Hereford News

10/02/2024

The proposed budget for 2024/25 was yesterday (9 February) approved at a meeting of full Council.

Like many other councils across the country, Herefordshire Council is facing significant financial challenges. This is mainly because of rising costs due to inflation and the increased demand for both adult and children’s social care services. The budget set today addresses these challenges and includes many positives for the county.

The budget for 2024/25 will be £210.5 million. As part of the efforts to balance the budget it includes total council tax increase of 4.99% (2.99% increase in core council tax and a 2% adult social care precept), along with £19.5million savings and efficiencies across council services.

Highlights of the budget include money allocated for:

strategic housing development (£1 million),
a cancellation of the planned general parking charge increase (£0.4 million),
additional investment in the Leominster Heritage Action Zone (£0.3 million),
funding to assist the community and voluntary sector (£0.200 million)
funding for Officer support to Parish and Town Councils (£0.056 million),
further investment to maintain Library opening hours (£0.055 million)
a transfer to the Financial Resilience earmarked reserve (£0.500 million).
Alongside this the additional Rural Services Delivery Grant of £0.945 million will be allocated:

to boost funding for the Lengthsman Scheme (£0.250 million),
to address the backlog of repairs on the Public Rights of Way Network (£0.250 million)
to address drainage issues in rural areas (£0.445 million).
Councillor Jonathan Lester, Leader Herefordshire Council said: “Given the financial position many councils across the country are facing, to be able to pass a balanced budget is a significant achievement. It hasn’t been easy and we’ve had to take some tough decisions, but we’re confident this budget will support the long term prosperity of Herefordshire and its residents.

“During the budget process we have listened to residents, businesses and councillors. As a result we were able to put forward a budget that gained the support of councillors across the political spectrum and which cancels the planned increases in general parking charges and provides further investment for our Lengthsman Scheme, the Public Rights of Way network and drainage on our roads.

“On top of this we will be delivering a £13 million highway improvement plan in the upcoming financial year to help address the poor state of our roads.”

21/01/2024

Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet is to discuss approval of the awarding of a new waste collection contract at their next meeting on 25 January.

Although this is a significant moment in the transformation of waste services in the county, there will be no immediate changes that residents or businesses need to be aware of.

The existing Waste Collection contract with FCC will be extended to 31 August 2024, with the new contract to commence on 1 September. The new contract will last for an initial 8 years, with an option to extend by up to a further 12 years.

Cllr Elissa Swinglehurst, Cabinet Member Environment, said: “The new waste collection service will help us to minimise waste and increase reuse, repair and recycling. It will also contribute to our investment in low carbon projects, and strengthen our stewardship of Herefordshire’s natural resources.

“Environmental impact has been key to the development of the service specification, which will include extensive requirements to minimise waste, reduce energy and carbon emissions and enhance biodiversity.

“As we have extended the existing contract until the end of August, residents and businesses will experience no changes to the current service, and we are committed to communicating clearly and in timely fashion with local people when any potential changes become clear.”

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01/01/2024

Happy New Year 2024

28/12/2023

Storm Gerrit local flooding - Here are the latest peak maps for the River Severn, River Avon, River Teme and River Wye from the Environment Agency

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26/11/2023

River Severn Partnership wins £3.75m funding to boost wireless innovation

Home Latest news River Severn Partnership wins £3.75m funding to boost wireless innovation.

The River Severn Partnership (RSP) has been awarded £3.75m of Government funding to support the growth of wireless innovation and technology in some of its key economic sectors.

The Partnership comprises the eight English and Welsh councils that cover the River Severn catchment area including Herefordshire, and is one of ten UK Innovation Regions to gain funding.

The Innovation Region project will engage, encourage and adopt Advanced Wireless Connectivity (AWC) technology into the heart of the RSP’s priority sectors of rural industries, water management and public services, where partners are both regional and national leaders.

The award from the Department for Science Innovation and Technology (DSIT) is focused on the delivery of the Government’s Wireless Infrastructure Strategy, published in April 2023. The RSP will look to its key sectors and communities to take full advantage of the transformative effect of using wireless networks to generate value and growth at the local level.

Innovation Regions will demonstrate and adopt 5G and other advanced wireless ‘use cases’ across key sectors of the economy and the benefits this ‘smart technology’ can bring, including transforming public services and growing the economy, making farms, factories, and workplaces more productive and creating better paid jobs. The project aims to generate further inward investment in ‘wireless networks’ and smart technology in the region and the adoption of the opportunities by its key sectors.

Cllr Philip Price, Cabinet Member Transport and Infrastructure, said: “This new Innovation Region will be a fantastic boost for Herefordshire and the entire region. It is a key priority of Herefordshire Council to grow our local economy and further boost the county’s reputation as a leading destination for high-skilled tech-based jobs and businesses. The advancements will help us to transform public services, generate inward investment and make the most of all our exciting opportunities.”

Minister of Data and Digital Infrastructure Sir John Whittingdale said: “We’re channelling millions into local areas to unlock the potential of cutting-edge 5G wireless and digital technologies which will reshape our public services, drive economic growth and boost innovation. This new fund will give local areas from across the country the opportunity to be at the forefront of Britain’s world-leading 5G revolution.

“For instance, by using 5G for farming and creating science parks, we're not just helping local communities, but also encouraging new ideas all over the UK. This is more than just linking smartphones. It's about using powerful digital connections to transform various sectors in the economy and the public sector throughout the entire country.”

Dr Umar Daraz, RSP Innovation lead board member, said: “This is fantastic news for the River Severn Partnership. This will accelerate commercial investment in 5G and other advanced wireless technologies by aggregating and demonstrating demand across the River Severn catchment area. University Partners such as Birmingham City University will work to input technical and application expertise to the 5G Innovation Region.”

The River Severn Partnership involves Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Monmouthshire, Powys Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, Warwickshire and Worcestershire unitary and county councils.

The RSP area covers 6,000 square miles in England and Wales has 2.6 million people.

With the River Severn at its heart, the Partnership has a shared plan supporting people, businesses, and the environment to be resilient to the impacts of climate change and, in so doing, stimulate sustainable economic growth.

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10/11/2023

Herefordshire Council signs ground breaking cross border partnership

Herefordshire Council has signed a ground breaking agreement with three other English and Welsh local authorities today (10 November).

The Marches Forward Partnership became a reality at an official event held at Hay Castle on the Welsh and English border. The new partnership sees Herefordshire Council join forces with Shropshire Council and Monmouthshire and Powys county councils, to take on some of the big challenges they all share.

The four local authorities will now work even more closely together with both UK and Welsh governments to progress this exciting cross border collaboration.

This will include working jointly to secure funding support from both governments as well as with a wide range of other partners to unlock more investment and explore new approaches to make major projects that benefit the Marches region become reality.

Covering 80% of the English/Welsh borderland, the local authorities have similar characteristics and geography as well as an overriding mutual ambition for the region as a whole. The Partnership provides a unique commitment to work cross border, cross country and cross party on major projects that are in the overall best interests of the region.

Transport, skills and housing, alongside energy, climate change, tourism and digital connectivity are high on the agenda, all common issues for the area’s population of almost 750,000. By working together the four local authorities hope to deliver cross border successes and unlock millions of pounds for identified initiatives that support the Marches rural economy and green growth.

Leader of Herefordshire Council, Cllr Jonathan Lester, said: “This partnership offers a great opportunity to work with our neighbours on issues that are common to us all.

“While all the councils will continue to run for the benefit of their residents, the partnership provides a really helpful framework for collaboration on areas where we can get the most benefit and make the biggest difference by working together.

“These are very early days but we’ve already started discussion around what we would like to achieve and will be moving at pace to turn these ambitions into actions.”

Cllr James Gibson-Watt, leader of Powys County Council.
Cllr Lezley Picton, leader of Shropshire Council.
Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, leader of Monmouthshire County Council.
Cllr Jonathan Lester, leader of Herefordshire Council

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02/11/2023

New Hereford library and learning centre one step closer

The development of a new library and learning centre for Hereford has taken a step further forward following a Cabinet decision to locate it at Shirehall.

Hereford library is currently in a temporary location at Friar St, after moving out of the Broad St building to make way for the £18m redevelopment of Hereford museum.

While a previous decision had been for the new library and learning centre to be sited at the Maylord Orchards Centre, Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet requested that the Shirehall also be explored as an option.

The business case for Shirehall considered by Cabinet (Thursday 26 October) set out how the building would be capable of providing a significantly larger footprint and an increase in shared workspaces than Maylord Orchards, while bringing a hugely valuable heritage asset back into community use.

The proposals outline how a modern library would provide space for people of all ages while being flexible enough to also hold events and community space. The lower area would accommodate a digital skills lounge with dedicated PCs for public use/digital workshops, a fully equipped sensory room and a ‘maker-space’ for members of the public to use equipment that may not be available to them at home.

As a result of the decision today, a request will now be made to the Stronger Towns Board for the funding previously allocated, by the Government as part of the Stronger Towns Fund, to the Maylord Orchards library project to be reassigned to the Shirehall project. Following this a proposal will be put to Full Council for additional funding to be added to the capital programme for essential building works.

Councillor Harry Bramer, cabinet member for community services and assets, said:

“Hereford’s Shirehall is a landmark building that’s at the heart of the City’s heritage. Siting the new library and learning centre in this prominent venue will bring it back into use for the whole community. It offers many options and opportunities for how we could use the space to benefit people of all ages.”

“While we recognise the proposals are still subject to funding agreements, we’re excited that this decision is taking another step towards the creation of a modern, inspiring library and learning space for Hereford – to provide a first-class library and learning centre to match the quality of the City’s new museum that’s currently in development.”

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08/10/2023

Herefordshire Council Statement

A significant number of Herefordshire’s C and U roads are to be improved as part of the Department for Transport’s £2.558m additional investment for highways.

Feedback from the public has consistently emphasised that road conditions are a priority concern for residents, and this specific focus on local C and U roads is to enable improved links between our rural communities.

The programme of works will begin with patching repair work over the coming months, in preparation for further injection of funding next year that will focus on an extensive surface treatment on areas of the network. Patching repair and surface dressing of the selected roads is considered the most appropriate use of this funding to arrest deterioration at this stage of their life cycle. A well designed surface dressing at an appropriate time in the life cycle of roads has been proven to extend the life of a road surface for over ten years. These works are in addition to the Council’s annual spend on the A & B classified parts of our road network.

This programme of works has been developed using asset management processes, including all available data, e.g. surveys and statutory inspections, to select sections of road that are at the optimum point in their life cycle for being surface dressed. In addition to considering existing highways drainage issues at sites, this programme will prevent these roads from deteriorating to the point where they require expensive resurfacing. Our delivery partners, Balfour Beatty Living Places, will deliver a programme and approach that is cost effective, will increase efficiency and will keep any disruption to a minimum. This programme will allow future years’ highways maintenance funding to be focussed appropriately.

Cllr Barry Durkin, Cabinet Member Roads and Regulatory Services, said: “I am delighted to announce this phase as additional investment in our local roads to help address the issue of highway maintenance. The benefits will include longer-lasting and more reliable road surfaces, reduce the instances of reactive maintenance into a planned programmed investment in the network; this will translate to more efficient journeys and less wear and tear on motor vehicles.

“Of course, there is simply not enough funding available to address all of the issues on our overall two thousand mile road network. To invest in one area of the county asset, or part of the county, inevitably carries a decision not to carry out repairs in other areas. We have listened to feedback from residents, and accordingly have chosen to focus on the county’s C and U roads in order to strengthen and improve these vital links between our local and rural communities.”

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30/09/2023

Some brilliant news for St Michael's Hospice - Hereford

Wow! What an announcement we have to make… 🎉🌸

Each year, the brilliant Hellens Garden Festival donates a huge sum to us following their two-day summer spectacular.

This year’s £16,100 donation means we have now received over £100,000 from Hellens since the Festival launched 17 years ago!

Read more: https://ow.ly/wHbB50PQ2iQ

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24/09/2023

Herefordshire to ‘charge ahead’ thanks to Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure funding

Thirteen Midlands Councils have led a successful bid for £39.3mil to get more chargers onto our streets – including Herefordshire, which will receive £1.124m.

The Midlands has come together to create two partnerships across the region to successfully submit a bid for the Government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) scheme in partnership, alongside with Sub-national Transport Body, Midlands Connect.

Second Midlands EV infrastructure Consortium – Lead by Nottinghamshire County Council, in partnership with Derby City Council, Derbyshire County Council, Nottingham City Council, Staffordshire County Council
Third Midlands EV infrastructure Consortium – Lead by Lincolnshire County Council, in partnership with Herefordshire Council, Leicestershire County Council, Rutland County Council, Shropshire County Council, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Telford and Wrekin Council, Warwickshire County Council
The cash has come from the Government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure scheme. The charge points will be installed between 2025 and 2029.

Cllr Philip Price, Cabinet Member Transport and Infrastructure, said: “It is very exciting to think of the advancements to our electric vehicle infrastructure that will be made thanks to this funding. The more charging points that are available, the easier it will be for our residents, visitors and businesses to make the switch to electric vehicles.

“It is good news for our local economy and environment. The council has pledged to reach carbon net zero by 2030 and improving our EV network is a huge part of that ambition.”

Analysis by Midlands Connect found the Midlands needs 17,461 new public EV charging points by the end of 2025 to meet the needs of the growing EV market and it’s hoped this latest good news around the Government funding will spur on more region-wide installation of charging points.

Estimates suggest the installation and maintenance of electric vehicle charging points will also create an influx of jobs in the region, with over 42,000 related roles set to be created in the Midlands by the end of 2032.

Maria Machancoses, CEO of Midlands Connect, said: “We are delighted our bid to secure over £39mil for 13 councils across the Midlands has been successful. This will really help the region to charge ahead of the pack.”

“This is a vital next step in our efforts to improve electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the region ahead of the ban on the sale of diesel and petrol vehicles in 2030. This funding will improve the lives of those living in the Midlands, particularly for those who do not have access to off-street parking and may struggle to charge their vehicle otherwise.”

Cllr Price concluded: “Further development is still needed to determine how and where this funding will be invested, but residents can get involved by suggesting locations for new EV charge points via our website.”

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30/08/2023

Fire breaks out at Special Metals Hereford

Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service and crews from across the county are at the scene. All personnel are accounted for and the building has been evacuated.

The fire is believed to have started in a sub-station on the site.

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22/08/2023

Nurse Lucy Letby Sentenced To Who Life Term.

Lucy Letby was yesterday sentenced to a whole-life term after being found guilty of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder six more at the Countess of Chester's neonatal unit between June 2015 and June 2016.

Justice James Goss imposed a whole-life order for each offence she committed, meaning she will spend the rest of her life in prison.

Just three other woman have ever been given whole life terms - Myra Hindley, Rosemary West, and Joanna Dennehy.

Justice Secretary Alex Chalk has given his reaction to the sentencing - and to Letby's refusal to face the judge during sentencing.

"Lucy Letby is not just a murderer but a coward, whose failure to face her victims' families – refusing to hear their impact statements and society's condemnation - is the final insult," he said on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Letby's decision not to appear in court has caused much pain to the families involved in the case, but the justice secretary has offered some hope for future trials.

"We are looking to change the law so offenders can be compelled to attend sentencing hearings," Mr Chalk said.

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12/08/2023

West Mercia Police

The family of Sean Day have paid tribute to a much loved son and father who had ‘the biggest heart’.

Formal identification has now taken place, and officers can confirm that the body recovered from the River Wye on Wednesday (August 9) was Sean.

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02/08/2023

Police name man who entered River Wye

Detectives investigating after a man went into the River Wye in the early hours of Saturday morning is named as Sean Day aged 29.

Searches of the river continue with assistance from West Mercia Search and Rescue and Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service

Police received a call at 12.05am on Saturday 29th July that a man had fallen into the river near to the Victoria Bridge in Hereford.

Three men have been arrested on suspicion of murder and have been released on police bail whilst enquires continue.

Officers are appealing for anyone who was in the Quay Street/Castle Green area of Hereford between the hours of 10:30pm on Friday 28th July and 12:30am on Saturday 29th July who may have seen or heard a disturbance or person in distress near to the riverside to get in contact.

Detective Inspector Mark Walters said: ‘‘As our enquiries continue, we are keen to hear from anyone who was in the area late on Friday night and shortly after midnight on Saturday morning, in particular anyone who may have witnessed or heard a disturbance near to the riverbank''.

Anyone who has any information about the incident is asked to provide it via the attached link https://mipp.police.uk/operation/22HQ22E43-PO1 or by contacting 101 and quoting incident 5_I_29072023 . Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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20/07/2023

John Campion 4 West Mercia Police & Crime Commissioner next Community Conversation will take place at the Kindle Centre, Hereford on Wednesday 2 August from 6pm-8pm focusing specifically on fi****ms licensing.

Come along and have your voice heard.

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29/05/2023

The Beryl Women’s Tour is coming to Hereford

Join us for a friendly, free ride in small groups giving you the chance to try out a Beryl bike. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet other riders, ask questions & have fun 🚲

Book your free spot on 10 June - https://orlo.uk/257PF

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17/05/2023

Hereford man charged with four burglaries and GBH

Steven Thomas, 42-years-old, of Ruckhall Lane in Hereford has been charged with four burglaries and an assault causing grievous bodily harm.

Mr Thomas appeared at Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday 15 May and was remanded in custody and will appear next at Worcester Crown Court on Monday 12 June.

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19/04/2023

Man to appear in court today charged with Hereford R**e.

Joao Coutinho, 50, of Widemarsh Common in Hereford has been charged with r**e, engaging in sexual activity with a child, and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

The charges are in relation to a r**e which took place in Hereford on Monday 17 April.

Coutinho is currently in custody and will be appearing at Kidderminster Magistrates’ court this morning (Wednesday 19 April)

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30/03/2023

Planning approved for new library

The planning application for a new library and resource centre in Hereford has been approved.

The news keeps plans on track for work to be completed on time for its doors to open in spring 2024.

The redeveloped site at Maylord Orchards will re-use existing units and public spaces with the shopping centre to create an attractive, accessible public library and learning centre. As well as its reading spaces, the new centre will offer information resources, business support, quiet study space, digital literacy programmes, access to PCs and a vibrant, engaging programme of cultural and creative activities. Residents will also have access to face-to-face meetings about wider council services as well as a café designed to make customers feel at home in the space.

The project also includes enhancements to the Maylord Orchards shopping precinct atrium and adjacent Trinity Square to create a social space for people to meet and hold events.

The new centre has come about thanks to the planned transformation of the library and museum building in Broad Street, Hereford. That building will become home to a new, state-of-the-art museum and art gallery while the library relocates to its new home in Maylord Orchards. While the construction work is going on in Broad Street, library services will be run temporarily from the Museum Resource and Learning Centre in Hereford’s Friars Street.

Amy Pitt, Herefordshire Council service director, community wellbeing, says:

“It’s really good news that this project is running to schedule. People are already starting to get excited about it as they learn more about our plans for the new library and resource centre in the heart of Hereford. It will be a really attractive place for people to meet, learn and enjoy activities. It’s also really important that those who want it will be able to get face-to-face help about other council services. I’m also looking forward to hearing the views of residents as our library team offers opportunities for people to put their views forward on what they think the new centre should offer.”

The total cost of the library redevelopment project is £3,500,000, £3,000,000 of which is from Stronger Hereford and the remaining £500,000 from Herefordshire Council.

You can keep up to date with progress on the museum and library projects by visiting our webpage. The page links to separate articles on the library and museum.

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12/03/2023

Easter Egg Hunt

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06/03/2023

The 1st Steam Day of 2023 Waterworks Museum - Hereford
will be on Sunday 26 March (11-4) with a display of stationary engines on the forecourt.

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19/02/2023

Leominster to enjoy improved air quality

A new Air Quality Monitoring Station for Leominster at Bargates is now operational.

Air pollution is associated with a number of adverse health impacts, and particularly affects the most vulnerable in society, including children and older people, and those with heart and lung conditions. It is recognised as a contributing factor in the onset of heart disease and cancer.

In Herefordshire, there are two Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) due to higher levels of nitrogen dioxide, exceeding national standards (40μg/m3).

Herefordshire Council’s automatic monitoring station at Victoria Street, Hereford was updated last year, and now the new Monitoring Station in Leominster is operational, providing real time data of NO2 levels which can help identify actions to improve air quality and provide additional data on other pollutants. The new station was supplied by Enviro Technology Services Ltd including all project management, installation & commissioning, together with a 3-year fully inclusive service & data collection contract.

Cllr Ange Tyler, Cabinet member for Housing, Regulatory Services and Community, said: “Herefordshire's air quality problems are mainly related to traffic. There are many methods we use to address the issue of air quality, including encouraging behaviour change through investment in our active travel network, expanding the county’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and adopting local transport plans to improve not only air quality but also accessibility, safety, and the easing of congestion.

“By allowing more accurate measuring of air pollution, the new monitoring station will help us to identify areas of concern, improve the success rate of grant submissions, and ensure there is robust data on which to base medium to long term decisions and assess the impacts of our various initiatives.”

Cllr Trish Marsh, Mayor of Leominster, added: “It will be hugely helpful to have live data showing the pattern of pollutants at Bargates junction on the busy A44 through Leominster, showing its steep morning and evening peaks. This will allow people to plan their journeys to reduce congestion and encourage us all to try out different ways of travelling into our historic town, with its great range of independent shops and services like banking.”

The Council produces an annual air quality status report which considers all new monitoring data and assesses the data against the national Air Quality Objectives (AQO). It also considers any major changes in the county that may have an impact on air quality and reports on the progress of measures to improve air quality.

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26/01/2023

Op Enzyme, a targeted initiative which started in December, is focussed on cross-border criminality resulting in a significant reduction in car key burglary and vehicle crime 📉

Read the full press release here ➡️ https://orlo.uk/eUGdP

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14/01/2023

Wye Valley Runners are going the extra mile for St Michael’s Hospice in 2023 🏃 🏃 🏃

The popular running group celebrates its 40th birthday this year, with members set to mark the milestone by raising funds for us….more on this in due course.

Club Chair Paddy Nugent said, “Wye Valley Runners is delighted to be supporting St Michael's Hospice - Hereford in this very special year for the club. Over the years, the Hospice has been there for many of our members, and their families, so it is a charity we feel a very close connection to.”

Members are pictured launching their 40th year by meeting Mayor of Hereford Mark D***s at Hereford Town Hall.

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