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Hereford Voice

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  1. Hereford Voice
    A meeting of Full Council today (13 October) voted to adopt the new Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Policy, 2023-28. The council has 900 licence holders in the county, including Hackney Carriage Proprietors, Private Hire Vehicle Proprietors and Dual Driver holders, and the Taxi Policy sets out the expectations of Herefordshire Council as the licensing authority. The review of the existing policy is required due to a number of changes and recommendations contained within new government statutory guidance issued in July 2020. The new policy further enhances the Council’s ability to carry out suitability tests and ensures that all licence holders are informed about their safeguarding responsibilities. In addition it offers the opportunity to share information regarding issues surrounding child sexual exploitation, modern slavery and illicit trade practices with other authorities. Following extensive development and consultation, The Taxi Association has indicated that they are in agreement with the changes at this time and are now in support of the revised policy. Cllr Barry Durkin, Cabinet Member Roads and Regulatory Services, said: “The new Policy has been created by a legal specialist following consultation with taxi trade members and meetings with both the local and national trade associations. Due consideration has therefore been given to all the comments received, and we’re very pleased to have the support of The Taxi Association. The revised policy is not expected to have any major impact on the trade which also includes consideration for direct environmental impacts, such as encouraging as many different fuel types as possible, including small two seat electric and hybrid vehicles. The implementation date will be two calendar months from the date of this decision to allow time for existing licence holders to achieve compliance. “We would like to extend our thanks for the time and work that the Herefordshire Taxi Association Members have provided, and I would like to express my appreciation for the contribution they have provided to the development of this new Policy.” For more information and to read the new Taxi Policy, please view the meeting papers.
  2. Hereford Voice
    The family have said “We are devastated and heartbroken, and there will never be enough words to describe our shock and pain. “This is a tragic and painful end to Mark’s life. Mark had a heart of gold, he was the best husband, dad, son, brother and friend that anyone could ask for. He was incredibly loved by everyone that he ever met. “We would like to thank the passer-by who assisted Mark and the emergency services for their help with trying to save him. We are thankful to West Mercia Police for their swift action and ask that they are left to get on with their investigation without interruption. We ask to be left in peace at this time to be able to grieve as a family”.
  3. Hereford Voice
    A man has been arrested following a fatal collision in Hereford in the early hours of yesterday morning (Sunday 8 October). Police received reports that a man was left seriously injured on Holme Lacy Road following a collision with a vehicle. Despite the efforts of paramedics the man, aged 55, was pronounced dead at the scene. A 57-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop at the scene of a collision and failing to report a collision. He remains in police custody as the investigation continues. Anyone who may have seen the victim, or were near Rotherwas Industrial Estate towards Holme Lacy Road after 1am Sunday morning, is urged to contact PC Jonathan Lynes by emailing jonathan.lynes@westmercia.police.uk quoting incident 68i of Sunday 8 October, 2023. 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 I.P address. You can contact them online or by calling 0800 555 111.
  4. Hereford Voice
    Officers are appealing for witnesses and information after a man died following a collision in Hereford. Police received reports in the early hours of this morning (Sunday 8 October) that a man was left seriously injured on Holme Lacy Road following a collision with a vehicle. Despite the efforts of paramedics the man, aged in his 50s, was pronounced dead at the scene. While the cause of death has yet to be fully established, the man is believed to have been struck by a vehicle causing him to suffer fatal injuries. Detective Inspector Mel Reynolds said: “This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with the man's family at this incredibly difficult and upsetting time. “Our enquiries are continuing and we’re particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have seen the man, or were themselves in the vicinity, of Rotherwas Industrial Estate towards Holme Lacy Road after 1am on Sunday morning. “We would also like to speak to anyone who may have dash-cam footage, or who may have witnessed any vehicles, or people in the area acting suspiciously during this time.” Anyone who has any information is urged to email PC Jonathan Lynes on jonathan.lynes@westmercia.police.uk quoting incident 68i of Sunday 8 October, 2023. 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 I.P address. You can contact them online or by calling 0800 555 111.
  5. Hereford Voice
    The Care Quality Commission visited Hereford County Hospital earlier this year and carried out a focused inspection on Maternity Services. Something to shout about - Amie Symes, front row in the red dress, with colleagues after hearing news of the CQC’s “Good” rating for Maternity Services The report, published today, praises the staff who the inspectors say were working “incredibly hard” to deliver a high standard of care to those using their services. They added that they found a “well-respected and supportive leadership team” in the maternity service with skills and experience to run the service well. Amie Symes, the Trust’s Associate Director of Midwifery, said: “We’re delighted to receive the CQC report which highlights overall improvements in our maternity service, and in particular the rating improvement to ‘good’ in how well-led the service is. “We’re incredibly proud of our wonderful maternity team, working with dedication, enthusiasm and pride to achieve these improvements. We are fortunate to benefit from a highly skilled and experienced multi-disciplinary team across a range of specialities including midwifery, obstetrics, paediatrics, anaesthetics and theatres, and the improvements made are a testament to the team’s hard work and commitment to the service.” She added that by working closely with, and listening to, service users had enabled the team to develop the kind of services local people want. “Developing strong relationships with our service users through the Maternity Voices Partnership has enabled them to influence and shape our priorities. This, coupled with the implementation of local and national recommendations, has facilitated improvements to care provision. “While the report identifies that the safe domain ‘requires improvement,’ we are committed and making good progress towards our quality improvement objectives. “Our staff pride themselves on providing exceptional and compassionate care to women, babies and their families who access our service, and this remains our priority.” Jane Ives, the Trust’s Managing Director, said: “Our excellent maternity team deserves this recognition. “They have worked very hard to continually improve the service to women and families. Listening to the users of the service and responding to feedback, as well as implementing clinical best practice, latest research and national guidelines. “Our next ambition as a Trust is to be rated as “good” overall, and this rating is a further step in this direction. “We shall look closely at the full report and continue to closely monitor the service to further improve the quality of service we are offering our local communities.”
  6. Hereford Voice
    Local MP Jesse Norman has hailed the opening of the new Hereford cycle track as "a massive boost to the county and the community". Jesse has backed the cycle track from its very inception as an early financial supporter, as Member of Parliament for Hereford, as a member of the Stronger Towns Fund board, and as Transport minister responsible for cycling and active travel. Commenting, Jesse said: "I vividly recall being hit up by Jim Kenyon for a non-trivial financial donation to support the cycle track in its earliest days! So it is such a joy to see it become a reality today. "Massive thanks to Jim for his early vision and to all those over the years who have made it possible. It is so fitting that my friend the great Chris Boardman, Chair of Sport England, was able to come and open it. "This is just the first of a whole set of local projects that will be coming on stream over the next year or so, thanks to our £22.4 million Stronger Towns Fund win in 2021. It is all really exciting, for the city and the county alike."
  7. Hereford Voice
    A spokesperson for Hoople said; "We are delighted to announce that we have recently completed the purchase of a new head office building which will bring together more of our teams under one roof, with enhanced facilities for our colleagues, students, training delegates and visitors. Refurbishment work is underway at the former Conexus building on Legion Way in Hereford to provide flexible office spaces and state of the art meeting and training rooms, as well as comfortable indoor and outdoor break spaces. We are looking forward to relocating in early 2024. To be in a position to purchase our own building is testament to the hard work and commitment of our teams and the leadership of our Board. Hoople now has over 600 employees providing a diverse portfolio of services. We have come a long way since Hoople’s inception in 2011, and the new building will allow for further growth and development"
  8. Hereford Voice
    Photographs courtesy of Vision Building and Development
  9. Hereford Voice
    Fabulous progress and well done to the team at Vision Building and Development Can't wait to get our Hereford LIVE New HD Camera back online at the fabulous Pavilion venue. P Photographs courtesy of Vision Building and Development
  10. Hereford Voice
    An investment of up to £2.4m is set to be made by Herefordshire Council to boost capacity for children with Special Educational Needs at a school in Hereford. The cash injection will be made at Hampton Dene Primary School’s Language and Communication Centre to provide an additional two classrooms, toilets, support space and outdoor area to face up to soaring demand for spaces. The centre which was built to provide education for 32 children is currently running over capacity and the new investment will mean a further 16 spaces are available to improve educational outcomes for children with special educational needs. The new expansion will also include a community and meeting room to help integrate the children into the centre with the school set to add a financial contribution towards the cost of this facility. Cabinet member for Children and Young People Cllr Ivan Powell said: “This incredibly important expansion is a key element of our ongoing work to make sure there is high quality and sustainable specialist educational accommodation for children and young people in Herefordshire.” Cabinet member for Community Services and Assets Cllr Harry Bramer said: “This is an area of considerable growth. This excellent centre was originally established to cater for up to 32 children. It has been at full capacity since 2018 and is now offering specialist support for more children than ever as the need continues to rise. This investment means the centre can rise to the challenge of these increasing numbers and offer excellent educational opportunities for more children.” The investment will come from High Needs Provision Capital Grant and forms part of the Council’s Capital Investment Strategy. The increased provision at Hampton Dene follows investment earlier this year to provide four new autism hubs at Leominster Primary School, St Weonards Primary School, Earl Mortimer College, and Aylestone High School.
  11. Hereford Voice
    The former nurse will not face further action on another five counts of attempted murder that a jury failed to reach verdicts on. She will not face further action on another five counts of attempted murder that a jury failed to reach verdicts on. A provisional trial date has been fixed for 10 June next year, and is expected to last two to three weeks. Letby was found guilty in August of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder six other infants while working on the neonatal unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital between June 2015 and June 2016. The 33-year-old was given a whole-life prison sentence for each offence she committed. She has filed a formal appeal against her convictions - but a date is yet to be set for any potential hearing. #HerefordVoice | #HerefordNews | #Hereford | #Herefordshire
  12. Hereford Voice
    A report outlining current financial pressures and the measures being taken to address them is to be considered by Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet Like many other councils across the country, Herefordshire Council is experiencing significant budget pressures as it faces rising costs due to inflation, the cost of fuel, and the continuing impact of increasing demand for adult and children’s social care. A report to the council’s Cabinet meeting on 28 September sets out the first financial forecast of 2023/24 of a projected overspend of £13.5m and outlines initial actions expected to reduce this to £9.5m. Further action is needed to respond to the financial challenges the council is facing and ensure spending is within the resources available. The council has a revenue budget of £193.3m in 2023/24 to deliver services, which includes £20m of planned savings to balance the books. The most significant budget pressure is in children and young people’s services (£10.6m) where a programme of improvement is underway. The council will need to focus on the most essential activities and priorities if it is to balance the budget. There are services the council must continue such as delivering statutory services (services the council is legally obliged to deliver), maintaining health and safety of staff, residents and businesses; and fulfilling contractual obligations. Areas where action is already being taken to address the cost pressures include restrictions on the purchase of non-essential items, a reduction in the number of interim and agency staff, restrictions on the recruitment of permanent staff. A review of services is also underway to ensure the way they are delivered offers the best value for money. To see the cabinet meeting papers click here
  13. Hereford Voice
    The GMB says it was informed by administrator PwC of the development on Monday morning. It comes after a rescue deal involving the owner of HMV collapsed. All 400 branches of collapsed retailer Wilko will close by early October with the "likely" loss of all 12,500 jobs at the chain, according to the GMB.
  14. Hereford Voice
    Police officers are currently at a property in central Hereford after a body of a man was discovered yesterday (9 September). Sadly, the man aged in his 70’s was pronounced dead at the scene and his death is currently being treated as unexplained. Detective Chief Inspector Tony Garner said, “I know that seeing a lot of police officers can seem alarming, but I would like to thank the residents in this area for their patience whilst we carry out investigations”. Anybody with any information is asked to contact West Mercia Police on 01432 347155 Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
  15. Hereford Voice
    📣 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 | 🧡 Today, we remember firefighters John Davies and David Morris who tragically lost their lives 30 years ago today, fighting one of the largest fires the city of Hereford has ever seen🧡 Firefighters John Davies from Leominster, 34, and David Morris from Hereford, 35, both died when they became trapped by a fallen ceiling at the factory. They were among the 130 firefighters who attended the fire at the old ‘Sun Valley’ factory on Grandstand Road, Hereford on the 6th September 1993. At 11:44, exactly 30 years on from the time of the call about the fire, Hereford Fire Station crews will be holding a parade at the St Owen Street fire station. Then, at the Lady Arbour Gardens at Hereford Cathedral at 3pm, dignitaries including the mayors of Leominster and Hereford, the chairman and vice-chairman of Hereford & Worcester Fire Authority and the Chief Fire Officer will attend a memorial parade when a wreath will be placed at the memorial plaque. 📸 HWFRS
  16. Hereford Voice
    Further to our 👉 'Breaking News' article back in February where we revealed that 'Greggs' are potentially going to be opening a large café at Phantom House on Holme Lacy Road, Rotherwas Hereford. Last week Mrs Sara Humphries on behalf of Greggs Plc submitted plans for; Proposed two fascia signs, one projecting sign, one digital promotional screen, new shop front, awning, two air conditioning condenser units and two extract grilles. A further planning application was also submitted; Proposed two fascia signs, one projecting sign, one internal 55" digital promotional screen. An Application for a Certificate of Lawfulness for a Proposed use to confirm the Lawfulness of the proposed occupation by Greggs PLC (Use Class E) has already been approved by Herefordshire Council here.
  17. Hereford Voice
    We were invited to see how the new restaurant is coming along... WOW! The new Greek themed restaurant is looking fabulous! We can't wait to get stuck into some wonderful Greek food. Indulge your taste buds in the authentic flavours of Greece at the brand-new Mr.Gyro restaurant and takeaway, coming to West Street Hereford at the end of September! Experience the essence of Greek tradition with our mouthwatering Gyros, bursting with tender meat and deliciously fresh toppings. The menu features a delightful selection of traditional Greek cuisine, including savoury Souvlaki, delectable Moussaka, and delightful Baklava for those with a sweet tooth! Join us for a warm and welcoming ambiance, where every dish is prepared fresh with love and care, delivering an authentic taste of Greece to your plate. Conveniently located on West Street, our new restaurant and takeaway option allows you to experience the flavours of Greece at your own pace, whether you dine in or take it home! To celebrate the grand opening, Mr.Gyro will have some exciting promotions and giveaways planned with Hereford Voice! Follow Hereford Voice and Mr.Gyro on social media for updates and exclusive offers! Mark your calendars for the end of September and join us at Mr.Gyro to embark on a culinary journey like no other. We can't wait to share the taste of Greece with our friends in Herefordshire in our new restaurant. See you soon! 'Remember Where You Heard It First'
  18. Hereford Voice
  19. Hereford Voice
    Congratulations to Randy Langford for being awarded a BEM medal—an incredible 98-year-old volunteer with 30 years of service to St Michael's Hospice - Hereford! A spokesperson for St Michael's Hospice - Hereford said; "He’s an incredible force of positivity in our community and a role model to us all" Read more https://ow.ly/v2cK50PGeLv
  20. Hereford Voice
    A account of yesterday's events from Hereford Fire Station "Yesterday morning 461, 462 and 463 (Hereford) were mobilised to a confirmed fire at a factory in the Holmer area of Hereford. Supported by crews from Ross, Leominster, Ledbury, Worcester and Evesham. On arrival crews located thick smoke issuing from the building and immediately requested further resources. Initially 4 x Breathing Apparatus (BA) wearers were deployed with 2 x hose reel jets, main jets, CO2 extinguishers and thermal imaging cameras to locate the fire and attempt to extinguish it. Throughout the incident a total of 16 x BA wearers were deployed to successfully extinguish the fire involving an electricity sub station and part of the warehouse, measuring 120m x 90m. Once the fire was extinguished crews then ventilated the factory and exposed further hot spots. Thankfully all persons were accounted for" Hereford Voice - 'Thank You For Your Service'
  21. Hereford Voice
    📢 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 09:36 | From Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service - At 08:05 Holmer Rd Hereford. Five fire engines, aerial ladder platform, water carrier, drone, and incident command unit in attendance at fire involving industrial unit. Crews using four breathing apparatus, two hose reel jets.
  22. Hereford Voice
    𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 | A spokesperson for Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service has told Hereford Voice that all people are accounted for while they deal with the incident with support from neighbouring firefighters and stations from across the county.
  23. Hereford Voice
  24. Hereford Voice
    Firefighters from Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service are currently in attendance at the Hereford Factory in Holmer. 373070775_9931305633611485_126555525647590407_n.mp4 Video and photographs courtesy of Andrew Bowley Hereford Voice understands that the cause of fire is a sub station at the factory. People have been evacuated.
  25. Hereford Voice
    Herefordshire Council is set to confirm an agreement with other English and Welsh local authorities at its next cabinet meeting, on Thursday 28 September. A proposed Marches Forward Partnership would see Herefordshire Council work with Shropshire Council, Monmouthshire County Council and Powys County Council. They would join forces to apply for funding from government on major projects that will benefit the Marches region, which covers 80 percent of the English / Welsh borderland. Each authority would retain their own identity and independence. They would continue to deliver services to residents and businesses as they do now but would work together, as partners, where there is mutual benefit and added value. Areas of cross-border shared interests are likely to include transport, skills and housing alongside energy, climate change and digital connectivity – common issues for the area’s population of almost 750,000. It is anticipated that the councils’ planned collaboration and willingness to work together will increase overall government investment, unlocking millions of pounds for identified initiatives that will support the Marches’ rural economy and green growth. Councillor Jonathan Lester, Leader of Herefordshire Council, said: “This is a great opportunity to work with our neighbouring councils to address some of the big issues that are important to us all. “I welcome the opportunity to forge greater cross-border links to help us all to focus on many issues collectively. “This proposed partnership is a progression of the cross-border support that already exists across the Marches area. There are many commonalities between us, so working in this collaborative way with colleagues at Shropshire Council and Monmouthshire and Powys County Councils will have many advantages. “We will be signing-up to an agreement that will confirm functional arrangements between the four councils in October. However this move to create the partnership will not prevent us from working with other authorities and partners at any point now or in the future.”
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