Hereford Voice

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

Food Share - 12 Noon at Belmont Community Centre, Hereford Share supermarket food that otherwise will be thrown away, do not let this food go to waste. Every Friday from 12 noon, everyone welcome. This is not something new, we have been promoting this fantastic incentive for a long time with thanks to our friend Cllr Kevin Tillett and our long term sponsors at Belmont Community Centre Also Monday at Hunderton Scout Hut on Blackmarston Road at 11am followed at St Martins Church at 12noon.

Herefordshire Council is asking residents for their views on the introduction of measures to enforce moving traffic regulations. This includes stopping in yellow boxes at junctions, ignoring no-entry signs, making banned turns, contravening ‘access only’ routes and parking on yellow zig-zag lines outside schools. Traffic regulations act to make the roads safer for all users and to help keep traffic flowing in busy areas. Changes in Government legislation (implementation in full of Part 6 of the Traffic Management Act 2004) mean that councils in England will have control of enforcement powers for moving traffic contraventions, previously held by the police. Measures to enforce moving traffic regulations include the installation of cameras and the issuing of penalty notices.Councillor John Harrington, Cabinet member transport and infrastructure said: To view the consultation, let us know more about the impact of driver behaviour, and for views on proposed locations for camera enforcement, please visit our website at: www.herefordshire.gov.uk/moving-traffic-consultation

Herefordshire Council is supporting an outbreak of avian flu on the Eastnor Castle Estate. The council is working with the APHA, DEFRA and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) West Midlands to respond to the incident. Immediate steps were taken by the APHA to limit the risk of the disease spreading. The council is working with the APHA and DEFRA to further limit the spread, with officers visiting properties in the surrounding area to inform and engage with residents who keep birds, to assess and report any risks that might exist. An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) in in place countrywide and it is now a legal requirement for all bird keepers to keep their birds indoors and to follow strict biosecurity measures. The national Avian Influenza Prevention Zone means that it is a legal requirement that bird keepers across the country must: House or net all poultry and captive birds to keep them separate from wild birds Cleanse and disinfect clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds – if practical, use disposable protective clothing Reduce the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept, to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products, and use effective vermin control Thoroughly cleanse and disinfect housing on a continuous basis Keep fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and poultry housing entry and exit points Minimise direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds Bird keepers should visit the gov.uk website for full details of the AIPZ and updated biosecurity guidance. Do not touch or pick up any dead or sick birds that you find. If you find dead swans, geese or ducks or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, you should report them to the DEFRA helpline on: 03459 33 55 77 Keepers should report any suspicion of disease to Animal and Plant Health Agency on: 03000 200 301.

A planning application has been submitted for the Installation of a new 1.03km closed circuit cycle track with associated external works including perimeter fencing, learn to ride areas, skill based off road areas and perimeter lighting at Hereford Racecourse. The installation of a social hub comprising of three individual reused shipping containers with associated outdoor seating area. The Hereford Cycle Track Facebook member have now raised just over £1,400,000 towards the project and would like to say a huge thank you to our funding partners: - Hereford City Council - Herefordshire Council - Sport England & British Cycling - Stronger Hereford

📣 Knife Angel | The National Monument against Violence and Aggression is now at Worcester Photo courtesy of WCCYIT If you missed the Knife Angel Hereford when it was on display at Hereford Cathedral last Summer, you now have another chance to visit this awesome thought-provoking statue in Cathedral Square Worcester from 1st - 31st March 2022. ❤️ Hereford Voice was so proud to have been able to promote and support the Knife Angel Hereford project and are delighted to be able to continue to support this legacy.

I was coming into the Council Offices this morning listening to the news from Ukraine, reflecting on the statements being made nationally and wondering what response was appropriate from us in the Council. We have real connections with Ukraine. For many years Herefordshire has relied upon workers from Eastern Europe, Ukraine included, to work here. Some have stayed and are bringing up their families here. Many of us travel internationally and might have visited Ukraine. We have a strong global presence in the security industry and there are workers from Herefordshire in Ukraine providing services. Given the seriousness of war breaking out in Europe today for the first time in over 80 years It is appropriate for me, on behalf of the Council, to send a message of solidarity and sympathy to all democratically elected representatives of the government and of councils across Ukraine and to the people of Ukraine whom they all serve and represent. The fabric and freedom of their society is under threat and our support, thoughts and prayers are with them all at this difficult and distressing time. On behalf of the Council I want to reach out to Ukrainians living in our County. Our thoughts are with you and our residents who have friends and family in the region. If we are able to support you, please let us know. #HerefordVoice | #HerefordNews | #Herefordshire

The Government wants to increase the supply of new housing and for Herefordshire, this means 850 dwellings per year over the next 20 years. Give your view on housing distribution across the county by Feb 28 here 👉 https://orlo.uk/626X4

♥️ In Loving Memory | We lost our friend Jamal Haider last weekend and Hereford will never be the same without him. Jamal's funeral is taking place now (12 noon) at the Ghamkol Sharif Mosque in Birmingham. Hereford Voice will fall silent for the remainder of the day as a mark of respect to Jamal. Please take a moment to think about Jamal and his family sometime today and feel free to share your fond memories of this absolute gentleman with us all. ♥️ RIP Jamal

HRH The Prince of Wales (The Duke of Cornwall), Patron of Hereford Cathedral Perpetual Trust, made a visit to Hereford Cathedral today (Tuesday 22 February) while visiting The Duchy of Cornwall Estate in the county. It was the first opportunity that His Royal Highness has had to meet the new Dean of Hereford, the Very Revd Sarah Brown. ‘It was wonderful to welcome His Royal Highness to Hereford Cathedral’, said the Dean. ‘His Royal Highness first visited the cathedral in the 1980s and has supported our work throughout that time. It was a pleasure to be able to talk to him about our future aspirations.’ During the visit The Prince visited a number of projects which have been supported by the Perpetual Trust. These included the restoration of the Choir House and Old Chapel as part of the recently completed Eastern Cloister Project and he learnt about the developments in the music department, the restoration of the Cathedral Close and the installation of Ascension, the memorial to the SAS. He also had the opportunity to view the ‘All Things Bright’ exhibition, which highlights a thousand years of metalwork from cathedral and diocese, on display within the Mappa Mundi and Chained Library. ‘His Royal Highness has always been a very supportive Patron of the Trust.’ said Nat Hone, the Chair of the Perpetual Trust, ‘He has visited and has hosted events for us. It was a pleasure to be able to show him some of the projects we have funded, to talk about the importance of building an endowment to secure the cathedral’s long-term financial future and to be able to discuss Dean Sarah’s vision for our future ministry.’ ‘We were very touched by His Royal Highness’s visit. Like so many other organisations, due to Covid, we were not able to commemorate the Trust’s 25th anniversary last year and His Royal Highnesses visit has given us an opportunity to celebrate.’ During the visit, The Prince had the opportunity to hear about projects from Robert Kilgour, the Cathedral Architect and the current Chair of the National Cathedral Architects Association; Glyn Morgan, the Chief Executive of the Perpetual Trust, who has been involved with the charity for 25 years; and Mr Edward Harley, recently appointed as the Receiver General of the Duchy of Cornwall as well as being the Lord-Lieutenant of Herefordshire and an Honorary Canon of the cathedral. The visit lasted almost an hour and His Royal Highness also took the opportunity to meet visitors to the cathedral including children taking part in half term activities. Photos by Gordon Taylor, Hereford Cathedral.

The River Wye is Hereford is expected to peak this evening at 5.5 metres, check out the LIVE panoramic views of the Victoria Bridge and the River Wye in Hereford via our LIVE Webcam - LIVE FEED https://hfd.news/k17 Hosted by our lovely friends at The Pavilion, Castle Green Hereford.