Aylestone Voice

Personally I have got involved in this because I think there are greater benefits to the people of Hereford if the site (whether you keep the building or not) is used for housing. I don't know what is inherently wrong with the existing fire station building and why other locations have been ruled out. Is there evidence that the fire station cannot be brought up to whatever standard is required?

As expected this is turning into a debate covering a number of related issues which confuse the issue from my point of view:-

=Fire service cuts

=Who gets the old fire station

=What happens to the old fire station

=The Council "stitching up" the fire brigade

Purely in the context of my involvement these are of little interest

I do know that not all of the site would be sold in any event as some 25% at the rear is to be retained for Children's Services.

Looks like the decision is about made - and it is our friend Geoff again!!

http://councillors.herefordshire.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?Id=2658

I have received a very detailed response from a Councillor and am checking with him that there is no objection to me passing it on. More news later hopefully

One thing I have done is to e-mail my two ward councillors telling them of my concerns and asking for their views.

I have had replies which say they want to think about it which I guess this is fair enough. My aim was to raise as many questions in their minds as I could so that they start asking questions up at Brockington. If we all do this then it should keep the pressure up.

gdj - you could always submit an FOI request

https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/government-citizens-and-rights/data-protection-and-freedom-of-information/freedom-of-information-eir-request-form

But as I see it that decision was in respect of the intended university not the Robert Owen School. So there must be a later decision. That said I expect Geoff Hughes authorised that as well - he has no problem confusing council and other interests just when it suits him. After all he is a died in the wool "yes man"

To be fair to Mark (before we see what he has to add) - even though he is the ward councillor the ultimate power lies with the cabinet/cabinet member. Sadly they can rarely see the wood for the trees.

Hampshire will be getting a talker but little in the way of performance. Their Chief Executive had better get prepared for all the fawning coming his/her way!!

Blackfriars - my understanding of the law is that as the Council had it on a list of assets it no longer requires then the Robert Owen School can require, as they have, the Council to give it them for nothing. Not a penny. If I am correct then this is down to the government and their push for free schools.

Bath Street - all we can do is bombard the Council with our views. To my mind it would be best to argue on the value(cash) lost if it is given to the Fire Service and we get a pig in a poke around the corner. Of course if the transfer does take place then a planning application for a new fire station will have to be considered. It would have to be a top notch design to meet my aspirations for a site in a Conservation Area

Another point - why do we need a new fire station - I hardly ever see them out an about. Is this just another ego massaging exercise by those who get paid lots?

Anyone who really cares should e-mail Cllr Bramer who is the Cabinet decision maker. I did some weeks ago.

hbramer@herefordshire.gov.uk

His reply to a question on the point (written by an officer) at Council last week to the effect that we don't need it for housing as enough sites are identified elsewhere was just fatuous.

I don't personally have much regard for whether the building is kept or not. I just think it is a crazy proposal. If the Council no longer need the site then the best option is to sell it for housing - this will bring the greatest financial benefit for the taxpayer. A new fire station if one is needed can go in many places

I don't know - the Council/Hereford Futures spend all that money on a flood prevention scheme and what do we get in all this bad weather. Merton Meadow car park/Newtown Road and other areas flooded for days on end. Why cannot they build something that actually works

no just you

If you are not coming back into town don't worry you will not be missed

You could get printer ink at Ryman, Tesco, Wilko or even Cartridge World which is in Bewell Street

Pastry cutters are sold in Tesco but you could also go to Philip Morris or Lakeland

I think the fact of the matter is that you will spare no expense to find fault

How many are you aiming for!!!

I feel it is a shame that we get another charity shop but there must be a market for what they sell - and it is recycling.

On balance I am happier to see the unit in use rather than empty

Colin

It seems to me that you need to get the councils policy changed

Contact the Cabinet Member - Graham Powell I believe and ask to meet him to discuss the issues. Am happy to help

Alternatively look out for meetings of the Regulatory Committee where these requests are often determined.

Oh what a depressing picture this all paints - exactly what you lot seem to want. Nothing like a good moan.

Lets look to the future - we have major companies, Waitrose and Debenhams, with the confidence to open in the City. They would not have gone elsewhere in the centre as there are no suitable sites.

Yes its a shame that TK Maxx and H & M are moving but they are not closing and change happens. Two shops have just opened in Church Street and two on your list will be reoccupied soon. But nothing should be let to get in the way of your agenda which is to continually talk the city down.

Rant over!

Is the reality of this that Independent Glenda would not want to go to an event organised by IOC Jim?

Victor

Well it says it here

http://www.itsourcounty.org/home/policy/transport/

Perhaps before everyone decides who they are going to vote for next time they should check out exactly what the policies are.

Colin

I wonder how many of those cars had only one occupant. There is a perfectly good cycle/footpath into town from Belmont. Yes I know it won't suit everyone and I know it might not go to the front door of where you want to shop or work but if we are going to solve the traffic congestion we must look at the alternatives. Today the new pedestrian/cycle route bridge link to Rotherwas from Hampton Park was opened - if you live in Tupsley and work in Rotherwas it is a godsend. That should take some cars away from the roads.

But ponder on this - if you vote for Its Our County then there will be no by pass and you will have to get used to walking or cycling or bus. So you may as well start now

Does your 8 include "Iceland"?????

What I see in Eign Gate is a recovered street (after Woolies closure) with I think only 1/2 empty units. That is good. Doesn't bother me what they sell.

I don't believe anyone is saying (certainly not on here) that all is OK. It is not OK particularly given that the Council has to save £30 million over the next 3 years. This is not stopping buying bottled water it is much more serious than that.I have no problem with "Positive Hereford" or "WIHAHC". They are just expressing differing views. After all despite the horrors what is wrong with pointing out some of the good things that are happening. There are people who if the Council solved world famine, stopped all wars and had Council Tax at £1 per year would still complain.

We need to find a way forward but ultimately many will not be happy.

All I will add is that the more often you stamp out on the keyboard - bloody Council this, bloody Council that, bloody Jarvis, Bloody Johnson and post it on here all you are doing is getting yourself more angry and preaching to the converted.