Hereford Voice

Fire crews from Ewyas Harold Fire Station were mobilised last night to an RTC on Whitecross Road by the Sainsbury's / Aldi traffic lights. Two vehicles had collided at the junction, crews made the vehicles safe using the RTC equipment and following recovery cleared the debris and any spillage. All airbags within the vehicles had deployed. Police and Ambulance service were also in attendance and the traffic through the area had delays for a short period. All persons were assessed on scene and thankfully no persons were injured. 📷 Ewyas Harold Fire Station

Crews from Kingsland Fire Station were called today to a female trapped under a car near Aymestrey. The lady was released using Holmatro UK rescue equipment, the lady is now in the care of West Midlands Ambulance Service. She was very lucky to walk away from this accident. Joint working from Leintwardine Fire crews, West Midlands Air Ambulance and West Mercia Police.

Police in our neighbouring county are investigating reports of a rape in Craven Arms, Shropshire. Police were called at 1.43am this morning (Thursday 15 April) with reports that a 17-year-old girl had been attacked while walking through an alley near Craven Arms Railway Station. Police believe the offence happened around 12midnight after the victim got off of a train from Ludlow. Officers are carrying out enquiries within the area and a scene guard is in place while the investigation is ongoing. Shrewsbury Detective Inspector Dafydd Jones said: Anyone with information is urged to call 101 quoting reference 024i of 15 April or alternatively report it online through the Tell Us About section of the website. 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 I.P address. You can contact them online or by calling 0800 555 111.

Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service rescued a person on West Malvern Road Malvern. Casualty on the Malvern Hills with suspected leg fracture. Casualty reached by crews from Malvern Fire Station with Argocat off-road vehicle, and transported to roadside for treatment.

Leominster Police have advised us that they are attending reports of an overturned lorry on the A49 at Queenswood/Dinmore Hill. Please drive slow, emergency services are on route.

Businesses on a Hereford industrial estate are being urged to make full use of a new Covid rapid testing site – and to help keep it open beyond a trial period. Herefordshire Council says the new lateral flow test site at Block B, Skylon Court in Coldnose Road, Rotherwas, is being operated on a pilot basis until April 30. The council says it is vital as many businesses in the area use the testing facility as regularly as possible and volunteer to help keep it open beyond the end of the month. Testing is available to employees who cannot work from home and designed to find people who have the virus but show none of the symptoms.A council spokesperson said: The council says regular testing is essential to help control the spread of the virus. It has issued the following advice to businesses: Frequency – It is recommended that testing is undertaken twice weekly. Assistance – There will be a number of trained staff on site, to meet and greet, signpost people, advise on how to undertake your swab and answer any questions throughout the process. Clothing – Exterior doors and windows will be open to provide fresh air ventilation so please dress accordingly. Please do not bring any unnecessary items or bags that may be cross-contaminated. Registration – For the registration process you will need to have a smart device (phone or tablet) with a camera function to scan a QR code. If you do not have a smart device, additional devices are available on site to use and the registration assistant will be on hand to advise, however, it may cause a slight delay in the registration process if you are not using your own device. The registration process requires answering a number of questions on the device, so if you require reading glasses please ensure you have them to hand. Process – Link to demonstration self-swabbing process: Results – To receive your results, you will need to input your mobile phone number, so ensure you have this to hand for the registration process. Booking – No booking necessary just turn up! The centre is open from 8am to 2pm on Monday, 1-6pm on Wednesday and 8am-2pm on Friday. Testing is available to all those that work on the industrial estate and is on a first come, first served basis. You should not attend if you are showing any symptoms of Covid-19.

Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service crews were called to a fire late last night in Herefordshire caused by BBQ. All 3 appliances from Leominster Fire Station were called to an outbuilding on fire just outside of Leominster. Crews used a hose reel, thermal imaging camera, ladders and hand tools to extinguish the fire and to remove the roof sheets to inspect for signs of fire spread. The source of ignition for this fire was from cooking and heating during outside entertaining. With this type of activity set to increase during the following months, please take care where you are lighting BBQs and be aware of the surrounding area. Access to this was made possible thanks to 521, the compact appliance. Crews were able to get close to the incident by navigating through the narrow drive entrance and around the back gardens, where a standard fire appliance would’ve struggled. 📷 HWFIRE Leominster

The Knife Angel (Also referred to as the National Monument Against Violence & Aggression) is a contemporary sculpture formed from 100,000 confiscated knives and is an incredible 27ft in height and weighing over 3.5 tonnes, created by artist Alfie Bradley and the The British Ironwork Centre based in Oswestry. This thought-provoking angel artwork is scheduled to be hosted by the magnificent Hereford Cathedral from 14 June for 28 days. Hereford Voice is proud to be a 'Working Partner' with this fabulous charity. Donations https://www.justgiving.com/knifeangelhereford About Knife Angel Hereford Alison Davies lost her son Mark Hamilton to knife crime in 2018, together with friends Meryl Cain, Pauline Strong and Jan Jefferies they decided to bring the Knife Angel to #Hereford in 2021 to help raise awareness of the catastrophic impact of violent crime on communities, families and individuals. Please visit the website www.knifeangelhereford.co.uk During the Knife Angel’s visit, the Knife Angel Hereford team will run a series of workshops and interactive events. It is envisaged that this initiative will continue after the Knife Angel leaves Hereford. Another reason to #VisitHerefordshire this year!

Herefordshire Council teams have recently completed a programme of resurfacing and drainage works on the C1095 - Tillington in Herefordshire. The roads look a lot better.

We have received tributes following the passing of popular and well liked local Dentist Bob Binnersley, who sadly died this week. A message on the St Martins Dental & Implant Clinic that he founded in 1989 announced the sad news yesterday. Bob Binnersley

These units were not empty for long! 'Amazing Asia' is due to open within the next 3 months at the Hereford Old Market Shopping Centre The restaurant is to occupy the former Prezzo building and boasts that over 80 items of Indian and Thai cuisine will be available on the menu. More 'Positive News' for a brighter 'Positive Hereford' with even more shops and eateries opening over the summer.

Who remembers the Launderette on the Belmont Road? The launderette eventually moved to St Martin's Street Hereford in 2012 and the former building become home to Shire Stoves. The building has this week been demolished to make way for a new project, another local landmark disappears.

Hereford Voice have this evening received reports that the Oak Furnitureland store on the Salmon Retail Park, Holmer Road Hereford will reopen Monday with an immediate 'closing down' sale. We are informed that staff we given just 4 weeks notice of redundancy this morning and informed that the Hereford branch is scheduled to close in May. The hardwood furniture business announced restructuring plans last summer after it was rescued from collapse in a pre-pack administration deal. On June 15 2020, the retailer was acquired by global investment manager Davidson Kempner Capital Management following a sales process by Deloitte.

Hereford Cathedral lower the George flag to half-mast as a mark of respect following the death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip, the longest-serving consort in British history, was married to the Queen for more than 70 years. He dedicated decades of his life to royal duty, serving the nation at the monarch's side.

Statement on behalf of Claire Ward, Clerk to the Lieutenancy of Herefordshire: “The councillors and officers of Herefordshire Council are deeply saddened at the news of the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh. “The Duke of Edinburgh was the longest-serving royal consort in British history, and a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Thank you on behalf of Herefordshire to The Duke of Edinburgh for your devoted service to the UK and the Commonwealth. “Our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this time.” Statement on behalf of Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant, Edward Harley OBE: “I am very sad to hear the news regarding His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. “HRH has been a pillar of strength to The Monarchy, dedicating his life to supporting Her Majesty The Queen in her duties. “The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which has offered opportunities to thousands of young people, is just one of his many lasting legacies. “HRH has been a hugely positive and encouraging influence in so many fields. “My thoughts are with Her Majesty and all the members of The Royal Family at this very sad time.” Statement on behalf of Councillor Sebastian Bowen, Chairman of Herefordshire Council: “It is with great sadness that we observe the passing of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. Our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this sad time. The flags across the county are being flown at half-mast as a sign of our greatest respect, and there will be books of remembrance located throughout Herefordshire to commemorate and celebrate fond memories of Prince Philip throughout his life. “We first welcomed The Duke of Edinburgh to Herefordshire in 1957 when he accompanied the Queen on her first visit to the county as Queen and they have both visited us on several occasions since then. The last occasion was their visit on 11 July 2012 during Her Majesty’s celebration of her Diamond Jubilee, which will be a permanent memory for the people of Herefordshire. The Duke has always been such a marvellous consort to the Queen throughout the decades, helping to make the world envious of the British monarchy, which is without equal. “The Duke of Edinburgh, when a young Naval Officer stationed on Malta was introduced to Polo by Lord Mountbatten, who was a great exponent of the game and wrote a classic manual on Polo. The Duke became a fine player with a very good handicap of four. He was a member of many winning teams. After Polo, the Duke took up Carriage Driving, very successfully. He was skilled, brave and very determined and won many Championships and represented Great Britain. He drove a team of the Queen's ponies to many successes. His enthusiastic participation greatly raised the profile of Carriage Driving. “We owe The Duke a great debt of gratitude for the way he dedicated his life to be at the Queen’s side at thousands of visits in their service of our country and the whole of the Commonwealth. The way he supported the nation’s young people mature into responsible adulthood through his innovative Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme was a marvellous inspiration for many young people. I know that The Duke of Edinburgh Scheme has changed, greatly for the better, the lives of thousands of young people and taught them to believe in themselves and to learn that serving other people is the greater glory. “He will be sorely missed, not only by the Royal family and his friends, but also by the nation as a whole.”

Online marketplace Local E Sourced has been chosen as a finalist for Britain’s best environmentally sustainable business 08th APRIL 2020: Local e Sourced based in #Herefordshire has been shortlisted for the UK’s best environmentally sustainable small business at this year’s Small Awards. In its fifth year, The Small Awards is a nationwide search for the smallest and greatest firms in the UK, across all sectors. It is organised annually by Small Business Britain, which champions, inspires and accelerates small businesses in the UK. Local E Sourced is an online marketplace exclusively for independent businesses, founded in March 2020. Offering the ability to buy multiple products from any number of suppliers with a single delivery charge. Makes products more accessible, helping reach new customers while creating a unique shopping experience with a focus on celebrating and promoting local businesses and products. By shopping with Local e Sourced, you are minimising the need to import food leaving behind it a huge carbon footprint. Instead, you are supporting small, independent suppliers. By shopping local, we are keeping a significant amount of money within the area, that will help grow local businesses, create jobs, improve tourism and generally improve the quality of life in the local community and become less focused on cheap imported, lesser quality goods and support those who work hard to provide on our doorsteps. Local e Sourced has been chosen as one of five finalists for the new ‘Net Hero’ Small Award, launched in the run-up to this November’s UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), to recognise small firms demonstrating exceptional commitment to environmental sustainability. With eleven unique categories, the Small Awards celebrate the dynamism of the UK’s small business sector, across everything from longstanding family businesses and innovation-led start-ups, to social enterprise champions. said Michelle Ovens CBE, Founder of Small Business Britain. Hamish said, Hamish Light Judged by a panel of leading enterprise experts, the winners of all award categories, along with the overall winner of Small Business of the Year, will be announced on 13 May 2021. This year, in light of current covid-19 restrictions, Small Business Britain will again be hosting its award ceremony as a lively virtual event, instead of the traditional glittering gala dinner. Small businesses across the country will zoom in together for an evening of fun celebrations, featuring entertainment, special guests, speeches, networking and more! About The Small Awards The Small Awards, launched in 2017, targets the whole small business sector focusing on businesses often overlooked by other awards. The Small Awards is run by Small Business Britain, the UK’s leading champion of small businesses, supporting all 5.8 million small businesses in the UK – no matter their location, their sector, or their ambition level. Through a series of reports, events and campaigns, Small Business Britain champions, inspires and accelerates small businesses in the UK to foster growth and increased confidence. https://thesmallawards.uk https://smallbusinessbritain.uk

All 3 appliances from Leominster Fire Station were required at a large building fire, near Ludlow late last night. Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service crews from Hereford, Ledbury, Tenbury and Leintwardine, were all in attendance. Firefighters used breathing apparatus, main jets and hose reels to bring the fire swiftly under control. 📷 HWFRS Leominster

Positive Hereford | There are lots of good things about our wonderful city. We have new independent retailers that will all be reopening again on Monday including all those lovely shops and boutiques in The Independent Quarter and Hereford Butter Market We have a new a pizza restaurant, fabulous coffee bars, take-aways, bistros, wine bars and pubs! A new eatery offering Korean BBQ at your table is coming soon to the Hereford Old Market Shopping Centre and we have some fabulous hotels too. We love our city and county and we like to shout about it and promote everything positive. It's all too easy to moan but we are privileged to live in such a beautiful part of the World. We will continue to promote local business and encourage people to visit Hereford and Herefordshire. The lockdown has been a very challenging time for people and businesses alike but there is light at the end of the tunnel.. Join us in our campaign and 'BE POSITIVE' about this fabulous city of ours. 'Positive Hereford' Follow our hashtag #positivehereford

🔷 Money for bypass | Outsourcing services and Herefordshire Council's commitment to build 2,500 affordable new homes 🔷 In this final session from Councillor Harvey she answers more questions put to her from our previous topic here about money for the Western Link Road (also known as the Hereford Bypass), and why do the council often outsource services. Hereford Voice would like to thank Councillor Liz Harvey for taking the time out to answer questions and engaging in our Councillor Sessions, we hope that you have found these useful. More Councillors will be engaging with you this year as part of our 'exclusive' Hereford Voice 'Councillor Sessions' Our 'Councillor Sessions' are not limited solely to the current administration, we welcome 'Sessions' with Councillors from ALL parties representing Herefordshire. 🔜 Follow Hereford Voice for more Councillor Sessions coming soon

Herefordshire Council teams have recently completed a programme of resurfacing and drainage works on the C1125 - C1129 to C1124, Marden in Herefordshire.

Police in the Forest of Dean dealt with an incident where fence panels had not been secured properly to the roof of this motorists vehicle, resulted in this lucky escape. Police reported the driver for an insecure load. 📷 Gloucester Police

🔷 Furlough and Purchase of Maylord Orchards 🔷 In this session Councillor Harvey answers more questions about whether Council staff were furloughed and the purchase of Maylord Orchards for over £4 Million. Councillor Harvey will be answering more of the questions from our previous topic here in her final session later this week. More Councillors will be engaging with you this year as part of our 'exclusive' Hereford Voice 'Councillor Sessions' Our 'Councillor Sessions' are not limited solely to the current administration, we welcome 'Sessions' with Councillors from ALL parties representing Herefordshire. 🔜 Follow Hereford Voice for more Councillor Sessions coming soon

This grass snake was seen in the Forest of Dean this week. The photo was taken from distance but how beautiful to see such a wonderful creature in Herefordshire. Photograph courtesy of F.D.Williams Have you seen any snakes in the County?

Instagram | We captured this fabulous sunset tonight while walking through Hereford city centre. 'Follow Us' on Instagram