Hereford Voice

UPDATE: Thank you to everyone, good news to report is that Bob Gallier has been found dafe and well.

There are concerns for the safety and whereabouts of Hereford motorcycle legend and businessman Bob Gallier. 

Tonight there are growing concerns for Mr Gallier, at 19:00 Bob Gallier walked out of Hereford hospital with no phone, possibly no wallet. He is in a distressed mental state.

If anyone knows of his whereabouts or has seen him this evening please contact Hereford Police.

Bob Gallier speaking last week said he is “cut to pieces” following a court order recently that his business has to close.

Mr Gallier has been forced to sell his property in Berrington Street as well as the vast stock of bikes and accessories as part of a divorce settlement.

Mr Gallier said the decision has caused him great distress. Last weekend he was treated in Hereford County Hospital’s trauma unit, and Mr Gallier admitted he had been on “suicide watch”.

He opened his motorbike shop in Bastion Mews in 1968 before moving to East Street and finally to the current location in Berrington Street in 1976.

Hereford Housing have submitted plans for the proposed demolition of 41 existing (prefab bungalows) in Beattie Avenue Hereford.

Construction of 71 bungalows and houses with associated parking, private amenity, access and alterations to highway.

An extract from the Hereford Housing website reads:

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The decision has been taken to redevelop the prefabs on Beattie Avenue (story here). These prefabs weren't designed to last, the past 30 years have been a compromise between the costs of sustaining the properties vs the costs to redevelop them. The time when we need to consider the latter has come. At this stage no plans other than the decision to redevelop has been made.

Application P180694/F

Work is scheduled to begin as soon as May.

A motion put forward by It's Our County for an Eastern Bridge in Hereford was rejected at a full council meeting this morning.

The motion, was also backed by MP Jesse Norman (MP for Hereford & Herefordshire South) was put forward as an attempt to help ease the constant congestion issues within the city. 

The idea was to have a bridge linking Rotherwas with the A438 Ledbury Road.

The Weeping Window at Hereford Cathedral is looking fantastic.

This magnificent waterfall of thousands of individual ceramic poppies will be on show from 14 March 2018 until 29 April 2018 as part of the final year of 14-18 NOW’s UK-wide tour of the iconic poppies.

This is a must visit and we are looking forward to supporting this beautiful display in our stunning Cathedral.
(Photo courtesy of Herefordshire Council).

COUNTRYWIDE, the Worcestershire-based firm supplying products to the rural community, has gone into administration.

The firm has stores in Herefordshire including Hereford, Bromyard and Ledbury.

The company is one of the UK's leading suppliers of agricultural goods including a range of farming, equestrian, harvesting and agricultural supplies, and employs more than 700 people and has 48 stores.

Administrators have been appointed from KPMG, which say no "initial redundancies" have been made.

On the company's website it says:

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"David Pike, Mark Orton and Will Wright have been appointed as Joint Administrators of Countrywide Farmers Plc (in Administration) on 7 March 2018".

"It is the Joint Administrators’ intention to seek a purchaser for the business in whole or part and we have appointed Hilco Capital to assist in running the stores whilst we explore and develop available options."

 

Planning refused.

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THE COUNTY OF HEREFORDSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL hereby gives notice in pursuance of the provisions of the above Acts that PLANNING PERMISSION has been REFUSED for the carrying out of the development described above for the following reasons:

1  The proposal results in the unjustified loss of an undesignated heritage asset, which makes a positive contribution to the character, appearance and significance of a Conservation Area. As such the proposal is contrary to Herefordshire Core Strategy policies SS6, LD1 and LD4 and the relevant heritage aims and objectives of the National Planning Policy Framework.

2  The design of the proposed development does not consider or make reference to the sites historic setting and context and is of limited architectural and design quality such that the development neither enhances or preserves the conservation area or makes a positive contribution to local character and distinctiveness. The proposed layout and design will result in a development of an alien appearance that will harm the significance of the Conservation Area. As such the proposal is contrary to Herefordshire Core Strategy policies SS6, RA2, LD1 and LD4 and the design and heritage requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework.

3  The proposal represents an unacceptable risk to highway safety and free flow of traffic, has undertaken inadequate assessment of the proposal with regards to highway safety and the impact and integration of the development on and with the highway hereabouts and as such is contrary to Herefordshire Core Strategy policies SS4 and MT1, Herefordshire Council’s Highways Design Guide and DfT Circular 02/2013

PQE Page 1 of 3

4  In the absence of adequate assessment, mitigation and enhancement with regards to ecology, protected species and habitats or biodiversity, the proposal is contrary to the NERC Act, Wildlife & Countryside Act, National Planning Policy Framework and Core Strategy biodiversity policies LD1, LD2 and LD3.

5  No evidenced justification is provided for the replacement shop and post office to be small than existing facilities. As such there is concern regarding the longer viability of the shop on the basis of its reduced size. As such the proposal is contrary to Herefordshire Core Strategy policy SS1, RA6 and SC1, the emerging Peterstow Neighbourhood Development Plan and relevant aims and objectives of the National Planning Policy Framework.

6  Inadequate and insufficient assessment, mitigation and treatment has been undertaken or provided regarding drainage and surface water. As such the proposal is contrary to Herefordshire Core Strategy policies SD3 and SD4.

Informatives:

1 The Local Planning Authority has acted positively and proactively in determining this application by assessing the proposal against planning policy and any other material considerations by identifying matters of concern with the proposal. Unfortunately, it has not been possible to resolve those matters within the timescale allocated for the determination of this planning application. However, the Local Planning Authority has clearly set out, within its report, the steps necessary to remedy the harm identified within the reasons for refusal – which may lead to the submission of a more acceptable proposal in the future. The Local Planning Authority is willing to provide pre-application advice in respect of any future application for a revised development.

Planning Services PO Box 230, Hereford,
HR1 2ZB

Date: 7 March 2018

 

Councillor Jonathan Lester has been elected the new Leader of Herefordshire Council at Full Council today (Friday 9 March 2018).

Councillor Lester has served with the council since 2011. He is Ward Member for Three Crosses and has been a Cabinet Member for Young People and Children’s Wellbeing since 2015. More recently, Councillor Lester was Deputy Leader of the Council.

Councillor Jonathan Lester, Leader of Herefordshire Council

The new Leader of Herefordshire Council, Councillor Jonathan Lester, said:

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“It is a great honour to be elected Leader of Herefordshire Council. These are challenging but exciting times and I am really focused on the tasks ahead, such as improving the health and wellbeing of our citizens, providing them with greater opportunities, and ensuring that we continue to invest in our economy.

“Herefordshire is a wonderful place to live, filled with innovation, creativity and a determination to succeed. I look forward to building on what has already been achieved so that everyone in Herefordshire can thrive and reach their full potential.”

Councillor Tony Johnson is retiring following five years as Leader of Herefordshire Council, and wishes the new Leader well:

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“When I became leader in 2013, the council made the difficult decision to make £87m of savings by 2019/20, meaning we had to prioritise essential services alongside the ambition to improve. Whilst many councils have struggled with reduced income, Herefordshire has been agile, operationally focussed, had a clear strategic direction, strengthened its finances, and has delivered. I am confident that Councillor Lester will build upon this in the coming years and wish him well as the new Leader.”

 

Plans for Delicatessen and Cafe for Heggies 

A planning application has been submitted by Mr Heggie for the proposed change of use of shop (A1) to Delicatessen and cafe (A3). With internal and external works. (Plans are for the property opposite the current shop, previously the Solo army surplus store) 

The cafe would have a limited seating area of 22m2.

 

Application P180732/PAA

28 Commercial Street Hereford Herefordshire HR1 2DE, Proposed hair salon (A1 use) that will occupy 30% of the building withan education and training centre (D3 use) for students of hairdressingto take up the remainder of the premises., Determination Made

Planning approved here

Police have had reports of people trying to open van doors in the Belmont area overnight.

Please make sure your vehicles are secured and valubles removed.

New Look stores identified for potential closure:

Aberdeen - Bon Accord

Beckton

Bolton Mens

Borehamwood

Brynmawr

Burton Mens

Cameron Toll

Cardiff - Queen Arcade

Cheshunt

Clevedon

Craigleith

Doncaster Mens

Dundee – Wellgate

Exeter Mens; Fleet

Gateshead - Team Valley

Glasgow - Buchanan Street Mens

Gorleston; Hanley Mens - Intu Potteries

Hounslow Mens

Hull – Whitefriargate

Keynsham - Kingswood;

Leeds - The Core Shopping Centre

Leicester – Haymarket

London - Marble Arch

London - Moorgate/ London Wall

London - Oxford Circus

Maidenhead; Maidstone Mens

Merry Hill Mens

Metro Centre – Mens

Monmouth; Newport Mens

Newton Mearns

North Shields

Nottingham Mens

Ocean Terminal

Peterbrough Bridge Street

Pontypool; Portswood

Ramsgate; Reading - Broad Street

Reading Oracle Mens

Rhyl; Romford Mens

Rugby

Shrewsbury Mens

Sidmouth; Stockport – Merseyway

Stockton-on-Tees

Stratford Upon Avon -Bridge Street

Thornaby; Tonypandy

Torquay - Union Street

Tredegar; Troon

Wallsend

Weston Favell

Wigan Mens

Blue Badge application fee and renewal costs waived for eligible members of the Armed Forces community

Herefordshire Council has today approved the decision to waive the Blue Badge application fee and renewal costs for eligible members of the Armed Forces community.

A motion was put forward to Full Council by Councillor Mark McEvilly, a champion for the Armed Forces community and member of the Civilian Military Task group. The motion called for the Blue Badge scheme to offer greater support to Armed Forces veterans in receipt of disability pensions and was passed by Full Council on 26 January 2018.

This decision reflects the council’s commitment to the Herefordshire Armed Forces Community Covenant which recognises the contribution personnel, veterans and their families have made to Herefordshire and the wider country. 

Armed forces veterans who receive a war pensioners’ mobility supplement or receive a benefit under the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces scheme are automatically eligible for a Blue Badge from 1 April 2018.

Councillor Nigel Shaw, Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance, Housing and Corporate Services said:

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“Thank you to Councillor McEvilly for putting forward the motion to Full Council. Herefordshire Council continues to support the military covenant by waiving the Blue Badge application and renewal fee for eligible Armed Forces members. This decision recognises the sacrifices made by the Armed Forces, especially those who were injured or bereaved.

“By waiving the Blue Badge costs, we’re enabling veterans to keep their independence for as long as possible. We will also continue to support the delivery of healthcare, accommodation and education to the Armed Forces community through our support of the covenant.”

 

Waived application and renewal fees for eligible Armed Forces veterans will take effect from 1 April 2018.

WIN a fantastic Hot Tub for the whole weekend! 

We have teamed up with our very good friends over at 'Hereford Hot Tub Hire' to offer this fantastic PRIZE for the WINNER of our latest competition: 

The winning package would be a 'full three day weekend hire' available for the weekend of either 16th March or 21st March. 

Delivered Thursday, collected Monday.
Gazebo, Tub Lights and Gazebo Lights.
Delivery, set up and collection included.

Prize value £175

To enter simply across to Facebook:

1. LIKE Hereford Voice and Hereford Hot Tub Hire Facebook pages AND this topic. ✴️
2. TAG somebody who would love to WIN this prize. ✴️
3. SHARE this post on your timeline. ✴️

A winner will be selected at random from all valid entries on Monday 12th.

Good luck!

The bridge has now been reopened.

Police, Ambulance and Fire services are dealing with an incident on Greyfriars Bridge/New Bridge, Hereford.

Please avoid the area.

35 minutes ago, megilleland said:

Colin if you go to Land at Three Elms topic and hit "Add Reply" this only takes you to the bottom of the first page of comments.

I will take a look at the script to see if I can add edits but the only issue I can foresee is just seeing the last comment to several topics without any images or reference to the main title may become confusing, if you see what I mean. This is how it has always been however, I will have a look to see if I can improve it

49 minutes ago, megilleland said:

Colin is there any reason why the last comment on a topic can be shown on the home page instead of the initial post. This would make it obvious that there is a new comment without having to scroll through the whole topic.

Hi Martin,

if you click on ADD REPLY your will see the last post mate.

On 27/02/2018 at 15:19, H.Wilson said:

This is cool, lots of new thingies 

Still a bit more to come

West Mercia Police Statement:

A body has been found in Hereford this evening (Sunday 4 March).
Formal identification is yet to take place but the body is believed to be that of 39-year-old Ashley George from Hereford, who was reported missing on Thursday 1 March. 

His next of kin has been informed.

The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.

We would like to thank the media and the public for their help in sharing an earlier appeal.

 

Weather is even worse today, I will try and upload more pictures later

HC are probably flat out with this severe weather.

Plans have been submitted for the proposed demolition of existing hutted wards and a new build construction of a two-storey ward development with roof top plant space at Herefordshire County Hospital.

Planning Application P180679/F

The following stores at the Old Market in Hereford are closed due to the severe weather conditions

Joules
Clarks
Debenhams
Next
Vodafone

*Waitrose is however currently open.