Hereford Voice

Update | The application for planning by Lidl is correct and will appear on the Council website portal within the next 10 days or so. The hotel is still operating and fulfilling current and future bookings as normal.

Hereford Voice have learned that plans are about to be submitted to turn the Three Counties Hotel on the notorious Belmont Road in Hereford into a Lidl Supermarket. The A465 is possibly the worst main road into the city with daily congestion, adding another supermarket here would just make this road even worse. There are often huge queues of traffic waiting to enter the McDonalds Drive-Thru regularly blocking the road in both directions. On the plans below there is also another Drive-Thru earmarked which could possibly be a coffee Drive-Thru near to to the Brook. Local residents have already started a petition in an attempt to block this going ahead.

Bikers across Herefordshire and Worcestershire are invited to attend a free 3.5 hour ‘Biker Down’ course next month, offering potentially life-saving skills. The courses are available at: Wyre Forest Fire Station – Friday 8 April (10:00 to 13:30) Ross on Wye Fire Station – Friday 22 April (10:00 to 13:30) Worcester Fire Station – Friday 29 April (10:00 to 13:30) The Biker Down course is 3.5 hours long, and each course is limited to 15-20 attendees. Places will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. The first course will take place at Wyre Forest Fire Station and is being run by Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service. 🔸Places must be booked in advance. Full details will be provided to course attendees once their place is confirmed. The Biker Down course is being delivered in partnership with a number of organisations who all have a vested interest in reducing motorcycle-related casualties and reducing the severity of injuries sustained, including: Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, West Mercia Police, IAM RoadSmart and Midlands Air Ambulance Charity Designed for motorcyclists of all ages and abilities, Biker Down is a free course which offers bikers the chance to benefit from essential first-aid training and advice on what to do should they find themselves first at the scene of a collision where a motorcyclist is injured, as well as learning practical skills to help avoid being involved in a collision. The course is made up of three modules: Collision scene management, basic first aid and casualty care (including CPR and helmet removal) and ‘The science of being seen’ – advice on visibility and positioning. Biker Down is a national course which originated in Kent, and has already been adopted by numerous other areas across the UK including Warwickshire, Gloucestershire, Dyfed Powys and West Midlands. To book a place on one of these courses, please email dying2drive@hwfire.org.uk with your details (name, email address, contact telephone number, preferred course date / time) as soon as possible.

New cycle shelters to be installed in Gaol Street car park, Hereford City. Cyclists will soon have more options for where to store their bike when they visit the City, with two new Sedum (hardy, small water storing plants) cycle shelters being installed in Gaol Street car park. With room for 16 bikes, the new shelters are located close to the historic City centre offering cyclists a covered place to leave their bike during their visit, while they work or shop. The new cycle shelters, which will have lighting, have Sedum, herbs, grasses and plants on the roof, known to have many benefits for the environment. The plants will help absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen while their flowers are a great food source for bees and other pollinators. The living roof will also help to filter fine dust particles from the air and help to capture rain water. Work on the new cycle shelters is starting this week and is due to be completed by end March. The shelters are part of the improvements taking place in Hereford to further enhance the City Centre environment thanks to investment of £6million over the next two years. The investment, funded jointly by the council and Marches LEP, comes following a difficult period for local traders due to government covid restrictions, and aims to encourage people to spend more time in the City when they visit, helping to boost the local economy. Cllr John Harrington, Cabinet member for Infrastructure and Transport, said: “The new cycle shelters will match the Sedum roofed bus stops we brought in last year and will do a little but significant bit towards making the City air a little cleaner, absorbing CO2 and particulates. More significantly they will hopefully encourage people to travel to the City by bike instead of by car, knowing their bikes will be kept safe and dry, and the attractive living roof on the shelters will encourage bees and other pollinating insects. “The new cycle shelters are part of our continuing investment in our beautiful and historic City, so that everyone who visits or works there has the best possible experience and enjoys spending time there.”

Herefordshire Council has appointed its new director of public health. Matt Pearce takes up the role that puts him in charge of the health of the population of Herefordshire. Matt brings considerable experience to the role, having worked in public health for over 15 years. His career has included roles with the NHS and local government. He has a strong background in building partnerships across the public, private and community sectors to improve people’s health and wellbeing. Matt led West Berkshire Council’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic and played a key role in the integrated care partnership. A sports science graduate, he also holds a postgraduate diploma in sports development and a master’s degree in public health. Matt has a range of research interests and is visiting lecturer at the University of the West of England. He has been published in international, peer-reviewed scientific journals and has presented at national conferences. Matt Pearce says: “I am excited about joining Herefordshire Council as director of public health. The last two years have been very challenging and, as we move to the next phase of the pandemic, I am looking forward to re-focus our efforts on the general health and wellbeing of all Herefordshire’s residents.” Matt’s appointment means Dr Rebecca Howell-Jones will return to her role as consultant in public health for Herefordshire Council. Paul Walker, Herefordshire Council’s chief executive, says: “I’d like to welcome Matt Pearce as Herefordshire’s permanent director of public health and I’d like to thank Rebecca Howell-Jones for the remarkable job she did in stepping up to lead the Herefordshire Covid public health response over the last two years. This really was as big a challenge as any health chief could expect to face.”

Congratulations to The Royal National College for the Blind (RNC) 'Partially Sighted Football Team' who were proclaimed 'Championship League Winners' at the weekend with 15 points clear and 1 tournament to go. This is a significant achievement and a fabulous 150th birthday present for the College, well done to you all.

At just after 07:00 this morning Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service crews from Leominster Fire Station were called to reports of a high voltage cable arcing and giving off flames. The firefighters ensured scene safety, liaised with Western Power Distribution and assisted with access. HWFireLeominstr_480x852_1503304705795141637.mp4 Power supply to surrounding properties affected. Western Power Distribution told Hereford Voice that 86 homes in the HR6 8PR, HR6 8PP, HR6 8HW, HR6 8HP, and HR6 8HL postcodes are without power this morning due to a high voltage incident. Power is expected to be restored by 12:00noon today. HWFRS Leominster

We reported on the incident that involved emergency services closing the roads while they dealt with the casualty, which happened on the junction of union Street and Gaol Street just after 17:00 in our article here 👉 https://hfd.news/gb8 A spokesperson for West Midlands Ambulance Service told Hereford Voice "West Midlands Ambulance Service were called out at 17.07 to the junction of Union Street and Gaol Street, Hereford to reports of a low speed RTC involving a car and a pedestrian. Crews treated one woman on scene, the pedestrian, who had sustained a potentially serious injury before she was conveyed to Hereford County Hospital"

This weekend, HWFRS are contributing to an NFCC initiative to deliver kit and equipment safely and quickly to Ukraine to support the Ukrainian Fire & Rescue Service's response to the emerging crisis. Two Service volunteers are driving the fully packed vans to the UK collection point, containing a wide range of equipment that the Service is donating. The equipment includes personal protection equipment, filters for respiratory protection equipment, ventilation fans, scoop stretchers and chemical protection suits. Next week, following Government approval, the Service will be donating a fire appliance which will form part of the convoy being driven to Poland. The deployment of these donations is being supported by funding from the Home Office, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and others and coordinated by the UK charity Fire Aid. When it reaches Ukraine, the equipment will be used to support firefighters, emergency services and volunteers who are battling together on the front line, dealing daily with fires and other emergencies to protect lives, people and property as the invasion devastates the country. Area Commander Jon Butlin, the Service’s Assistant Director - Response, said: “This is an extremely worthy cause for the Service to be supporting, and I would like to thank everyone who has volunteered to drive the equipment to the collection point this weekend, and those that have assisted in prepping the equipment and the appliance at high speed to get it ready in time.” For more information about the NFCC Initiative please click on the following our unique link 👉 https://hfd.news/q09

Wren Kitchens have now moved into the unit formally occupied by Harveys on the Newtown Road Retail Park (next to Curry's) and Hereford Voice were today given a sneak preview. Wren staff are taking booking and leads ready for when the store opens next Friday morning at 09:00. New store opening hours; Monday - Friday 09:00-20:00 Saturdays 09:00 - 18:00 Sundays 10:30 - 17:00 (10:30 - 11:00 viewing only) Web | https://www.wrenkitchens.com

Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service crews supported their colleagues from Northfield Fire Station at a very large fire at Kevs Cars and Coaches Ltd in Birmingham Road, Lydiate Ash in Bromsgrove North Worcestershire during the early hours. 📸 WMFS Northfield

A body located in the River Wye in Netherton, and recovered by officers searching for a missing woman from Hereford, has been formally identified. Sadly, the body found yesterday morning (Thursday 10 March) has been confirmed to be Janet Edwards. Janet was reported missing late last year and her next of kin have been informed. Detective Chief Inspector Emma Whitworth said: "We know there has been a huge amount of hope in finding Janet safe and well, and we are deeply saddened by this outcome. "I would like to express my thanks to the community for all of their support with our search for Janet over the past three months. "Our thoughts go out to Janet's family and friends as this very difficult time." Janet’s family have asked that their privacy is respected at this time.

Independent candidate Claire Davies has been elected District Councillor for the Bromyard West Ward in the election that took place on Thursday March 10. The verified and declared results of the Bromyard West election were : Claire Davies, Independent 315 Nick Ferguson, Independent 152 Mark Franklin, Local Conservatives 100 Verified voter turnout for the election was 23.49% Full results can be found on the Herefordshire Council election results page HERE

Councillor defers decision in light of public opinion Following a public meeting last week, where Councillor John Harrington listened to the concerns of the community, a decision to introduce car parking charges in Kington has been deferred until a full transport study can be undertaken to understand the issues raised in detail. The introduction of charges for off-street parking in the town had been proposed as the council considers how it can best meet the needs of residents and promote other ways of travel. It is important that the limited number of parking spaces in any town centre is correctly managed to enable visitors to find a parking space easily and conveniently when they arrive. The transport study will align with the emerging scoping work set out in the Market Town Investment Plan for Kington, which is due to be considered by Cabinet on 24 March, and identify solutions to address the concerns raised around the parking. The town council has been invited to review the transport study brief to ensure that it addresses their concerns before it is progressed. The study, which will include further consultation with the town council and local stakeholders, is anticipated to be completed over the summer. Cllr John Harrington, cabinet member for infrastructure and transport, said: “I’m grateful to the town council for arranging a public meeting last week as it was important to fully understand the detail behind the concerns expressed by those who may be affected by the proposed decision. “I have reflected on the meeting and the issues raised and have agreed to defer the decision on the implementation of parking charges until the challenges and concerns raised by the community can be fully considered. “By working with the community to align the transport study with the Kington Market Town Investment Plan I’m optimistic we will reach a solution that will help deliver economic benefits.”

Emergency services were called to the scene at Netherton in Herefordshire just after 10am this morning. Later West Midlands Ambuland Service confirmed the body of a person had been found in the River Wye today. A spokesperson for the West Midlands Ambulance Service told Hereford Voice “We were called by the fire service at 10.41am this morning following reports of a person in the River Wye near Backney Bridge, Ross on Wye. An ambulance, paramedic officer, community first responder and HART paramedics attended. Sadly, it quickly became apparent that nothing could be done to save the person and they were confirmed deceased on scene.”

Banks of the River Lugg were damaged in December 2020 causing suspected significant and long-term ecological harm. Natural England and the Environment Agency are today launching legal action against the landowner The area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) which means permissions need to be granted before work can take place Natural England and the Environment Agency have announced today they are beginning legal action against a landowner for damage to a protected area of the River Lugg in Herefordshire. This follows a joint Natural England and Environment Agency in-depth investigation into ecological harm to the 1.5 kilometre of the protected stretch of the River Lugg. This investigation followed reports of unauthorised activity including dredging and changing the shape (profiling) of the riverbank in Kingsland in Herefordshire in December 2020. This has been a serious and complex investigation which has taken a considerable length of time to complete. The charges being brought against the landowner relate to: Unconsented operations and causing damage to a Site of Special Scientific Interest Carrying out activities within 8 metres of the River Lugg which were likely to cause damage to or endanger the stability of the river causing a water discharge activity, namely a discharge of silt into the River Lugg Failing to take reasonable precaution to prevent agricultural pollution from land management and cultivation practices on agricultural land Wilfully disturbing spawn or spawning fish, or any bed, bank or shallow on which any spawn or spawning fish may be Breach of a stop notice The charges also relate to further works which are alleged to have been carried out by the landowner in December 2021. Court action will now follow at Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court. Oliver Harmar, Chief Operating Officer at Natural England said: "The decimation of this section of the River Lugg has been devastating to the local environment and to local people, destroying the habitats of iconic wildlife such as otters, kingfisher and salmon. It was heart-breaking to see this beautiful riverside illegally damaged" https://www.gov.uk/government/news/multiple-agencies-investigate-damage-to-the-river-lugg The River Lugg in Herefordshire, pre December 2020 The River Lugg, post 2020 The River Lugg, post 2020

A man who stole over 600 sheep has been ordered to pay back the proceeds of his crime. Daniel Smith, aged 26, of Sutton St. Nicholas, Hereford pleaded guilty to four counts of theft at Hereford Magistrates’ Court on 7July 2021 and on 4th August 2021 he was sentenced to serve eight months imprisonment. The sheep were stolen from four locations in fields in the Marden, Sutton St Nicholas and Cross Keys areas of Herefordshire between 2 November 2020 and 26 January 2021. One of the victims identified sheep being sold as those stolen from his farm and subsequently 92% of the stolen sheep were recovered over the following two days in March 2021. On 8th March 2022 at Worcester Crown Court, a Confiscation Order, under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, was made, whereby Smith’s benefit figure from the crime was agreed to be £11,000. The amount Smith was found to have available was also £11,000, which he has been ordered to pay within three months, otherwise he will be sentenced to a further period of imprisonment in default of payment. Detective Inspector Emma Wright, of the Economic Crime Unit, West Mercia Police, said, “Smith has been stripped of the trappings of his crime by powers under the Proceeds of Crime Act, as a result of a financial investigation by West Mercia Police Economic Crime Unit. A Confiscation Order imposed, means he must pay back the full amount of £11,000, or face time in prison.” Wildlife Crime Officer, PC Josh Kitchen of West Mercia Police, said: “We are pleased with the result of this investigation and hope that it reassures the farming community that livestock theft will not be tolerated and that police will fully investigate these incidents. “Livestock thefts across the UK totalled £2.3million in 2020 and the act often causes suffering for the animals and additional financial pressures for farmers. “I would like to thank the farmers involved for their assistance in this investigation as well as the cooperation of Hereford Livestock Market. Without their assistance it is unlikely these sheep would have ever been recovered.”

Officers are appealing for witnesses and information in relation to a collision in Newent yesterday, Monday 7 March, which involved a vehicle and a horse. A vehicle struck the horse at around 4pm on Clifford's Mesne, near to The International Centre for Birds of Prey. The horse, pictured below, received veterinary treatment but due to the injuries sustained it was later euthanised. The rider, a 19-year-old woman, was thrown from the horse and went to hospital with injuries which are not believed to be serious. She was later discharged from hospital and is recovering at home. She is extremely upset by the ordeal. Inquiries are ongoing to identify the driver of the vehicle, which is reported to have been a silver or grey Vauxhall. It is believed the motorist, who did not stop at the scene, was a man aged in his 30s and was wearing a hi-vis at the time. At around 4.45pm, a short while after the collision, an abandoned vehicle was found alight nearby. Inquiries are ongoing to determine whether this was the vehicle involved. Police are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. Officers are also keen to hear from anyone who may have dashcam footage of the vehicle or who saw the driver leaving the scene. Information can be provided to police online by completing the following form and quoting incident 298 of 7 March: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/.../tell-us-about.../ You can also call police on 101. You can also provide information to independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or online https://crimestoppers-uk.org/

This blow comes after Historic England refused to list the building because it no longer had its original doors and windows, despite the Old School’s significance in the history of education in Garway and the surrounding area into Wales and as a physical manifestation of the 1870 Education Act. Residents of Garway gather outside the Old School in protest of its demolition. Toni Fagan, Hereford Councillor, says: “Garway villagers are up in arms over an application to demolish the old Victorian school in the centre of the village. It is a lovely example of a Victorian schoolhouse and an essential part of the history and fabric of Garway village which can never be replaced.” ‘The planning legislation around this is infuriating. Herefordshire has become such a coveted place to live since Covid and this is such a stunning Victorian building which is so intrinsic to Garway’s heritage, and is much loved by the community. Wanting to demolish it under permitted development is an unfathomable waste of heritage, resources and carbon emissions.’ ‘It is clear from resident’s objections, currently 83 and numerous more last weekend, that this is a building ofenormous value to the community of Garway. I would appeal to the applicant, Gerard Davies, to reconsider his options and retest the market for a buyer who can save Garway Old School. This is a site which has had previous planning permission and is completely open for sympathetic development. It could easily be a win-win situation for all involved.’ Located within the idyllic setting of rural Herefordshire, Garway Old School (as it is now known) was originally built as a ‘board school’, consisting of a schoolhouse with an adjoining residence for the headteacher. Designed in a decorative Gothic style by local architect E. H. Lingen Barker, the school was completed in 1877, and opened in 1878 with fifty schoolchildren in attendance. Most board schools built at the time were concentrated in large cities where education provisions were worse, so the construction of the Old School in Garway makes it a rare example for such a small, rural village. History Prior to 1870, the local vicar educated the local children of Garway in the Chapel of St Michael’s Church. Following the Education Act of 1870, the Skenfrith School Board was established in 1874 and it was decided that a board school should be built in the village with a teachers residence provided nearby. The architect appointed was E. H. Linger Barker, who was Herefordshire born and had experience of designing schools in London. He also designed schools in Grosmont, New Inn (Cross Ash) and Norton, all across the Welsh border, for the Skenfrith School Board. His design for Garway’s new school consisted of a large schoolroom with tall windows, a smaller schoolroom, and an adjoining headmaster’s residence. There were two entrance lobbies, possibly to provide separate entrances for boys and girls. The building was multi-gabled and constructed of coursed rubble ashlar with a slate roof and crested roof tiles. The main schoolhouse displays external decoration which distinguishes it from the rest of the building such as a shield with the date 1877, Gothic brick hoodmoulds and recessed glazed quatrefoils. Planning Application P220401/PA7 #HerefordVoice | #HerefordshireNews | #Garway

During the early hours of this morning, Monday 7th March 2022 at approximately 01:30am Police were called to a fire on Brampton Road, Hereford. A garage, located behind properties along Brampton Road was on fire. The fire was successfully put out by the Fire Service. Police and the fire service conducted inquiries in the nearby area and information suggests that youths were seen in the area before the fire began. The owners of the garage were later located and informed, which was very upsetting and distressing for the couple. All their belongings within the garage have been destroyed in the fire leaving nothing for them to recover. At this time the incident is being treated as suspicious and we urge any members of the public with information to come forward. You can provide information by contacting 101 quoting reference 00019_I_07032022. You can also report to the police anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers.

West Mercia Police responded to a report of a stabbing that occurred on Ridgemoor Road in Leominster at 8.10pm on Saturday night (5 March). The victim sustained stab wounds to their abdomen and was transferred to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham by ambulance. A man, aged 43, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and a woman, aged 40, was also arrested for assisting an offender. There is a police presence in the area whilst investigations continue. Superintendent Edd Williams said: “We understand that incidents of this nature, and a large police presence, can be concerning for the public. I would like to reassure residents that we believe this to be an isolated incident and there is no threat to the wider community.”

Holmer Guttering - 07761 232470 IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Insurance companies may not pay out if gutters are full as it is considered negligence. Deposits such as moss, dirt, grit mud, grass, leaves, twigs and plants can cause the gutters to become heavy and break away from the wall causing extensive damage. Even worse, damp in walls caused by the gutters not draining water can be a very expensive fix. Gutter cleaning is an essential part of property maintenance. At Holmer Guttering will not only clear all your gutters and down pipes they also rinse the gutters through leaving no unwanted deposits. For a free quote phone : 01432 507300 or 07761 232470

Our Live HD Webcam overlooking the River Wye and Victoria Bridge reached over 50,000 unique visitors today! Latest LIVE view taken at 16:40 today All of our Hereford LIVE camera's across the city are sponsored by Hereford Voice and have reached a combined audience of over 324,000 unique visitors! How is that for promoting our fabulous city ! Check out this bird's-eye view of The Victoria Bridge and the River Wye hosted by our good friends at The Pavilion, Castle Green in Hereford, which is about to undergo a major refurbishment as part of the StrongerHereford project. LIVE FEED https://hfd.news/k17 Hereford Voice is now part of the Skyline network of high definition panoramic webcams scattered around the world with the sole goal of promoting tourism, art and culture! Web | www.herefordlive.uk

The Welsh Marches Express, pulled by the 7029 Clun Castle locomotive, will start its journey today at Tyseley Locomotive Works, near Birmingham. It will arrive in Hereford at 11:01 this morning. Photo Credit | Paul Williams The train will speed along Great Western Railway main lines with authentic steam motive power, following a circular route: Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Shrewsbury, Welsh borders line through Craven Arms and past Stokesay Castle, pausing at Hereford to visit the city, climbing Llanvihangel bank, journeying through the Severn tunnel, then along Brunel’s Bristol to London Great Western Main Line and returning via Oxford and a climb over Hatton bank. Here is a list of scheduled times for the journey today; Ludlow - 10:29 Woofferton - 10:33 Leominster - 10:40 Moreton-on-Lugg - 10:52 Hereford - 11:01 departs - 13:31 Tram Inn - 13:42 Pontrilas - 13:48 Abergavenny -14:02 Website | Vintage Trains

Herefordshire Council has today (4 March) adopted the total Council Tax precepts for all Herefordshire residents. As the billing authority, the council has a statutory duty to collect charges set by each parish council, the Police and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia and Hereford & Worcester Fire Authority. However, Herefordshire Council has no control over the level of increase or how these organisations choose to spend their budget. Herefordshire residents will be provided with individual bills based on their parish location. The raised precepts are needed to support the delivery of vital services across the county, with the average Council Tax bill for a Band D dwelling set at £1,774.84. This includes the council’s own tax charge of £1,701.70 (for a band D dwelling) which was approved by Full Council on 11 February 2022. The increase is needed to support the continued delivery of vital services across the county and our priority is to get the best possible value for every pound we spend on the people of Herefordshire. The precept for the Police and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia rose by 3.94% to £249.66, an increase of £9.47. The precept for Hereford & Worcester Fire Authority rose by 1.96% to £89.40, an increase of £1.72. The discount on the council tax reduction (CTR) scheme for any struggling family which qualifies will remain at 100% for the coming year – irrespective of the price banding of their home. The budget made available to fund discretionary housing scheme payments for families just failing to qualify for CTR has also been trebled from £272,000 to £772,000. Additionally, some residents will continue to pay no Council Tax at all, such as young adults who have left care and also all the council’s Foster Carer families. More information and advice on reduction schemes and allowances can be found on the Herefordshire Council website at www.herefordshire.gov.uk/counciltax