillor campaigning for everyone's rights to access public open spaces for their health, wellbeing and "community cohesive properties". Hereford Voice - Congratulations Phil, well deserved

A man has died following an RTC at the junction of the A44 and A4110 near to Leominster in Herefordshire. Emergency services responded to a call at 8.52am on Sunday, December 21. In response, three ambulances, a paramedic officer, two Mercia Accident Rescue Service (MARS) BASICS doctors, and two Midlands Air Ambulances were deployed to the scene. A spokesperson for West Midlands Ambulance Service ( Officialwmas ) said: “Crews arrived to find two cars which had been involved in a serious collision. The driver and passenger of one car were rapidly extricated from their vehicle. Sadly, the driver, a man, was confirmed deceased on scene. The passenger, a woman, received advanced trauma care by the team of medics on scene before being conveyed by land ambulance to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham for further trauma care. The driver of the second car, a man, was assessed but didn’t require hospital treatment and was discharged on scene.”

A prolific drug dealer, who operated in Hereford, has been jailed for four years following an investigation by West Mercia Police. Charlie Beament, aged 30, of no fixed address, appeared at Hereford Crown Court today (Friday 19 December). He has pleaded guilty to: One count of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs, namely cocaine, One count of being concerned in the supply of Class B drugs, namely ketamine. Two counts of possession with intent to supply a Class B drug, namely ketamine. The offences took place predominantly in Hereford, between June and October this year. For the cocaine supply offences, he was imprisoned for 44 months. He was also given two eight-month prison sentences to run concurrently in connection with the ketamine supply offences. In May this year, Beament was handed a suspended prison sentence, for supplying controlled drugs in Hereford. This was partly activated in light of his re-offending and a further four months were added to his sentence. This brings the total sentence to 48 months. Detective Constable Kyle Hopkins of Hereford CID said: “I welcome the custodial sentence handed to Beament by the Crown Court today. This prolific offender, flouted the suspended sentence given to him earlier this year, and continued to supply drugs in Hereford, showing no regard to the judicial system or the opportunity given to him by the Judge. “Beament exploited those most vulnerable to assist him with his drug supply operation and caused misery within the city. A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said "We will not tolerate this activity and we would urge anyone with information about the supply of drugs to please contact us.”

Ross-on-Wye Town Council have announced its intention to apply to the 2028 UK Town of Culture competition. The award invites small and medium sized towns to tell their unique story. The competition builds on the quadrennial UK City of Culture award, most recently won by Bradford in 2025. The winning town will be awarded £3.5 million to design and deliver a cultural programme during the summer of 2028 and shortlisted towns will be granted £60,000 to support their full bid for the competition. Ross-on-Wye Town Council currently celebrates its locals through its annual Kyrle Civic Award and Christmas Fayre ‘switch-on star’; however, the UK Town of Culture Award provides a national platform to showcase our story. Ross has an established calendar of many community events, - such as the Christmas Fayre, Ross Beer and Cider Festival, Pancake Races and weekly markets – and a rich history as the ‘birthplace of British tourism’ and its benefactors such as Thomas Blake and John Kyrle. Cllr Ed O’Driscoll, Chair of the Council’s Community, Markets and Tourism sub-committee, says: “This is a tremendous opportunity for us to come together as a community and imagine how we could celebrate our amazing town if we had access to substantial funding. So often we think small because we’re conscious of budgetary constraints, but this type of opportunity lets us dream of the kind of legacy we could create for Ross if we were lucky enough to be selected. I’m really looking forward to the journey and will do my best to give us a fighting chance.”. Caroline Utting, of the Ross Tourism Association, says: “Ross has a rich cultural heritage that deserves to be more widely known and celebrated.”. For those that would like to be involved, please contact the Town Council offices on 01989 562373 or email tourism@rosstc-herefordshire.gov.uk.

Well we have been a bit lazy and missed quite a few recently but this one today caught our eye 👀 So tomorrow is Hereford's Christmas Charity Tractor Run, we have supported Hamish and all the farmers since it began. We exclusively revealed the date back in October for this fabulous festive event. Today we shared this topic in anticipation of tomorrow's run! It took young Stefan just 14 minutes to copy this one! 🤣

Herefordshire Council has approved a new contract and selected a preferred provider to deliver public realm services across the county, to replace the current arrangement with Balfour Beatty. The services include the maintenance of roads, roadsides, green areas and public spaces, street cleansing, highway drainage, street lighting and winter gritting. The selected provider can be named in January after a mandatory legal standstill period comes to an end, with the new contract set to begin in June next year (2026). This will see the council take back day-to-day control of public realm services with the contractor being paid pre-agreed rates for each item of work, focussing on high quality, value for money services. Councillor Dan Hurcomb, Cabinet Member for, Local Engagement and Community Resilience, said: “Public realm services are a big part of everyday life, from safe, well-maintained roads and clean streets to green spaces we can all enjoy. “I’m delighted that Cabinet has agreed the new contract, this approach gives the council more control over how money is spent and focuses on delivering real improvements that people will notice. “It’s about making things simpler, more transparent, and ensuring we get the best value for Herefordshire.” The selected provider will also deliver ‘social value commitments’ as part of the contract. These include local employment and supply chain development, helping to strengthen Herefordshire’s economy. Town and parish councils will also have the chance to commission extra services if they want to, giving communities more say in what matters most to them. The council will sign the contract after the legal standstill period in January (2026) then start getting everything ready for the handover. Until then, the council and Balfour Beatty Living Places will continue to work together to deliver public realm services under the current contract and are committed to supporting a seamless transition. For more details you can read the full cabinet paper here.

‘Celebrating 19 Years of Community Focus and a Bright Future Ahead’ Hereford Voice, the trusted local news platform founded in 2007 by Colin James, will shortly be acquired by Clarke Media & Investments Limited for a substantial, undisclosed sum, with the sale due to be completed this week, marking an exciting new chapter for the publication. For nearly two decades, Hereford Voice has championed the community, from long-term efforts cleaning the Duck Pond and clearing rubbish, to thinning trees and bushes along the Great Western Way. Colin also successfully campaigned for CCTV along the route, recently enhanced with additional cameras on the bridge overlooking the A465 Belmont Road, providing reassurance and safety for local residents. Over a decade ago, Colin worked closely with local takeaways, West Mercia Police, Hereford City Council and Herefordshire Council to lift late-night food restrictions, alongside countless grassroots initiatives, including litter picking, cleaning bus shelters, and supporting local businesses and charities. Colin James will be stepping down as sole director, passing leadership to Tim Clarke, who brings an ambitious vision for growth. Tim is a local businessman and entrepreneur. Clarke Media and Investments Ltd is a Herefordshire based company with an online vision for Hereford Voice. Tim said; “I am looking forward to the next chapter for Hereford Voice Ltd and would like to thank Colin for his extensive knowledge and guidance. I also look forward to working closely with him over the coming weeks as we move through this exciting transition.” Colin will remain involved behind the scenes and said; “I would like to sincerely thank the people of Herefordshire for their incredible support over the past 19 years”. “Hereford Voice has always been about serving the community, and I am confident it will continue to grow and thrive under Clarke Media & Investments Ltd. I look forward to supporting Tim and his team through the transition and seeing the publication move forward into its next chapter.” In addition, Colin and Tim will honour all existing clients, maintaining their current advertising placements and agreed pricing. The acquisition also includes Old Hereford Pics, the largest independent archive of historic Hereford images, as well as Hereford Voice’s live webcam network, now streaming from three locations across the city. With several exciting developments on the horizon, Hereford Voice remains committed to its mission of delivering trusted, community-focused news for Herefordshire businesses and residents. We have a full press conference scheduled for January at The Green Dragon Hotel - Hereford, where more details will be announced