Leominster Blog - A diary of Leominster events, gossip and Leominster information

Leominster Blog

The Leominster Blog contains Leominster news, gossip and other Leominster related information

Sport Relief is back and it’s coming to LEOMINSTER!
The Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile is back – and it’s coming to Leominster! The town is set to host its second Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile on Sunday 25th March, and needs local people to come together and show their support by entering now at www.sportrelief.com. As one of the UK’s biggest fundraising events, Sport Relief brings the entire nation together to get active, raise cash and change lives – so it’s time to dust off those trainers and enter right now.

Setting off from Earl Mortimer College the Leominster Mile will take in the sights of the Sports Field and Nature Reserve and is set to be an incredible event. Entrants don’t have to be sporty to take part, but can choose to complete 1, 3 or 6 miles knowing that all the money raised will help to change the lives of people living unimaginably tough lives right here on our doorstep, across the rest of the UK and in some the world’s poorest countries.

Organiser, Naomi Andersson said: “The Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile in Leominster is back and it’s your time to shine. From teeny-tots with their mums and dads, to super sprinters up against the clock there’s something for everyone on the big day. Last year, the Leominster Mile had over 100 participants and raised a staggering £5,254! This year we want to make the day even bigger and better – but we need your help to do that. So come on Leominster, pull up your Sport Relief socks, enter the Mile and do something amazing!”

Sport Relief has a unique history of dedicated people doing extraordinary things to rise to the challenge. Last September, David Walliams started Sport Relief off with an epic splash when he completed The BT Sport Relief Challenge: Walliams vs The Thames. Despite battling a nasty bacterial bug and bitingly cold water, David swam a staggering 140 miles and has so far raised over £1million for Sport Relief. And that’s not all; there will be even more amazing celebrity challenges to get the whole nation geared up for the Sport Relief weekend!

The Sport Relief Weekend kicks off on Friday 23rd March when everyone gets active, has fun and raises cash at home, at work or at school; before settling down to watch a night of top Sport Relief TV on BBC One. There will be even more BBC radio, online and TV coverage throughout the weekend to keep you entertained. By the end of the weekend everyone will be raring to go, when the whole nation comes together to take part in the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile on Sunday 25th March.

To enter the Leominster Mile visit http://my.sportrelief.com/search/event/result?id=734&location=leominster
Posted : 03/02/2012 10:49:52

Time to care for yourself - get the jab that could save your life
As a carer for someone else, it can be easy to overlook your own health and wellbeing. The NHS in Herefordshire is making sure all pregnant women, over 65 year olds and people with clinical conditions which put them more at risk, are given the flu jab. At the same time, carers* are being reminded that flu is a risk and that they are important too.

Dr Sarah Aitken, interim director of public health in Herefordshire said: “As a carer you want to do what you can to help and protect your loved ones. However, many carers last winter did not take the opportunity to have a free flu jab, despite making arrangements for their loved ones to have theirs”.

“It’s not just about protecting the carer from getting flu, but also preventing them from passing the virus onto the vulnerable person they are caring for. Getting flu when you already have a long term condition can lead to serious complications and tragically in some cases death, but these can be prevented by having the free vaccine. “

“Unlike other medication for long term conditions, the flu jab is an annual one-off vaccine. There is no live virus in the flu vaccine and it cannot give you the flu. It is a new vaccine each year to fight this year’s flu virus. So please take the time to look after yourself as well as your loved one, get the free jab at your local GP surgery and help protect yourself.”

There are additional ways people can protect themselves and those around them. Good hand hygiene - the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ technique – reduces the spread of germs. This means carrying tissues, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue, disposing of the tissue after one use, and cleaning hands as soon as possible with soap and water or an alcohol hand gel.
Posted : 08/11/2011 16:36:24

Your chance to make a difference to broadband
Thousands of questionnaires have been completed to make the case for broadband in the county, but more are needed.

Herefordshire along with Gloucestershire are in the running for having major investment in the broadband network, with national Government money having been allocated to improve speeds and access in rural areas.

This will have a positive impact on the prospects of local businesses and residents being able to access a range of services.

However, to make the most of this investment people in the two counties are being asked to complete a questionnaire to demonstrate demand and need.

The results will be used to show potential suppliers there is a market for broadband in the area and therefore worth contributing their own finance to get the best access and speeds possible.

Questionnaires have been distributed to every house in Herefordshire or can be completed online at www.fastbroadband4herefordshire.org.uk
Posted : 08/11/2011 15:26:36

Herefordshire maps for sale
Herefordshire Council’s Archive Service is to hold a pre Christmas sale of surplus original Ordnance Survey maps dating from 1904 to 1925. The sale will take place at the Record Office in Harold Street, Hereford from 1pm to 4pm on Saturday, November 19.

The maps are on the old scale 25” to the mile, each locality having its own sheet. Prices will be up to £10 per sheet, depending on condition. A wide range of second-hand books on local and general history will also be on sale.

Rhys Griffith, Herefordshire Council’s senior archivist, said: “Our sale is becoming a bit of an annual event and is always really popular. It goes to show how interested people are in local history and in how their communities have changed over time.”

A list of the maps for sale is available on the Archive Service web pages at www.herefordshire.gov.uk/archives.

Posted : 08/11/2011 15:24:41

Children’s services are doing well in Herefordshire
Children and young people in Herefordshire are doing well and the services they receive are continuing to improve. That’s according to Ofsted inspectors who have judged children’s services to be good or better in a report published this week.

The report states that helping our children learn well and stay safe, including getting support through social care, education and family support, have all improved since the last inspection. Inspectors reported that a particular strength is the highly effective arrangements that are in place to support families and cases not requiring intervention. The council has worked with health professionals and other agencies to provide support and help to families before intervention is needed.

The inspectors also looked at how the county’s schools help children and young people with their learning. Most of the early years settings and local authority controlled schools have been judged by Ofsted to be good or better and as a result, our children continue to perform above average at primary school and at GCSE level.

Councillor Patricia Morgan, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “We are delighted that Ofsted have recognised the significant improvements made to children’s services in Herefordshire over the last twelve months.

“Herefordshire children and young people have access to some of the country’s finest schools and early years settings and performance continues to improve every year. It is important that we are able to continue supporting schools with the services they need to make sure that every individual child’s potential is realised to the full. This includes supporting families to help them with some of the more difficult issues they face early on. Working in partnership with other organisations is bringing lasting benefits to families and children and we are pleased that Ofsted has recognised this.”
Posted : 08/11/2011 15:21:41

Prince of Wales backs Herefordshire’s bid to put county on food map
His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales, has given his backing to a new food strategy for Herefordshire which aims to put the county on the food map.

“From field to table” is a sustainable food and drink strategy for Herefordshire which has been produced by the Herefordshire Food Partnership (HFP) and the Bulmer Foundation.

In his foreword, Prince Charles says the report is “an excellent example of a local community developing the ideas that will support a truly sustainable future.”

This new strategy brings together organisations and people with an interest in Herefordshire’s burgeoning food and drink industry such as the NFU, County Land and Business Association, Duchy of Cornwall, the Bulmer Foundation and others.

A two-year process of public consultation and workshops has led to the 44-page “A Sustainable Food and Drink Strategy for Herefordshire”, which provides a snapshot of all the different food and drink initiatives in the county and is hoped to be a blueprint for future growth and prosperity for the sector.

“This is a chance for us to all work together to improve the opportunities and support for farmers and food producers, I look forward to seeing the plans and programmes bearing fruit,” said Herefordshire NFU chairman Lesley Whistance.

Food Partnership chairman, Adrian Blackshaw, said: “Through the strategy we want to support and promote local producers and encourage the use of local food, throughout the county. I would like to thank all the partners who were involved with the production of this Strategy. The work starts now to deliver the Action Plan.”
Posted : 08/11/2011 15:15:47

London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay Route
Herefordshire to be on London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay Route

On 27 July, 2012, the eyes of the world will be on London for the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games as the Olympic Flame arrives at the Olympic Stadium for the lighting of the cauldron to signify the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

In the build up to the start of the event, the Olympic Flame will make its journey from Greece and arrive in the UK on 18 May 2012, ready for the Olympic Torch Relay to begin the following day.

LOCOG are proud to confirm that on May 24 and 25 2012, the Olympic Flame will reach Herefordshire.

Torchbearers will carry the Olympic Flame through Ledbury, Bartestree, Lugwardine, Hereford and Leominster on May 24 and Ross on May 25, with all communities hosting a welcome on behalf of their surrounding communities.

Representing peace, unity and friendship, the Flame will be carried around the UK towards the stadium carried by 8,000 inspirational torchbearers.

Councillor Roger Phillips, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for enterprise and culture, said: “I am delighted we will be welcoming the Olympic Torch to the county. The Olympic Torch Relay will shine a spotlight on the people and places of Herefordshire and demonstrate that the Olympic spirit is alive and well in the county.

“The chosen route for the Torch means the Flame will be within 10 miles of more than 95 per cent of the UK population and sites on the route will become hubs of activity where people can share in the celebration and excitement together.

“Full details of the Relay will be announced closer to the time, inviting people from across the area to welcome the Olympic Flame in these locations,” he added.

Sebastian Coe, Chair of LOCOG said: “This is the UK’s moment to shine and I want to encourage people across Herefordshire to start planning how they can be part of this once in a lifetime opportunity and show their support for the inspirational Torchbearers chosen to carry the Olympic Flame as we count down to the start of the Olympic Games.”
Posted : 08/11/2011 15:08:52

Get into the groove with popular storyteller
Herefordshire Council’s library service is offering youngsters a chance to get in the groove with a special storytime session being held at Leominster Library.

The event is on Wednesday, November 9 from 10.30am to 11am, and will be a high energy session for every high energy toddler.

Popular storyteller and musician Sally Tonge will combine telling a traditional story with actions and joining in to the rocking strains of Bon Jovi and ELO.

Youngsters should expect some jazzy twists and the chance to shake their tail feathers in this exciting new approach to sharing stories with Leominster Library youngest borrowers. A visit to the library has never been more exciting or groovy.

Sally Tonge is a well loved creative spinner of stories for under fives nationally and a frequent visitor to under fives settings in Herefordshire.
Posted : 02/11/2011 17:34:21

Waste-busting website attracts 50,000 visitors
The dedicated one-stop shop website offering Herefordshire residents advice on how they can start throwing less in bins and keeping more money in their pockets has attracted 50,000 visitors in its first year.

www.letswasteless.com was designed and set up by Herefordshire Council, in partnership with Worcestershire County Council, to give people of all ages the chance to find out about the many simple ways they can start reducing what they throw out and actually make their waste work for them.

It's packed with useful information on a host of topics including how to start home composting, what residents can pop into their recycling bins, addresses of all household recycling centres across the two counties and what's accepted at them.

In addition it features details of local reuse organisations, how to organise Swap Shops or Swishing events, real life stories of how people have made small changes that can make big differences and much, much more.

The website reached the 50,000 visitors landmark as it celebrated its first anniversary and the council's waste prevention team behind it are as keen as ever to hear from anyone who has a top tip on cutting waste. To share your advice either email letswasteless@worcestershire.gov.uk (including pictures) or telephone 01905 766883.

Councillor Adrian Blackshaw, Herefordshire Council's cabinet member for highways, transportation and waste, said: “This website contains a wealth of hints and tips which can help people throw away less and keep more money in their pockets.

“I am delighted that 50,000 visitors have logged onto the website in its first year of operation and I would encourage anyone who hasn't yet visited to take a look at www.letswasteless.com next time they are surfing the internet or browsing the web on their mobile devices.

"For those who have visited the website I'm sure there are many gems still to be found as it updated regularly. If you've got some of your own why not let us know so we can share them online?"

For more information visit www.letswasteless.com or call 01905 766883.
Posted : 02/11/2011 17:27:37

Award-winning museum returns to county
The award-winning Museum on the Move returns to Herefordshire on November 2 for its winter tour. The exhibition on board has been hugely popular, enabling people to discover the story of survival from dinosaurs to dormice.

This bright, interactive and highly absorbing museum experience is unique in that it travels out to venues across Herefordshire and people can see the Museum on the Move at the following:

Saturday, November 5: Leominster Library car park, all day

Saturday, November 5: Hereford Racecourse fireworks celebration, 5.30pm to 8.30pm

Wednesday, November 23: High Town Hereford late night shopping, 5pm to 8pm

Wednesday, November 30: High Town, Hereford late night shopping, 5pm to 8pm

Friday, December 2: High Town, Hereford, 5pm to 8pm

Monday, December 19: High Town, Hereford - all day

Friday, December 23: High Town, Hereford - all day

Even if the day is cold, the Museum on the Move bus will be warm!

For more information, or to book MoM yourself, contact wmeaford@herefordshire.gov.uk or phone 01432 383595

Posted : 02/11/2011 17:25:19

Rural high-speed broadband campaign steps up
Herefordshire’s villages and market towns are a big step closer to getting high-speed broadband, with the launch of a major survey into the demand for improved broadband services.

Survey questionnaires will be delivered to thousands of homes throughout the county to gather evidence on demand for high-speed broadband. An online version of the survey is also available at www.fastbroadband4herefordshire.org.uk. There is also a separate survey for businesses - if you run a local business and live in Herefordshire, you can complete both residential and business surveys.

Herefordshire Council’s broadband champion Cllr Graham Powell said: “These questionnaires are crucial to the process of bringing better broadband access and speeds to Herefordshire. We urge every household and business to complete and return them.

“This survey will provide the hard evidence that there is real demand for superfast broadband in Herefordshire and this is vital if we are to persuade suppliers to invest in our most rural, hard-to-reach areas.”

Parish, town and district councillors are throwing their weight behind the Borders Broadband project – a multi-million pound initiative to secure private investment in a new fast broadband infrastructure for the county’s rural communities.

Borders Broadband, which covers Herefordshire and < ahref="http://www.thesite.coo.uk/england/gloucestershire" title="Gloucestershire" target="_blank">Gloucestershire, has been awarded £14.4 million, making this one of the first parts of the UK to share Government funding for better rural broadband.

Major private sector investment is vital to the project’s success. Public funding is being used to attract a commercial telecoms supplier and persuade them there is significant demand for fast broadband in rural Herefordshire. The results from a survey of households and businesses are essential to help demonstrate that demand.

Telecoms companies are already involved in a complex tendering process to provide the new broadband infrastructure. A contract is expected to be awarded in late spring 2012 with work due to begin soon afterwards.

Meetings have taken place with parish and town councils throughout the county, and a volunteer force of ‘Broadband Champions’ is being recruited to link local communities to the project and help to highlight the benefits of fast broadband. For more details about the Borders Broadband project see www.herefordshire.gov.uk/broadband
Posted : 02/11/2011 17:23:06

Electric Blanket Testing
People living in Leominster will be able to check the safety of their electric blankets at a testing session which is taking place on Wednesday 2 November.

The event, which runs from 10am to 3.30pm, will be held at Leominster Fire Station and will involve Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (H&WFRS) as well as representatives from Age UK, Trading Standards, Local Policing Teams from West Mercia Police and Signposting at Herefordshire Council.

Those attending can take their electric blankets along to be tested and can also get advice on home security, health care and energy efficiency, and other services for older people.

To book your FREE blanket test please make an appointment by calling 01432 347 030. Alternatively, a drop in facility will be available on the day for those who are prepared to wait / collect later.
Posted : 27/10/2011 10:29:24

Take a walk in the ‘Animals of the Forest’ park
A number of carved wooden sculptures have been installed at Herefordshire Council’s Queenswood Country Park and Arboretum and an official launch is being held on Monday, October 17, at 11am.

Elizabeth Banks, in her role as Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire, will be unveiling one of the sculptures. Elizabeth is also a past chairman of the Queenswood Coronation Fund, the charity associated with Queenswood who raise money for and provide advice on the management of the arboretum. Children from Wellington School will be in attendance.

A tour of the “Animals of the Forest” sculpture trail will then be led by staff from Herefordshire Council’s Countryside Service. The two carvers, Steve Elsby and Harry Thomas, who have produced the sculptures will also be carving on site during the day.

The seven sculptures consist of a range of animals and birds, native and exotic and are located in appropriate areas of the arboretum that reflect the type of habitat they would live in. The trail (a trail guide will be available from the shop at Queenswood and on the council’s web site) will lead visitors through the arboretum providing opportunity for fun and learning as well as appreciation of the sculptures for all ages of visitor to Queenswood.

Funding for the sculptures has come from the government’s Playbuilders scheme. The idea for using the funding for an animal-themed sculpture trail followed the interest shown when Steve Elsby carved a crocodile at Queenswood in the autumn of 2010.

A number of carved wooden sculptures have been installed at Herefordshire Council’s Queenswood Country Park and Arboretum and an official launch is being held on Monday, October 17, at 11am.

Elizabeth Banks, in her role as Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire, will be unveiling one of the sculptures. Elizabeth is also a past chairman of the Queenswood Coronation Fund, the charity associated with Queenswood who raise money for and provide advice on the management of the arboretum. Children from Wellington School will be in attendance.

A tour of the “Animals of the Forest” sculpture trail will then be led by staff from Herefordshire Council’s Countryside Service. The two carvers, Steve Elsby and Harry Thomas, who have produced the sculptures will also be carving on site during the day.

The seven sculptures consist of a range of animals and birds, native and exotic and are located in appropriate areas of the arboretum that reflect the type of habitat they would live in. The trail (a trail guide will be available from the shop at Queenswood and on the council’s web site) will lead visitors through the arboretum providing opportunity for fun and learning as well as appreciation of the sculptures for all ages of visitor to Queenswood.

Funding for the sculptures has come from the government’s Playbuilders scheme. The idea for using the funding for an animal-themed sculpture trail followed the interest shown when Steve Elsby carved a crocodile at Queenswood in the autumn of 2010.
Posted : 11/10/2011 12:27:44

Open day to showcase future of Grange Court
As part of Herefordshire Council’s project to turn historic Grange Court into a hub for the community, an open day is being held on Tuesday, October 25.

When completed the building will be taken over by the Leominster Area Regeneration Trust and will have an interpretation centre to explain the history of Grange Court and its importance to the town.

LARC has appointed internationally recognised consultancy Imagemakers to create and design this interpretation centre and a series of workshops were held with people from local organisations and groups last month.

The appointment has been made possible because of a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Now Imagemakers wants to share their ideas with the wider public and are holding this open day for everyone to see mock-ups of what could be done.

The event in Leominster’s Corn Square runs from 9.30am to 2.30pm and there will be fun for all the family as well with a chance for children to get their faces painted.
Posted : 11/10/2011 12:12:30

Little Bo Peep puppet show at Leominster Library
Herefordshire Council's library service is offering youngsters the chance to have fun this half term at Leominster Library with Sea Legs Puppet Theatre and their new show Little Bo Peep.

Little Bo Peep has lost her sheep and doesn't know where to find them. Her companion Little Boy Blue is doing his best to help find the woolly runaways but he keeps falling asleep.

Meanwhile, The Nursery Rhyme Man is in his kitchen baking a surprise cake for Little Bo Peep's birthday. As he works a naughty mouse keeps stealing the ingredients.

The show offers youngsters a chance to sing along to their favourite nursery rhymes such as Ten Green Bottles, Hickory Dickory Dock, The Grand Old Duke of York and many, many more.

Mick Ligema, Herefordshire Council's cultural services manager, said: “We try to put on as many events of this kind as we can during school holidays as it not only offers parents a way to keep their youngsters entertained but also shows libraries are fun places to be.

“We have already nearly doubled the number of under fives who come to our libraries and hopefully this show will encourage even more to join and start developing a love for books,” he added.

This is Sea Legs Puppet Theatre's tenth anniversary show and will feature magnificent puppets, fantastic scenery and of course lots of music and singing in a show especially created for children ages two to seven.

Both performances are on October 24. The first performance is from 11am to noon with another showing at 2pm to 3pm Both shows include a 15 minute 'meet the puppets' session at the end. Tickets at £3 each must be purchased in advance as spaces are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.

Call Leominster Library on 01432 383290 to make bookings.
Posted : 11/10/2011 12:11:53

Number of under fives using libraries soars
Herefordshire Council’s library service has seen a massive upsurge in the number of children under five using the county’s libraries.

Figures just released show there were 6,550 issues of either books or CD to this age group compared to 3,561 in the same month in 2010.

The upsurge follows a concerted campaign focused on developing strong partnership working in the county.

Mick Ligema, Herefordshire Council’s cultural services manager, said: “The combination of staging extra events at libraries for under fives, promotions and competitions, partly funded by the Every Child a Talker project, has seen this impressive increase in the number of young children using our libraries.

“Books are a vital way to boost a child’s development by learning words and sounds and starting young can also foster a lifelong love of books which will provide much pleasure for many years to come. Our libraries also run popular Bounce and Rhyme sessions which encourage them to learn rhymes and also get used to seeing libraries as fun places to be.

“I would like to thank library staff, health visitors, Home Start, children’s centres, childcare providers and Wye Valley NHS Trust who have all helped to bring more under fives into libraries,” he added.
Posted : 11/10/2011 12:04:39

Calling all county carers
From teenagers to pensioners, from neighbours to friends, there are an estimated 19,000 carers in Herefordshire – but only around 3,000 are registered and receive support themselves.

The startling figures mean there are many teenagers who balance a day in the classroom with caring for a parent or sibling when they get home, yet they may not receive any help or support.

Similarly, many carers are older people that care for their relatives but do not approach the council for support and assistance.

“This is very concerning as there are huge resources these carers can call upon,” said Cllr Patricia Morgan, the council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing.

“Herefordshire Carers Support plays a huge role in supporting those carers it knows about – around 3,000 of them – but we know that in a county of our size there will be around 19,000 carers altogether.

“This is a real concern as there are many out there who could benefit by us supporting them through the provision of services such as respite care, transport and adaptions to homes to make life easier,” added Cllr Morgan.

To try and ensure services provided for carers meet their needs, a programme to engage with them and seek their views is underway – but the council and PCT wants to hear particularly from those who are not registered.

“We hear many tales of youngsters who are at school during the day but spend the rest of the time looking after their parents, brothers or sisters. They need to recognise that they are carers and qualify for a wide variety of support which could improve the quality of their lives and the lives of those they are caring for.

“We know there are those who look after their husband or wife who don’t realise they’re classed as carers. If we know about them, we can support them in so many different ways it will make a huge difference.”

The consultation is being run by Herefordshire Council and NHS Herefordshire in collaboration with Herefordshire Carers Support to seek the views of those who have registered, but the invitation is to all carers in the county to have their say so they can shape the kind of services which are provided to meet their needs.

The major awareness campaign begins this week with a questionnaire which is being distributed to all known carers and will be made available at council and NHS Herefordshire buildings.

It can also be competed on line by visiting http://consult.herefordshire.gov.uk/consult.ti/carersstrategy/consultationHome

“Carers come from all walks of life and can be young or old. They carry out a vital service in the county and we just want to make sure we can support them in the best way.

“If you’re a registered carer, please let us know your views, and if you’ve never realised you are a carer, please get in touch to find out what support is available, and tell us what support you need.”
Posted : 11/10/2011 11:59:49

Last gasp for cigarette vending machines in Herefo
This week, the sale of tobacco from vending machines became prohibited across England. The ban has been introduced to prevent under-age sales to children and to support adults who are trying to quit.

Nearly all of adult smokers started smoking before they turned 18 and every year over 300,000 children try smoking for the first time. Of the children who regularly smoke 11 per cent buy their cigarettes from vending machines.

Cigarette vending machines are often unsupervised, making it easy for children to buy cigarettes from them. It is estimated that 35 million cigarettes are sold illegally through vending machines to children every year.
Health Secretary Andrew Lansley, said: “Smoking is one of the biggest and most stubborn challenges in public health. Over eight million people in England still smoke and it causes more than 80,000 deaths each year.
“Cigarette vending machines are often unsupervised, making it easy for children to purchase cigarettes from them. The ban on cigarette sales from vending machines will protect children by making cigarettes less accessible to them - we want to do everything we can to encourage young people not to start smoking in the first place.”

Dr Sarah Aitken, interim director of public health for Herefordshire, said: “This is great news as a person’s lifetime smoking or non-smoking behaviour is heavily influenced by their decisions in adolescence. Banning the sale of tobacco from vending machines will go a long way towards protecting children and young people from the harmful effects of smoking.

“Tobacco legislation is an important part of public health protection and promotion and our enforcement team will be checking for compliance during their routine inspections.”

The cigarette sales from vending machines is part of Healthy Lives, Healthy People: A Tobacco Control Plan for England that the Government announced on 9 March. It sets out the Department of Health’s aims to reduce smoking rates in England by the end of 2015:

• from 21 per cent to 18.5 per cent or less among adults;
• from 15 per cent to 12 per cent or less among 15 year olds; and
• from 14 per cent to 11 per cent or less among pregnant mothers.

From this week, anyone caught selling cigarettes from a vending machine may be fined up to £2,500. Any person found guilty of displaying cigarette adverts on a vending machine could face imprisonment for up to six months, or a fine of £5,000, or both.
Members of the public are urged to report any vending machines still in use to Herefordshire Council on 01432 261761. For help to quit, call the NHS Smokefree Helpline on 0800 022 4 332 or visit the Smokefree website at www.nhs.uk/smokefree

Posted : 11/10/2011 11:58:04

Harvest time celebrations for Year in the Orchard
As apple harvest begins, Herefordshire Year in the Orchard celebrations reach their height as a busy autumn season of events to celebrate the county’s orchard heritage swing in to action.

October 8th and 9th The Big Apple in Much Marcle; a unique blend of activities in and around orchards combined with traditional cider and perry making

October 8th and 9th Roots and Fruit celebrating 200 years of apple innovation and Church schools on Kingsland’s Millennium Green whose orchard was a shortlisted finalist in the first RHS Pomona Awards.

Over the weekend of Saturday, October 15th and Sunday, October 16th, there are a wealth of events in the county to celebrate orchards, apples, pears and cider making.

Elizabeth Banks, president of the Royal Horticultural Society and patron of Year in the Orchard, is hosting A Celebration of Apples 15th and 16th October at Hergest Croft Gardens Kington, where The Royal Horticultural Society will be bringing its collection of apples to display them alongside the collections of Frank P. Matthews of Tenbury and the Marcher Apple Network. At over 400 varieties it will be one of the largest displays of orchard fruit in the Country this autumn.

Jim Arbury Head of Fruit Cultivation at Wisley will also be on hand to answer questions and identify your apples and pears, and is hoping to encounter more rare varieties such as the Marguerite Marillat pear served in a fruit pie on his last visit!

On Sunday 16th the weekend of family activities, food and plant stalls will climax as the winners of the first Royal Horticultural Society Pomona Awards for Orchards will be announced.

Hereford Cathedral is also holding a major celebration of apples on Saturday, October 15th, starting at 10.30am. The Apple Tree Fair aims to celebrate the Apple Tree pavement mosaic and newly refurbished Cathedral Close, and there will be a wide variety of stalls, music, dancing and family activities.

Leominster’s Apple Fair on Saturday, October 15th, 10am, at the Priory Church will have its usual large display of apples, cider, perry, apple juices, stalls, craft displays and demonstrations.

For those wanting to know more about cider making, the Hereford Cider Museum is holding a cider making festival on Saturday, October 15th , and Sunday, October 16th , with demonstrations of cider making, blacksmithing, beekeeping, apples, pears and children’s activities.

Don’t forget The Hereford Food Festival on 22nd and 23rd October at Hereford Racecourse, where the winners of the Pomona food awards will be announced alongside the usual Flavours prize winners.

Other events coming up are:

Wednesday 25th October: 11am – 3pm The Big Pomona Big Draw event for families at the Museum and Learning Resource Centre, Friar Street Hereford.

Thursday, October 27: Half-term activities for children, Dragon Orchard, Putley, near Ledbury.

Saturday, November 5: Cider-making Day, Dragon Orchard, Putley, near Ledbury.

Tuesday, November 15, 2pm: A walk through Westons Orchards at harvest time with advice on orchard management from Chris Fairs (Bulmers), Tim Dixon (Colwall Orchard Group), Geoff Newman (Natural England) and Janet Lomas (FWAG).

Pommunity Herefordiensis – a range of community organisations fruit tree plantings in late November and through December around the County marking ‘A Year in the Orchard’ from an initiative funded by Herefordshire’s Orchard Topic Group through Herefordshire Council

Sunday, December 4, 11am: Christmas Fair at the Cider Museum, Hereford, with a chance to buy some imaginative gifts with an orchardy flavour and enjoy festive entertainment.

Sunday, December 10: Christmas Decorations from the orchard, Dragon Orchard, Putley, near Ledbury.

Posted : 11/10/2011 11:57:06

How to stop paying through roof for energy bills
Herefordshire Council is supporting an initiative to help businesses benefit from the drive to make homes more energy efficient.

An officer from the council’s private sector housing team will be speaking at an event at Holme Lacy Campus, Herefordshire College of Technology, on Friday, October 21 from 3pm to 5pm to talk about making the county’s homes warm and energy efficient.

He will be joined at the event by Andy Simmonds, Hereford-based Partner of Simmonds.Mills Architects who has just received the first Passivhaus ‘EnerPHit’ certification in the UK for refurbishment and extension works he has carried out on his home in Portfield Street, Hereford.

Simmonds.Mills carried out this ambitious scheme which involved a wide range of energy efficiency measures such as extensive insulation and a 100 per cent draught free construction. These changes have reduced the house’s gas consumption by a massive 80 per cent together with 45 per cent less electricity use.

A builder from Mike Whitfield Construction Ltd, who has experience of installing energy efficiency measures will also be attending this event, which is being staged as part of h.Energy Week.

Councillor Brian Wilcox, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for environment, housing and planning, said: “I was able to attend the unveiling of the EnerPhit plaque at Andy’s home Grove Cottage and was also fascinated to learn more about the technologies he has used to achieve such a massive reduction in energy costs.

“These measures not only help households to reduce their bills but also offer a great opportunity for businesses in the county to develop skills to carry out similar schemes.

“The Government’s Green Deal will establish a framework to enable private companies to offer consumers energy efficiency improvements to their homes, community spaces and businesses at no upfront cost, and recoup payments through a charge in instalments on the building’s energy bill. It would be great if local contractors has the skills to carry out this work.

“This event will offer a chance to find out more about improving energy efficiency in all building projects and I would urge anyone interested to make sure they book to attend,” he added.

Bookings can be made by calling 01497 831194 or sending an email to dave@herefordshirenewleaf.org.uk
Posted : 11/10/2011 11:54:22

Chance to try something new - Older People's Day
Herefordshire Council’s sports development team has teamed up with halo leisure, the British Red Cross and Visit Herefordshire, to provide a series of taster sessions and fun activities aimed at encouraging people to be more active.

The UK Older People’s Day is in its fifth year in October this year and to celebrate in Herefordshire there will be a tea dance, historical walk, sing-along sessions as well as a chance to try out a series of free taster sessions at halo leisure centres, including zumba, spinning, body pump, yoga and fitball.

There is also a chance to try a snorkelling session at Leominster leisure pool while Hereford leisure pool is offering free health MOTs.

Shirley Goodwin-Jones, Herefordshire Council’s specialist physical activity development officer, said: “These events are aimed to show people that whatever their age there is an activity suitable for them and by taking exercise they can vastly improve their health and well being.

“Many of the activities also include a chance to socialise as this is also very important for people’s mental health, especially if they are alone.

“National UK Older People’s Day is aimed at anyone over the age of 45 and this is why we have also, thanks to our leisure partner halo, been able to include some activities that will appeal to the more young at heart and active such as spinning, zumba and snorkelling, and offer them a chance to try something new,” she added.

Events start with a Singalong with Karen on Friday, September 30 at Cleveham Court, Colwall, with songs from the 1930s to 1960s with a chance to dance along as well as try out some percussion instruments. This event runs from 5pm to 7pm and the fee of £4.50 includes refreshments. The British Red Cross has organised this event and can also provide transport by calling 01432 373039.

Then there is a free guided historical walk of Hereford on Sunday, October 2 at 11am, meeting at the Discover Herefordshire Centre. This is being led by Liz Hill and provided by Visit Herefordshire.

There will also be a tea dance on the same day from 2pm to 4.30pm at All Seasons School of Dance which will include a mixture of ballroom, Latin and sequence dance together with a cream tea and live music. The dance costs £2 and transport can be arranged by contacting the British Red Cross on 01432 373020.

Free halo taster sessions are running throughout Saturday, October 1, and are:

Leominster Leisure Centre 0845 24 12 540

Aqua Zumba Class (11am-11.45am); Snorkelling Session (11.45am-12.15pm); Swimming Stroke Development/Non Swimming Coaching Session (12.15pm-12.45pm); tea/coffee and cake – an opportunity to discuss exercise with halo’s team of fitness instructors (1pm-1.30pm); Introduction to Spin (indoor cycling group exercise class, 1.30pm-2pm); Introduction to Body Pump Class (full body conditioning, weight bearing workout using bar bells – suitable for all ages and levels of fitness, 2.15pm-2.45pm).

Hereford Leisure Pool – 0845 24 12 562 – please call the Centre for details of timings or visit www.haloleisure.org.uk

Dance Mat Workouts (similar to the Wii exercises your children and grandchildren enjoy); free health MOTs (Fitness Mapping, Body Statistic Analysis, Blood Pressure Monitoring), Aqua Fit Group Exercise Class (30-minute class running throughout the day); Green Workout (Fitness Instructor led Power Walk around the meadows by the Leisure Pool)

Hereford Leisure Centre – 0845 24 10 978
Fitball (fun group exercise class using stability balls to focus on core strength and stability and all round conditioning, 9.45am-10.15am); Gentle Mobility Circuit (10.30am-11am); Yoga (11.30am to noon); Zumba Dance Workout (9am-9.30pm)

Ross Swimming Pool - 0845 24 12 570 - please call the Centre for details of timings or visit www.haloleisure.org.uk

Introduction to safe and fun Weight Lifting Workouts (suitable for all ages and abilities); Swimming session

Ledbury Swimming Pool - 0845 24 12 579 - please call the Centre for details of timings or visit www.haloleisure.org.uk

Introduction to safe and fun Weight Lifting Workouts (suitable for all ages and abilities); Swimming Session

Bromyard Centre – 0845 24 10 980

10.00 am Strength Training for health

11.00 am Body Balance (a mix of Tai Chi, Yoga and Pilates)

11.00 am Zumba (fun dance moves for fitness)

12.15 pm Circuits for tone and fitness

There will also be archery (11 – 12), Short Mat Bowls (11- 12) and the opportunity to play Badminton from 9.00am through to 1.00 pm. Personal trainers will be available from 9 – 1 to do health checks, give lifestyle advice and give you a taster of the gym.

For more information about any of the events log onto www.herefordshire.gov.uk and www.haloleisure.co.uk

Posted : 26/09/2011 12:37:19

NHS prepares for flu vaccination programme
NHS Herefordshire is urging residents to get their flu jabs before the seasonal flu virus takes hold later in the autumn.

The vaccine, which includes an inoculation against the H1N1 virus, is due to arrive in the county and will be distributed to GP practices and the Wye Valley NHS Trust over the next few weeks.

The vaccine is offered free to those who are at risk of developing complications if they contract flu which includes: pregnant women, individuals aged 65 years, carers of vulnerable adults and those in the at risk groups under the age of 65 years*.

Dr Sarah Aitken, interim director of public health, said: “This year’s seasonal flu vaccine will protect against the H1N1 virus strain (swine flu). The H1N1 virus can cause serious respiratory complications in pregnant women and individuals with underlying medical conditions, so we are very keen to make sure that these groups in particular, take up the offer of a vaccine this year.”

“We also want to make sure that people who care for vulnerable people, paid or unpaid, have the vaccine. By doing so they can help protect others by not unwittingly spreading the virus to patients.”

Seasonal flu is a highly contagious acute viral infection that affects people of all ages. H1N1 is a different strain of flu, but the symptoms are the same. It typically starts suddenly with fever, chills, headache, aching muscles, general prostration and a cough or other respiratory symptoms. Most people recover without complications in one to two weeks. However, flu can be serious in the very young, the elderly and other vulnerable groups, particularly pregnant women or those with heart problems, diabetes, diseases of the lungs, liver or kidneys or those who have weak immune systems.

In a drive to improve the take up of the flu vaccine, particularly amongst pregnant women, NHS Herefordshire and Wye Valley NHS Trust have joined forces to provide detailed information to all pregnant women through their midwives.

The vaccine is provided free of charge to all eligible individuals through their GP. If you are aged 65 and over or in the at-risk group or you are pregnant, then please contact your practice for you free flu jab.

Notes: *Individuals aged under 65 years are eligible for free flu vaccine if they have one of the following medical conditions:

• Chronic heart disease
• Chronic Respiratory disease
• Chronic kidney disease
• Chronic liver disease
• Chronic neurological disease including stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
• Diabetes
• Immunosuppression

Posted : 23/09/2011 14:45:26

Residents urged to have their say
Herefordshire residents are being urged to have their say on plans being made for the number of homes, jobs, shops and leisure facilities to be created in the county over the next 20 years.

After a series of public consultations, a revised blueprint for future planning in the county has now been drawn up, which takes into account concerns raised by residents as well as changes brought about by central government and the slowdown in the economy.

The major change is a reduction in the number of houses to be built in the county over the next 20 years from 900 a year to 825 a year, out of which the number in Hereford city will come down from 425 a year to 325 a year.

The plan also aims to help the economic well being of the county by making land available for better paid jobs in Hereford and the market towns as well as expanding Hereford’s city centre shops, leisure facilities and offices.

Councillor Brian Wilcox, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for environment, housing and planning, said: “Work is already starting on an expanded city centre and we also have an enterprise zone to attract new businesses so it is important we can provide the right variety of housing for these new workers.

“We really need to both keep young and working age people in the county as well as attract them here so we can create a vibrant economy and make our businesses and schools more sustainable in the future.

“All the evidence shows we need to build 825 homes in the county every year to support the growth we would expect from this thriving economy.

“The blueprint also includes building 265 of the county’s new homes every year in rural areas so we can provide more affordable homes in these generally more expensive parts of our county and support families to stay in areas they have grown up in rather than being forced to move away,” he added.

As part of this next round of consultations, planners are holding a series of meetings covering every one of the council’s 58 wards. Anyone with particular issues they wish to raise is advised to contact their own ward councillor directly.

There are also leaflets available in all county Info centres and libraries and the documents can also be accessed by logging onto www.herefordshire.gov.uk/ldf

The consultation runs until November 28 and then all comments will be considered before seeking final approval of the document in spring 2012.

Comments can be sent to a Freepost address Local Development Framework, Licence Number RRJX-TLSH-SCYH, Freepost, Forward Planning, Herefordshire Council, PO Box 4 Plough Lane, Hereford, HR4 OXH or email ldf@herefordshire.gov.uk
Posted : 22/09/2011 11:24:59

Herefordshire in top 10 for using solar power
Herefordshire has been named in the Top 10 local authority areas for its use of photovoltaic panels to create renewable energy.

The listing comes from the AEA Microgeneration Index which looks at how well Government incentives such as the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) are working throughout the country.

Under the FIT scheme, installations receive an attractive 'cash back' payment for every kWh of electricity generated. The tariff levels depend on the type of technology and the size of the system but have been set at a level that should provide a return on investment of between five per cent and eight per cent.

The scheme has been set up to encourage householders to install low carbon technologies which will not only reduce their energy bills but also cut carbon emissions and the country's reliance on fossil fuels.

Councillor Brian Wilcox, Herefordshire Council's cabinet member for environment, housing and planning, said: “The council has been actively supporting residents in having photovoltaic panels installed on both homes and community buildings and I am delighted the county has received such a high rating.

“We are hoping the government's flagship Green Deal energy saving plan will further build on this and support many more householders to install low carbon technologies in the future. This means that from next year people will be able to access up to £10,000 up front to pay for energy efficiency works and repay the costs through savings on energy bills,” he added.

Tips on making your homes more energy efficient can be found by logging onto the website www.herefordshire.gov.uk and following the links to housing.

County residents can also find out more about low carbon technologies at the annual h.Energy week which runs from October 15 to 23. This event provides an opportunity for people leading the way to share what they have learnt with others around Herefordshire; and for those wondering where to begin, it offers a range of ideas, activities and workshops.

The ultimate objective of h.Energy week is to demonstrate that using renewable local resources, avoid waste and reducing energy usage is just common sense, as fuel prices continue to rise and the economy continues to struggle.

For more information about h.Energy week, log onto www.herefordshirenewleaf.org.uk
Posted : 21/09/2011 14:44:36

Bid for faster broadband - make your voice heard
Plans to bring high-speed broadband to rural Herefordshire move up a gear this week (week beginning 12 September) as a major survey begins in the county’s parishes and market towns.

An area covering large parts of south Herefordshire and the Forest of Dean was among the first in the UK to receive Government funding to bring improved broadband services to remote rural areas.

Companies are already involved in a complex tendering process to provide broadband infrastructure, seeking the best delivery in the shortest timescale and for the best value.

Improved broadband services will be introduced initially in south Herefordshire and the Forest of Dean, and will then be extended throughout Herefordshire and Gloucestershire.

The Borders Broadband project is managed by a partnership of Herefordshire Council, GFirst (Gloucestershire’s Local Enterprise Partnership), Gloucestershire County Council, and Government agency, Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK).

Local Broadband Champion volunteers are being recruited throughout south Herefordshire to work within their local community, passing on information on the project’s progress, highlighting the benefits of high-speed broadband and demonstrating demand for the new services.

Over the next few weeks information leaflets and questionnaires will be delivered to 24,000 homes and businesses in south Herefordshire, to gather evidence on demand for high-speed broadband. An online version of the survey is also available – visit www.fastbroadband4herefordshire.org.uk

Herefordshire Council’s broadband champion Cllr Graham Powell said: “These questionnaires are crucial to the process of bringing superfast broadband to Herefordshire. We urge every household and business to complete and return them.”

“This will provide the hard evidence that there is real demand for superfast broadband in Herefordshire – this is vital if we are to persuade suppliers to invest in our most rural, hard-to-reach areas.”

“And we would really like to hear from anybody interested in becoming a Local Broadband Champion for their community. This is a real chance to stand up and make a difference.”

If you would like to become a broadband champion, please contact: Graham Powell grahampowell@herefordshire.gov.uk or Fast Broadband4Herefordshire organiser David Sheppard david@davidsheppard.com
Posted : 08/09/2011 20:39:58

Gully top thefts in Herefordshire
Herefordshire Council’s contracting partner Amey is urging motorists to be vigilant after a two week spate of gully top thefts.

Gullies are found at the edge of all roads and capture rain water. The gratings on top of the gullies, or drain covers, are made of cast iron and the recent thefts have been to rising scrap metal prices.

Thefts have been reported on a daily basis from 40 locations across the county including Hereford City, Leominster, Withington, Wellington and Credenhill. Currently 131 gully tops have been reported stolen and the number continues to grow. The missing gratings can cause a hazard to motorists and cyclists so highway users are urged to exercise extra caution when using the roads.

Amey is reacting to all reports of missing gully tops and making the areas as safe as possible until replacements are delivered.

In the meantime, both the council and Amey are appealing to residents who see anyone acting suspiciously on the roads around the county, to report them to Herefordshire Council on 01432 261800.

Posted : 01/09/2011 10:39:04

Car park to close for relining works
Herefordshire Council is advising motorists that the Broad Street car park in Leominster will be closed on Sunday, September 11, so relining works can be carried out.

This date has been chosen to minimise disruption to commuters who use this popular car park during weekdays.

Herefordshire Council apologises for any inconvenience and thanks motorists for their co-operation by not parking on the car park for this day.
Posted : 30/08/2011 10:28:47

Herefordshire celebrates GCSE results
Students are celebrating high achievement across the county once again after receiving their GCSE results.

All schools have their own success stories: overall in Herefordshire there was an increase in students achieving five or more GCSE* passes from 80 percent to 86 percent. In the national benchmark measure of five or more GCSEs at grade C and above including English and mathematics, the percentage has increased from 55 percent to 58 percent this year.

The proportion of young people achieving five or more GCSE passes has improved across the county with Herefordshire schools performing well above the 2010 national average.
Some schools have shown significant improvements: Lady Hawkins High School is celebrating a 16 percent improvement on this measure taking the percentage of students achieving five or more GCSEs to 83 percent. Other schools to note are Aylestone Business and Enterprise College whose results show a12 percent improvement (89 percent), and St Mary’s RC High School with an 11 percent improvement (95 percent).

The top three schools achieving five or more GCSE passes including English and mathematics at grade C and above are Wigmore High School (75 percent), Queen Elizabeth High School (75 percent) and Fairfield High School (72 percent). The top three schools achieving five or more GCSEs grade C and above are Wigmore High School at 98.9 percent, Fairfield High School at 98.7 percent and Queen Elizabeth High School at 95.8 percent.

Furthermore, across the county the percentage of students gaining an A*-C grade in English improved by six percent and those gaining an A*-C grade in mathematics improved by three percent.

Councillor Price, cabinet member for corporate services and education, said: “I am very pleased to see that we have again increased the percentage of students in Herefordshire who have achieved grades C and above, including English and maths. This is clearly becoming the benchmark for employers.

“The business community is increasingly demanding that students have good English and mathematics GCSE grades when they are interviewing young people for jobs. They are also looking for students who have a foreign language GCSE.

“Congratulations to all those who have achieved GCSEs this year, particularly those who have managed to obtain five A-C grades, including English, mathematics and a foreign language.”
Posted : 26/08/2011 13:07:50

Jobs fair helps job seekers
People looking for employment are invited to explore career opportunities with local businesses at a jobs fair extra in September.

Herefordshire Council, NHS Herefordshire and Wye Valley NHS Trust have teamed up with the Job Centre Plus and for the third year running are hosting the Jobs Fair Extra which takes place on Thursday September 8th from 10am to 2pm at the Shire Hall in Hereford.

There are more than 20 employers involved this year, including Argos, Cargill, Amey, Hereford Housing, The Entertainer Toy Store, Polytec Holden and Matlock Security to name a few.

The day will also include advice from local training agencies to help provide information on courses and training that are available such as Pertemps People Development Group and JHP Employablility.

The aim of the day is help those looking for work, or for a career change in Herefordshire to find employment, develop their careers and learn about the wide range of opportunities available to them.

They will also be providing workshop sessions to help people write or improve their CVs, job applications and interviewing skills, and offering advice and support for people who are thinking about becoming self employed.

Anyone keen to book onto one of the application and interview skills sessions, is advised to ring 01432 260028.

Editor's Note: If you are looking for a job in Herefordshire, you could also try Herefordshire Jobs or Jobs365

Posted : 26/08/2011 13:02:39

Blue-green blooms at Bodenham Lake
Samples of water taken at Bodenham Lake Nature Reserve have indicated the presence of blue-green algae creating an algal 'bloom'

It is thought that the naturally forming blue-green algae blooms usually occur after a warm, wet period of weather in late summer or autumn. They usually disappear in cold weather.

Blue-green algae exist in fresh waters in Great Britain and throughout the world; they are noticed when their concentrations increase to form 'blooms' and when they form a surface scum - looking like blue-green paint or pea soup - or when they collect on the shore line as a blue-green sludge.

Blue-green algae in these visible concentrations are potentially harmful to livestock, pets and humans if ingested or through contact with skin. Swallowing the water or algae scum can cause stomach upsets or more serious health effects. Contact with the water or with algae scum can also cause skin irritation and rashes. It is a sensible precaution for all visitors to the Lake to keep their dogs on a lead and avoid all contact with the water or the algae

Notices have been posted in the car park and next to the lake warning that contact with the algae should be avoided and the council's youth service is cancelling all forthcoming water-based activities. The council's website has also been updated to include a warning.

The behaviour of algae is erratic and the level of toxicity can fluctuate; it can appear one day, be dispersed by the wind and mixing and re-accumulate at any time. Please check the onsite signs or the website for up-to-date details and for the “all clear” information.

The orchard and bird hide are both still fully accessible and the car park will remain open as normal: dawn-dusk daily.
Posted : 26/08/2011 11:47:57

First-ever Herefordshire Food Week tastes success
Herefordshire Council’s first-ever week-long celebration of good food in Herefordshire led to high visitor numbers and very happy producers across the county last week.

Many food producers put on special events during Herefordshire Food Week (August 13 to 21). Wye Valley Brewery had free tastings to help their research into new hop varieties and the Farmers Market put on a burger bar using ingredients from the stalls in the city centre.

“For some food producers it’s been the first time they have opened and they’ve been surprised at the numbers of visitors interested in what they are doing,” says co-ordinator Andy Dawson from Herefordshire Council.

A Cook’s Kitchen at Dunkertons Cider Mill produced a unique Food Week menu and Oliver’s Cider made special label perry and cider.

“We also had a visit from the Great British Food Cyclist Tim Keates who is on a John O’Groats to Lands End quest for all the best food in the UK,” says Mr Dawson. “He first stopped off at British Cassis for a gala evening in celebration of Herefordshire food and then called on Once Upon a Tree for cider refreshment the next day.”

Local bike group Come Cycling Ledbury came out to meet him at the orchard and escort him back to Ledbury.

Food Week is to be an annual event and any producers wishing to become involved next year should contact Andy Dawson on 01432 383064.

Posted : 22/08/2011 17:05:14

Herefordshire A-level students celebrate results
Students in Herefordshire’s high schools are celebrating their A-level successes following the publication of results this week. Once again, the hard work of students and teachers has paid off, with schools maintaining high standards and improving their performance from last year.

The number of students staying on to study post-16 courses continues to increase – this year the county experienced the largest recorded entry for A-levels and equivalent qualifications for schools in Herefordshire.

John Kyrle High School in Ross-on-Wye and John Masefield High School in Ledbury had an impressive overall pass rate of 100 percent with 87 percent of A-level grades in both schools being at grade C and above. Particularly impressive is the number of students achieving the very top grades of A*-B.

At John Masefield, 37 percent of the grades achieved were A* or A, an improvement of four percent on last year’s already high figure. At John Kyrle, where there was a record A-level entry this year, an impressive 60 percent of grades were at A*-B.

Earl Mortimer College in Leominster achieved a 93.4 percent A-level pass rate with an 100 percent pass rate in several subjects with results in A-level equivalent vocational subjects the best ever achieved by the college. Over half the students achieved the top Distinction or Distinction* grades (A* and A level equivalents).

Lady Hawkins High School in Kington achieved a very creditable 92 percent A-level pass rate and 55 percent of grades awarded to students were at grade C and above with 31 percent at A*-B.

Councillor Philip Price, cabinet member for corporate services and education, said: “Congratulations to all our schools for helping our students achieve such good results once again. All Herefordshire high schools can celebrate individual student or subject successes.

“A great many of our students are off to their first choice university or into the world of work. On behalf of Herefordshire Council, I wish them the very best for the future.”
Posted : 22/08/2011 10:34:53

Residents urged to have their “Moment to shine"
Herefordshire Council is urging county residents to give deserving people their “moment to shine” by nominating them as Olympic torch bearers.

The nomination programme run by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOGOC) has now closed but there is still a chance to nominate people through Torch Relay presenting partners Coca-Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung.

Stephen Ashton, Herefordshire’s Olympics 2012 officer, said: “Early indications from the LOGOC nomination programme show that every area has a wide range of deserving people nominated to carry the torch as part of the relay.

“These nominations will now be going to a selection panel and all nominees who have got to this stage will be contacted before September 16.

“There have been 14 nominations for every one of the 2,012 places on offer through this scheme and it is inspiring that so many deserving people have been recognised.

“In October, selection panels will meet to go through the final list of nominations and the chosen torchbearers will then be contacted in December.

“There are, however, some 8,000 places available altogether and I people can still nominate deserving candidates through the presenting partners whose schemes are still open. We are specifically looking for 12 to 24 year olds so if you know someone, please put them forward now.

“People can nominate through Coca-Cola on www.cokezone.co.uk (deadline September 5 2011), Lloyds TSB at www.lloydstsb.com/carrytheflag (deadline September 12 2011) or Samsung www.samsung.com/london2102 (deadline September 30),” he added.
Posted : 22/08/2011 10:18:49

Car parking charges to rise for first time in 3yrs
Herefordshire Council is to raise car parking in Leominster for the first time in three years but free car parking will still be available in the Etnam Street car park and in the Central Area.

There will be free parking after 6pm and on Bank Holidays but charges will be introduced for Sudnay parking, in line with neighbouring authorities.

Parking on a Sunday will be free in Etnam Street and the Central Area and will be capped at £2 for all other council-owned car parks.

Councillor Adrian Blackshaw, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for highways, transportation and waste, said: “People using car parks in Leominster have paid the same prices for the past three years despite rising inflation and the increase in VAT from 17.5 per cent to 20 per cent.

“We need to raise charges so we can continue to maintain the car parks to a high standard as well as ensuring we can cope with budgetary pressures following the Government’s reduction in funding.

“The fact people can still park all day in Leominster for £1 is incredible value for money when compared with neighbouring towns such as Ludlow where it could be £4.80 in Ludlow and £3 in Tenbury Wells.

“We realise car parks are vital to the vitality of the town and have kept the increases to a reasonable level as well as keeping evenings and Bank Holidays free. We have also kept the short-stay parking in the central area free of charge as this means more spaces will be available for people needing to access town centre shops and services,” he added.

The new charges will be advertised prior to coming into effect on November 1, 2011.
Posted : 19/08/2011 14:10:36

Chance to conserve traditional fruit trees
Herefordshire Council Countryside Service is inviting local people to help conserve some of the county’s unique varieties of fruit trees.

To help celebrate Herefordshire’s Year in the Orchard, Herefordshire Council Countryside Service is offering local variety fruit trees for sale. Gennet Moyle, King’s Acre Pippin and Herefordshire Pomeroy are just a few of the traditional varieties of fruit tree on offer.

Two hundred years ago Thomas Andrew Knight published his beautifully illustrated Pomona Herefordiensis, the first book to catalogue in detail varieties of apple and pear. A renowned horticulturist, Knight helped to found what became the Royal Horticultural Society and in 1811 became its second President. To commemorate this landmark publication, 2011 has been designated Herefordshire Year in the Orchard.

James Bisset, Principal Countryside Officer, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for members of the public to help preserve some of these old, traditional varieties of fruit trees, many of which are in danger of disappearing altogether, as well as enjoying some delicious home-grown fruit as part of your ‘five a day’.”

The fruit trees, including seven varieties of apple, two cherries and two quinces, can be ordered from the Countryside Service by downloading the form available on www.herefordshire.gov.uk/fruittrees or requesting a form by emailing orchards@herefordshire.gov.uk or telephoning 01432 260073. Collection of ordered trees and a “cash and carry” sale of any spare trees takes place at Queenswood Country Park, Dinmore Hill between 1pm and 7pm on Friday 25th or 10am and 4pm on Saturday 26th November 2011.

There is a limited number of trees of each variety available so early ordering is recommended to avoid disappointment – or turn up on the collection weekend and take pot-luck!

The Fruit Tree Initiative is part of Herefordshire’s ‘Year in the Orchard’ celebrations. For more information, visit www.yearintheorchard.org
Posted : 18/08/2011 09:17:32

Celebrating Herefordshire’s Orchard Heritage
Herefordshire Council invites community groups to plant specially grown local fruit trees to celebrate Herefordshire’s Year in the Orchard.

Community groups in Herefordshire are being invited to plant specially grown fruit trees to help celebrate the county’s rich orchard heritage and the 200th anniversary of the publication of Pomona Herefordiensis, the first scientific based, colour illustrated Pomona, or book of apples, by Thomas Andrew Knight, the eminent horticulturalist and Herefordian.

Herefordshire Council’s countryside service, which has successfully bid for a grant from the ‘Big Tree Plant Fund and working with Trees for Life nursery, is making more than 200 local variety apple trees available free to community groups in the county. The trees are being supplied as 70 special Pommunity Herefordiensis tree packs. Each pack of three trees includes one of each local variety apple, specially grown for the project - Downton Pippin, Stoke Edith Pippin and Herefordshire Russet.

Community groups are being invited to apply for one of the tree packs, to be planted on publicly accessible land. The applicants are encouraged to involve the wider community in caring for the trees.

James Bisset, Principal Countryside Officer, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for community groups to reconnect with Herefordshire’s orchard heritage by planting a collection of local variety apple trees.”

Initially only one Pommunity Herefordiensis tree pack will be allocated per community - however, should spare packs be available after the application closing date these will be shared out between those applicants indicating they are interested in taking extra trees.

The closing date for applications is September 14, 2011. Applications will then be assessed, Pommunity Herefordiensis tree packs allocated and all applicants contacted by the end September.

The trees will be supplied bare-root and will need to be collected from Queenswood Country Park on Friday 25th or Saturday 26th November 2011 - the perfect time of year for planting and during National Tree Week.

Pommunity Herefordiensis is part of Herefordshire’s ‘Year in the Orchard’ celebrations. For more information visit www.yearintheorchard.org

Posted : 18/08/2011 09:16:21

Herefordshire ahead in race for rural broadband
Rural Herefordshire is ahead of the game in the national race for faster broadband.

The Government’s announcement today (Tues, August 16) of £363m to improve broadband in rural areas includes cash already allocated to Herefordshire via the local Borders Broadband project.

Managed by a partnership of Herefordshire Council, Gloucestershire’s Local Enterprise Partnership Gfirst, Gloucestershire County Council and Government agency Broadband Delivery UK, the project is making good progress.

Potential suppliers of broadband infrastructure are already involved in the complex tendering process, seeking the best delivery in the shortest timescale and for the best value. A contract is expected to be awarded in May 2012.

An area covering large parts of south Herefordshire and the Forest of Dean was among the first in the UK to receive Government funding last autumn, to bring high-speed broadband to rural areas otherwise not considered commercially viable.

Improved broadband services will be introduced initially in south Herefordshire and rolled out throughout the county.

Herefordshire’s funding allocation, included in today’s Government announcement, is £6,350,000, to “pump-prime” improved broadband services throughout the county.

Local parishes and market towns are being consulted, and local broadband champion volunteers have been recruited to work within their local communities.

They will pass on information on the project’s progress, highlight the benefits of high-speed broadband and provide evidence of demand for better services.

Cllr Graham Powell, Herefordshire Council broadband champion, said: “The south of the county was among the first areas chosen for introducing improved broadband services to rural areas, making Herefordshire very much ahead of the game.

“We’re now entering a very exciting phase in which our rural communities can really begin to play a vital role in the arrival of faster, better broadband services in Herefordshire.”
Posted : 16/08/2011 15:27:39

Chance to influence the future of housing services
Herefordshire Council is looking for feedback on its joint housing strategy which tackles such problems as affordable housing and making sure there are enough homes for vulnerable people.

The Joint Housing Strategy, which covers Herefordshire and Shropshire, is currently at the draft stage and the council is seeking the views of local residents and partner organisations it works with before it finalises the strategy.

The Consultation period runs until Friday, September 30.

Cllr Brian Wilcox, cabinet member for environment, housing and planning, said: “We’re keen to seek the views of our residents and partner organisations on this important key strategy for the delivery of housing services in Herefordshire.

“The joint strategy with Shropshire will enable the sharing of resources and enable us to work together to achieve positive and cost effective outcomes for local residents.”

Herefordshire and Shropshire are two of the largest and most sparsely populated areas of England and face similar challenges in a time of significant reductions in funding for public services.

Joint challenges include:

• A lack of affordable housing throughout Herefordshire.
• Suitable housing for vulnerable people to live independently.
• High levels of fuel poverty.
• Improving the condition of homes across Herefordshire.
• Preventing Homelessness in Herefordshire.

“It’s important that local people are involved in key decisions to help shape our services and assist with the delivery of effective housing services which provide positive outcomes for the future. We want as many as possible to have their say,” added Cllr Wilcox.

Full details of the strategy can be found at
http://consult.herefordshire.gov.uk/consult.ti/HfdsandShropsHousingstrategy/consultationHome and copies of the strategy are also available at libraries and council main receptions.

Additionally, copies of the Joint Housing Strategy and response form can be requested from Herefordshire Council by telephoning 01432 383421 or by emailing cjackson@herefordshire.gov.uk.

The full consultation draft document and response form are also available at the West Housing Market Area Partnership website: www.westhousingpartnership.co.uk.

The strategy will be published by the end of 2011.
Posted : 16/08/2011 14:55:51

Residents can get grants for renewables
Herefordshire Council is backing a government scheme which offers money to county householders so they can invest in renewable heating technologies such as solar thermal panels, heat pumps and biomass boilers.

The Renewable Heat Premium Payments scheme has been launched by the Department of Energy and Climate Change which offers one-off payments to householders.

It is planned to expand the scheme next year when the Green Deal will come into effect.

Councillor Brian Wilcox, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for environment, housing and planning, said: “It is important that people considering installing these technologies know grants are available and apply for them. The government will be using this scheme to gauge public opinion and also see which technologies perform best.

“The scheme offers various payments to households in order to assist with the capital cost of installing such technologies and greater payments are available for households that are not connected to the gas mains, which is particularly relevant in Herefordshire,” he added.

Householders can apply for the grants now by calling 0800 512012 or by logging onto www.energysavingtrust.org.uk

The only condition of the scheme is that homes must have basic energy efficiency measures such as loft insulation and cavity wall insulation installed.

Councillor Wilcox added: “We are currently supporting Domestic and General Insulation Ltd who are offering free loft or cavity wall insulation to all county households so if anyone wants to take advantage of this offer I would urge them to call 01432 377050 as soon as possible,” he added.
Posted : 08/08/2011 18:41:37

Patients to get stronger voice in Herefordshire
A new, independent health and social care watchdog is to be launched in Herefordshire as part of a national drive to make the NHS more accountable to patients.

Called HealthWatch, it will be run by volunteers who will monitor and scrutinise health and social care services in Herefordshire, champion people’s views and provide an independent advocacy service to help people who wish to complain about services.

Herefordshire HealthWatch has just been awarded relatively unique Pathfinder Status to enable the county to pilot this new government initiative aimed at placing patients and public at the heart of the NHS.

Allan Lloyd, Herefordshire’s HealthWatch Lead, welcomed the news: “The voice of the people is vital in enhancing local health and social care services. HealthWatch will work on their behalf, making sure people and patients know their rights and can enjoy the best possible services.”

He expressed his appreciation for the assistance received in completing the application for Pathfinder Status from representatives of Herefordshire Council and Herefordshire Patient Advice and Liaison Service and added that he ready to grasp the challenge with enthusiasm.

Cllr Patricia Morgan, cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “Health and wellbeing is everybody’s responsibility - whether it is sharing views about how services could be improved, or looking after our own health.

“We want to create effective services, influenced and designed by local people and healthcare experts which meet the needs of patients in Herefordshire. HealthWatch will be a key partner to help us achieve that.”

HealthWatch will work with all the stakeholders in the county’s health and social care, and is set to play a vital role in bringing patient voices to the fore as new services are designed and delivered.
Posted : 05/08/2011 18:42:05

Eat and drink your way around Herefordshire
Twenty five food producers open their doors to visitors this August in the first county food tour set in the rolling hills of deepest Herefordshire.

Cider, vodka, wine, chocolates, ice cream and organic produce will all be available to sample while getting a behind the scenes look during the first ever Herefordshire Food Week running from August 13 to 21.

Many producers are opening for the first time and some are putting on special events to attract visitors.

“This is a chance for foodies and families to visit some of the best food makers in the UK, at home,” says organiser Andy Dawson, creative industries co-ordinator for Herefordshire Council which has organised the event.

“You get to see how they grow and make food and drink, sample the delicious results and all set in one of the most unspoilt rural havens in the UK,” he added.

Visitors will use a free brochure to plan their own itinerary around as many food locations as they like. Big yellow Food Week signs in hedgerows and on farm gates will help them find their way to some of the remote producers.

The week is revving up with lots of additional events and happenings being added at the last moment! We have Food Champion Just Rachel Desserts hosting an evening of puddings on Monday night and the Great British Food Cyclist freewheeling his way through the county on Thursday and Friday.

The week kicks off at Mayfields Brewery offering a tour of their facilities in Leominster – 2pm Saturday 13th. Even further north at Lower Buckton local foodista Carolyn Chesshire will be offering her famous and unique “cook-demos” on Tuesday – book now for a feast for the eyes and mouth.

Thursday sees the Hereford Farmers Market get underway with a children’s’ quiz and family BBQ. There will be a prize draw too – 9am to 2pm in the High Town.

And during Thursday we expect the arrival of Tim Keates on an ancient butcher’s bike that he has peddled all the way from John O’Groats in his three-week quest for good food in the UK. British Cassis will be hosting him that night for a gala evening of local food, and then on Friday Tim will set off across the county on his way to Land’s End.

Saturday 20th sees the big open day at Wye Valley Brewery with free tours and tutored beer tastings plus live music and competitive BBQ demonstration.

Tastings all week
The Discover Hereford tourism shop in Hereford city centre will be offering a range of tasting of local food each day (closed Sundays) during the Food Week.

Posted : 04/08/2011 20:02:46

Residents welcome new Noise Response Team
Herefordshire residents are already responding well to the council’s new night-time Noise Response team which will be operating throughout the county this summer.

The idea behind the new team is to ensure residents complaining of unreasonable noisy parties or neighbours during the summer have a dedicated number to call and environmental health officers will be able to visit addresses and deal with the problems there and then.

Marc Willimont, Herefordshire Council’s regulatory services manager, said: “With the long summer evenings, many people hold barbecues and parties but sometimes these cause unacceptable noise nuisance to their neighbours.

“Before this team was set up, people would have to wait until after the weekend to report such incidents but now we are able to respond when the nuisance is actually happening.

“So far we have been able to stop noisy parties by speaking to the people involved but the environmental health officers will also have powers to serve noise abatement notices if necessary.

“The service has been well received by residents who have told us it is a much welcomed service because noise can cause such a blight to people’s lives,” he added.

The Noise Response Team consists of two environmental health officers operating throughout the county after 9pm over the weekend nights until the middle of September.

After this trial period, the service will be reviewed to see if it can continue the following year.

Marc added: “It will be really interesting to see what impact this team has on the lives of many people who would normally have to wait and phone us on the Monday morning following a weekend of noise which has prevented them from sleeping. We are aiming for this service to be cost effective and also help us to improve the health and wellbeing of many residents as well.”

The Noise Response Team can be contacted on 01432 261761 after 9pm over the coming weekends including the Bank Holiday.
Posted : 03/08/2011 13:33:56

County’s first night-time noise team launched
Herefordshire Council’s environmental health and trading standards service has got the go ahead to trial a night-time Noise Response Team to operate throughout the county during the summer.

The team will comprise of two environmental health officers working as a pair after 9pm on both Friday and Saturday nights and will be financed by savings already made elsewhere within this service.

Councillor Patricia Morgan, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “I am really excited to see what impact this team will have on the lives of so many people who have to suffer sleep depriving noise at night time and getting totally stressed from it all.

“For the first time ever, Herefordshire Council will not only be able to respond to these pleas for help from the public when the night-time noise is actually happening, but will then be able to send officers to the scene to witness the noise and take the necessary steps to resolve the situation.

“Although the environmental health officers will make every effort to remedy the situation informally, I would like to make the point that they will also be empowered to serve noise abatement notices on the night as and when necessary.

“In this way we hope that the team will not only offer a cost effective and improved service focused at what our public actually want and need, but that it will also help improve their health and wellbeing too,” she added.

After the eight-week trial period, the service will be reviewed to see whether the council can continue to run a similar service next year.

In the meantime, the Noise Response Team can be contacted on 01432 261761 after 9pm on both Friday and Saturday nights starting Friday 29th July until the end of September.
Posted : 27/07/2011 10:23:18

Make the most of summer by recycling garden waste
Herefordshire’s residents are being urged this summer to compost their garden waste and salad leftovers at home.

Herefordshire Council’s Lets Waste Less campaign is still offering compost bins for a little as £13 (including delivery), but now there is also the option of getting a second half price, which can work out at as little as £17 (also including delivery) for two 220-litre compost bins.

The compost bins are now also available in green and black on the scheme, with both being made out of recycled plastic. So far having a choice had proved hugely popular with around 60 per cent of residents opting for the new colour green.

The public can view the full range of products online at www.letswasteless.com, which include wormeries, bokashi systems, much larger compost bins and a wide range of accessories such as kitchen caddies for example, aimed at helping keep food waste tidy in the kitchen, before transferring to the compost bin in one trip.

Grass cuttings, hedge clippings, nettles and soft prunings can be added into a compost bin. More woody prunings such as thin branches are good to mix, but have the consequence of taking longer to break down so it is best to shred or chop these up first.

Councillor Adrian Blackshaw, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: “With gardens at their most productive at this time of year, now is the perfect time to start composting and ensure all those grass cuttings and vegetable trimmings are added to compost bins. It is still important for residents to balance piles of green cuttings with "browns" such as scrunched up cardboard, newspaper and toilet rolls.

“This will ensure that in around about nine to twelve months time, nature will have turned the mix into lovely crumbly compost which can be used to help plants bloom ready for the spring planting season,” he added.

For further information visit www.letswasteless.com or alternatively call 01905 766883.
Posted : 27/07/2011 10:22:22

Record number of pupils receive cycling tarining
Herefordshire Council’s Bikeability cycle training scheme has benefitted a record number of 1,350 Year 6 and 7 pupils this academic year.

Pupils have received Bikeability Level 1 and 2 training from the council’s team of 10 cycle trainers which includes world downhill mountain bike champion Tracy Moseley.

Councillor Adrian Blackshaw, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: “It is really important that our youngsters can cycle safely and this training helps pupils learn how to control their bikes, assess traffic and even do simple maintenance.

”We like to encourage as many pupils as possible to cycle to school as it is not only good for their health and well being but also reduces traffic congestion at busy school times.

“It is fantastic that we have been able to train 1,350 youngsters this year and I hope this will see an increase in the number cycling to school.

“Herefordshire Council also offers free adult cycling for adults and this may be of interest to mums and dads who want to join their children on the ride to work.

“We are aware some adults haven’t cycled for a long time and may need their confidence boosted before they take to the roads again and the courses can be specifically designed to take into account their own routes to work,” he added.
Posted : 26/07/2011 15:32:26

Roll up, roll up for circus fun at library
Herefordshire Council’s library service is urging youngsters to roll up to the county’s libraries this summer for some circus-themed activities.

Roll up, roll up and join Circus Stars the summer reading challenge at your local library when youngsters read six books during the holidays and collect special prizes.

There are also lots of activities for all the family. Enjoy a Clowning Around story time or join in with Big Top Fun and have a go at juggling.

Hereford and Leominster libraries are looking for families to help them create an exciting circus mural or they can make circus puppets for the Puppet Parade.

For more information visit your local library or www.herefordshire.gov.uk/libraries

Posted : 18/07/2011 11:31:10

Council takes lead on responsible dog ownership
Herefordshire Council's community protection team has just completed a successful course in Leominster about responsible dog ownership.

More than 20 dog owners attended the weekly sessions at The Grange in Leominster run by dog warden Matt Faulds and they learnt the basics of dog handling and the importance of keeping their dogs under control as well as clearing up after them.

All of the people attending the course received free poop bags and Leominster Pet Supplies sponsored treats which were given as rewards to the dogs for improved behaviour.

Shane Hancock, acting regulatory services manager for Herefordshire Council, said: "These sessions proved extremely popular and everyone was amazed by how much their dog's behaviour had improved and they also better understood their responsibilities as an owner.

"The problem of dog fouling has often been raised by residents and we feel education is one of the best ways to tackle this so, as part of the six-week course, we also urged people to clear up after their dogs and reminding them of their responsibilities.

“We are now holding courses in Hereford and Ross which are already fully booked and hope to run more in the future,” he added.
Posted : 15/07/2011 12:33:18

Adoption inspection praises service
Herefordshire Council’s adoption service has been rated by Ofsted as good in all areas, with some outstanding features.

Ofsted inspectors undertook an announced inspection of the council’s adoption service last month. The report praised the work that had been done to improve the service since it was last inspected in 2008, describing it as a well managed agency that strives to improve and develop practice. The inspectors reported a real strength of the service is that young people’s needs dictate the adoption process and their views are taken into account in planning for their care, and in the development of services.

The inspectors also noted that careful matching and placement processes ensure that children settle very well and thrive in their adoptive placements. This is achieved by robust family finding and strong matching and placement processes that ensure adopters are able to meet the needs of their child. Prospective adopters are well prepared with the focus on parenting a child who may have additional needs relating to adverse early experiences.

Outstanding elements identified by the inspectors include ensuring children’s views are sought and used in practice and that staff work with children to help them understand what adoption will mean for them. This links into the matching and placement processes that foster carers are involved in – the inspectors highlighted the good practice of inviting the child’s foster carers to attend the adoption panel – this helps gain a first hand view about what the child is like to care for and puts the focus of the proceedings firmly on the child.

Birth families are supported to take an active part in the care planning for their child and are encouraged to provide information for the child. Adult adoptees are assisted to find out about their adoption in a sensitive way.

There was also praise for the way the service is run. Comments about the social workers and administrative staff on the adoption team show that the calibre of staff is excellent. The inspectors reported that the adoption team is well managed by a qualified, experienced and skilled manager who is fully committed to ensuring safe, stable and secure placements for children are made and maintained.

Councillor Patricia Morgan, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “Meeting the needs of vulnerable children remains a priority for the council, so I was delighted to receive this report from Ofsted which shows we are achieving this well and continuing to improve.

“Putting children’s needs at the core of what we do and supporting adopters throughout the matching process and beyond has resulted in children finding permanent homes with loving families who are able to meet their individual needs. Well done to all the staff who have worked so hard to implement the recommendations from the previous inspection and remain committed to providing the best service they can for the county’s children.”
Posted : 15/07/2011 10:32:55

Grange Court heritage secured by Lottery funding
The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has confirmed that Herefordshire Council and the LARC Development Trust have been awarded a development grant* of £25,300 to further develop their project to secure the history of grade II* listed Grange Court in Leominster for current and future generations.

Currently undergoing a programme of restoration, Grange Court was originally built by John Abel, the King’s Carpenter in 1633. The building was located in the centre of Leominster, as the Market House for the town.

During the life of the building it has been used as a market house, town hall, court house, guild headquarters, school and community meeting-place, with market stalls set out underneath. In 1859 the structure was dismantled and re-erected on its present site in the Priory Grange, converted into a gentleman’s residence and renamed Grange Court. Since 1935 it has been used as Council offices.

The restoration work will convert Grange Court into a multi-use community and heritage centre that will be owned and operated by the LARC Development Trust.

The HLF grant means that Herefordshire Council and the LARC Development Trust can now work up their plans to progress the second stage of the HLF application process for a full grant of £287,400 to create heritage displays, audio visual equipment, publications, employ a heritage officer as well as provide community learning and volunteering opportunities at the site.

Anne Jenkins, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund for the West Midlands said: “We’re extremely pleased to give initial support to the project, which aims to complement the restoration taking place at Grange Court with an exciting education programme so that its fascinating history can enjoyed by future generations. We shall watch the developing plans with interest."

Bill Jackson, Chair of LARC said: “This is great news for Grange Court and the people of Leominster, as not only will it enable the history of this amazing building to be recorded and accessed by the local community, it will also help us to put Grange Court on the map as a valuable and accessible heritage site.”
Posted : 15/07/2011 09:09:16

Residents urged to avoid heat and drink more water
As the summer season finally appears to be upon us, Herefordshire’s director of public health is urging residents to make sure they keep themselves cool and hydrated by avoiding heat and drinking plenty of water.

Young children, elderly people and people with long term conditions such as diabetes are particularly susceptible to heat and at a higher risk of developing dehydration.

Although the rise in temperature over the last week is what the UK would expect during this time of year, because temperatures have not soared significantly, people do not realise that they need to avoid heat and drink more water.

Advice from health professionals is to wear loose, cool clothes and hat if you go out. If you are in at risk group then avoid going out between 11am and 3pm (the hottest part of the day) and stay inside in a cool place.

They also advise that a minimum of six to eight glasses of fluid should be taken every day. In addition to water people can drink semi-skimmed milk, diluted fruit juice and diluted squash.

Alcohol and products containing caffeine such as coffee and to a certain extent tea can have a dehydrating effect on the body, and people are advised to avoid sugary and fizzy drinks which can produce other adverse health effects.

Symptoms of dehydration range from increased thirst, dry mouth, weakness, passing small amounts of urine less than three or four times a day, dizziness and palpitations to irritability, confusion, sluggishness, low level of consciousness, cool hands and feet, fainting and fits. In extreme cases, it can cause death.

Dr Sarah Aitkin, director of public health, said: “Dehydration can make you feel very poorly and in the most extreme situations can cause death, yet it is easily avoidable. This is why we are urging residents to make sure they are avoiding heat and drinking more water and less caffeine and alcohol as the summer season kicks in.

“We also urge them to encourage dependants such as children and the elderly to take on more fluids and avoid fizzy drinks, many of which are full of caffeine and sugar.

“The county’s A&E service is already stretched with people needing emergency treatment, so I would urge people who have the symptoms of dehydration to take on extra fluids and if the symptoms continue call NHS direct for advice or contact their GP.

“Alternatively pharmacies offer excellent advice on a whole range of illnesses and conditions.

“We also have minor injuries units in Ledbury, Ross-on-Wye, Leominster and Kington and a walk in centre at ASDA, Hereford where residents can also receive out of hour’s service.”

Posted : 05/07/2011 17:52:46

Become a Let's Waste Less Champion
Herefordshire Council wants to hear from 'Let's Waste Less Champions' in Herefordshire who are willing to share the top tips they employ to reduce household waste

The authority's waste management team wants to hear from anyone who has a story to tell when it comes to new and innovative ways of cutting the amounts of waste that end up in the bin – with the best set to be featured on www.letswasteless.com

The dedicated 'one-stop shop' website, which has attracted almost 30,000 visitors since being launched in September, is packed with useful information and already includes stories of how local people and organisations have gone the extra mile to prevent waste.

www.letswasteless.com, set up by Herefordshire Council in partnership with Worcestershire County Council, was specifically put together to help residents find out more about making their own household waste work for them.

It covers all aspects of waste prevention, including how to get a bargain compost bin, information on setting up Swap Shops, details on hosting Swishing parties, ideas on how to make your food go further, plus a whole lot more.

Councillor Adrian Blackshaw, Herefordshire Council's cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: "I'm am very impressed with the amount of recycling we collect each week and the fact this has meant fewer black sacks going to landfill.

“Our waste promotions team often talks to residents who have come up with quirky and practical ways to reduce the amount of rubbish they produce as a household.

"If you have some good ideas, we would like to hear from you. The website is an excellent resource and there really is something for everyone. Many of the ideas can help people to save money too so, even if you don’t have any tips to share, please log on and see how you can start saving money,” he added.

All residents need to do to submit their tips is log onto the website www.letswasteless.com and click on the Your Say link on the Community section.
Posted : 01/07/2011 13:47:10

Mobile Library Service Scrapped
Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet has agreed plans to extend its home delivery service of books to protect the county’s most vulnerable residents.

Cabinet yesterday (Thursday, June 30) approved the withdrawal of the county’s mobile library service from September this year. The service, used by 996 people, currently costs £178,000. Existing users who require a home delivery service will continue to be provided for.

They also agreed to invite local groups and organisations to consider operating community-based libraries.

Councillor Roger Phillips, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for enterprise and culture, said: “There has been a tremendous transformation of library services and we have operated a policy of bringing all of our council services into one building to reduce costs.

“This has proved to be the right policy as we have not had to look at closing any of our main libraries and the facility at Bromyard has one of the longest opening hours in the country.

“We did give notice back in February that the mobile library service was under review and I feel this is the only viable option.

“I understand many mobile library users are housebound and we will continue to offer them a service by delivering books to their homes but people who are mobile are urged to use one of the permanent libraries and help their viability.

“I would also urge residents to consider whether their area would benefit from a community-based library. We have already got one in Peterchurch and there is no finer example in the country,” he added.

Anyone interested in setting up a community library is urged to contact Jon Chedgzoy on 01432 260557.
Posted : 01/07/2011 13:44:57

Bar’s application to extend opening hours approved
Herefordshire Council’s regulatory sub-committee yesterday (Tuesday, June 28) approved an application by Shooters Bar in Leominster to extend its opening hours.

The current licence for the bar in Grafton House allows performance of live music, provision of facilities for dancing and other entertainment facilities 11:00 to 23:30 Sunday to Thursday and 11:00 to 01:00 Friday and Saturday.

It also allowed sale of retail by alcohol and provision of sporting events and playing of recorded music 10:00 to 23:30 Sunday to Thursday and 10:00 to 01:00 Friday and Saturday.

The amended licence will allow performance of live music and provision of facilities for dancing 11:00 to 23:30 Sunday to Thursday and 11:00 to 01:00 Friday and Saturday.

Indoor sporting events and playing of recorded music is now allowed from 10:00 to 23:30 Sunday to Thursday and 10:00 to 02:00 Friday and Saturday.

Alcohol can now be supplied 10:00 to 23:00 Sunday to Thursday and 10:00 to 01:30 Friday and Saturday.

There can also be no use of the area licensable activities and consumption of alcohol after 1900 from October 1 to April 30 and after 2100 from May 1 to September 30.

Shooters will also now be able to open until 02:00 on every Sunday of a Bank Holiday weekend and to be able to supply alcohol until 01:30 on those nights.

Four representations were received from members of the public concerned that another late-night venue in the town would create price wars as there is not enough business for both to thrive. They also expressed concerns that the property is near residential homes and would create a noise nuisance.

Marches Housing Association, which has 11 family homes next to the bar, objected to the extension in hours because of the nuisance it would cause to their residents.

West Mercia Police and Herefordshire Council’s environmental health and trading standards team sought a series of conditions should the application be approved and this was agreed by the applicant.

Jim Mooney, police licensing officer for Herefordshire, told the committee that Leominster, like the rest of the county, was a safe place to live, visit and work in with little disorder occurring outside pubs.

Applicant Wayne Harris said he had spent a lot of money doing the place up and do not want to upset residents but needed longer opening hours to make the business viable.
Posted : 30/06/2011 09:10:20

Plans to boost income to safeguard services
In the face of unprecedented cuts to government grants for local authorities, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet will consider a package of charging principles aimed at protecting frontline services.

When cabinet meets this Thursday, June 30, it will consider proposals to raise £712,000 through increasing its income to help towards the £10.3 million savings to balance this year’s budget.

The council has pledged to protect the services depended on by the most vulnerable in our communities and has already earmarked an extra £3.5 million for adult social care.

A five point plan to make the savings required began earlier this year. It is anticipated that 250 jobs, including more than 30 management posts, will go across the council during the next two years, reflecting the massive reduction in public sector funding seen across the UK.

However, when compared with other similar authorities, the council does not bring in as much income through charges, although any charges cannot be set to make a profit.

“We’re facing an unprecedented level of government cuts and we’re doing all we can to minimise the impact on those front line services that are valued by communities right across Herefordshire,” said Cllr John Jarvis, leader of the council.

“We’ve been planning our response to the reduction in government funding for some time and are already well advanced in our plans to share services between the council and NHS Herefordshire.

“We fully understand these changes will affect a lot of people, but in a small way; we hope to protect frontline services which many vulnerable people rely upon.”

The cabinet report proposes increasing charges in four areas. If agreed, the figures will be considered in detail and will be widely communicated before any changes are brought in during the autumn.

The proposals before cabinet include:

Car parking:
In line with most local authorities, it is planned to charge for parking on Sundays and Bank Holidays but, unlike most other authorities, evening parking from 6pm will remain free.

Some free car parking will also continue to be available in all market towns and there will be free on-street parking in Hereford city.

The council is planning to remove the existing concessionary parking scheme but Blue Badge holders will still be able to park for three hours for free.

Parking charges have remained at the same level for three years and will need to rise above inflation but detailed charges have yet to be decided. The rise will also allow the council to fund the increase in VAT from 17.5 per cent to 20 per cent.

Not withstanding the proposed changes, the charges will still remain competitive when compared with neighbouring authorities

Many authorities charges for on-street parking charges. This is not being introduced in Herefordshire this year but consideration may be given to a trial of the system to see if it would be of benefit.

School transport:
Parents and carers will be asked to make a greater contribution towards the costs of home/school transport.

The annual cost of providing home/school transport for the county’s children works out at £600 per pupil and is increasing because of rising fuel prices.

Herefordshire is one of the few councils in the UK that still offers a subsidy for home/school transport. Currently, the subsidy paid for by the council, is £200 per pupil - it is proposed to reduce this to £100 a year and to offer a new monthly payment system to help parents and carers spread the cost.

Planning advice:
A number of local authorities already charge for giving pre-application planning advice.

The majority of income through this - estimated at £50,000 a year - will come from large scale residential and commercial developments where officers will need to devote a significant amount of time

Adult social care:
The proposals are to bring in an additional £150,000 income through adult social care - although a more fundamental change is on the cards to reflect the changing approach to care provision with personalised budgets being managed by those in receipt of care. Any changes to the fees and charging approach will be subject to consultation
Posted : 28/06/2011 14:26:55

Library service to increase home delivery service
Herefordshire Council is planning changes to the way it delivers library services in rural areas.

Following the government’s Comprehensive Spending Review and the resulting reduction in council budgets, the library service has been looking at ways of making its service more efficient while also ensuring those most in need can continue to access free books.

The council’s library service engaged in the government-supported Future Libraries Programme which looked at how services might be designed to meet the financial challenges, the changing use of libraries and encouraging local self-reliance.

Cabinet is now being asked to approve plans to restructure the library service in rural areas by withdrawing the current mobile library service and replacing this with an increased home delivery service. The decision will be made at their next meeting on June 30.

If approved, existing mobile library users will be informed about the changes to services and also be assessed on the basis of health and mobility to see if they qualify for home deliveries which offer people a selection of 12 books on a monthly basis. Deliveries to care homes will also continue.

It is also planned that the home delivery service will be supported by inviting local groups and organisations to consider operating community-based libraries in shops or village halls. The idea here would be to deliver books to these community outlets on a regular basis so they can be easily accessed by residents without them having to go to the main libraries.

Councillor Roger Phillips, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for enterprise and culture, said: “As I stated when setting budgets for this year, the mobile library service would be under review. We have decided that an increased home delivery service can better cater for the most vulnerable and people with special needs and I will be urging Cabinet to approve this as the way forward.

“We are also aware that Herefordshire is a large rural county and some people may find it difficult to access the permanent libraries. This is why we also want to encourage groups such as parish councils and village hall committees to work with us so we can create community-based libraries to serve more rural areas better.

“With budgets set to be reduced for several years to come, we need to have a library service that is both viable and sustainable in the long term and I believe this twin approach will help to achieve this.

“We are fully committed to keeping all of our permanent libraries open also reducing our running costs in the market towns by moving our customer services centre and library into one building at Ross with a similar model planned for Ledbury so we can ensure residents continue to get a comprehensive library service into the future,” he added.

If approved, the changes will come into effect by September and any groups interested in running community libraries should contact Jon Chedgzoy on 01432 260557.
Posted : 23/06/2011 10:25:01

Create beautiful jewellery at Queenswood
Come to Herefordshire Council’s Queenswood Country Park and join a creative workshop making ‘Jewellery Inspired by Nature’.

Join local textile artist Lisa Pendlebury at Queenswood on Saturday July 16, 2011, from 10am to 12.30pm to design and create your very own jewellery using natural fabrics, thread and beads, inspired by the natural setting of the woodlands.

The workshop costs £15 and booking by July 9 is essential to help us manage numbers – contact Herefordshire Council’s countryside ranger Jim Key, telephone 01432 260346 or email:jkey@herefordshire.gov.uk

This is just one of the new creative workshops, aimed at adults, that have been introduced to this year’s Queenswood events programme.

Other workshops taking place later this year include photography walks with local travel photographer Nick Meers who can give advice and guidance on how to take better pictures.

Children’s activities are provided this year by the RSPB who have made Queenswood ‘A date with nature’. RSPB staff and volunteers will be on site Thursdays to Sundays 10.30am – 4.30pm throughout the summer organising family activities to join in with, including arts and crafts, self guided trails and making bird feeders. For more information on Date with Nature please contact the RSPB, telephone 0121 6166850.

Other family events planned for this year include ‘Bertie Buzzard’ fun trails during the school holidays, and Lisa Pendlebury will be back in October half term to create ‘Art with Autumn colour’. Also look out for local chainsaw sculptor Steve Elsby who will be on site carving creatures for our new sculpture trail during the coming weeks.

The current events leaflet is available from the Queenswood, Libraries and other Council Info Centres. Alternatively visit www.herefordshire.gov.uk/queenswood for full details.

Queenswood, managed by Herefordshire Council, is Herefordshire’s only country park and has free car parking, toilets and the Queenswood Café. There are three way-marked trails and easy access paths so that everyone can enjoy the park as well as a picnic and barbecue area, a popular adventure play area and a free ‘seaside style’ telescope at the viewpoint.

Queenswood Country Park is on the A49 between Hereford and Leominster – follow the brown signs at the top of Dinmore Hill. Alternatively the 492 bus service departs Hereford and Leominster at regular intervals throughout the day.
Posted : 22/06/2011 17:20:27

Grenadier Guards to visit Leominster
Lt James Stafford Allen is taking a group from Nijmegen Company, Grenadier Guards cycling from Land’s End some 1400 kms to John O’Groats in the north of Scotland.

This is to raise funds for the Regimental Charity “The Colonel’s Fund” which supports those wounded or injured on operations, and the families of those killed on active service. On the most recent operational tour to Afghanistan, the Grenadiers suffered 5 fatalities and 32 injured. They deploy to Afghanistan again next year.

Their overnight stop on Wednesday 29th June 2011 will be in Leominster and they will be cycling through, raising funds as they go.

Anyone wishing to sponsor this group of intrepid Guardsmen can visit their fund-raising website at:

www.bmycharity.com/IronGuardsman

or send a cheque payable to “The Colonel’s Fund – Grenadier Guards” to:

Lt James Stafford Allen
5 Platoon Company
Nijmegen Company
Wellington Barracks
London SW1E 6HQ
Posted : 22/06/2011 17:18:24

Summer Reading Challenge in Libraries
Roll up! Roll up! This summer Herefordshire Council’s libraries are challenging all children to read six books in the school holidays.

Aimed to include all children aged between four and eleven, local libraries are running the Circus Stars reading challenge with themed activities to support the Reading Agency scheme.

This aims to encourage reading, literacy and visits to public libraries. It is free to participate in the challenge itself, where children receive prizes and stickers as rewards for reading books, and get a medal and certificate on completion of the challenge.

Councillor Roger Phillips, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for enterprise and culture, said: “We hope that this will encourage children to use their local library in the summer holidays in order to develop their reading skills and encourage a love of books. The challenge starts on July 9 and runs until the beginning of September so there will be plenty of time to read those six books.”

If you would like to know more about the challenge, ask at your local library for more details.
Posted : 20/06/2011 09:03:26

Chance to get your home insulated for free
Herefordshire Council is supporting Domestic and General Insulation Ltd in a new scheme where 3,000 county households can gain free home insulation.

The offer is open to all privately renting tenants or homeowners and people will be entitled to either cavity wall insulation or loft insulation free of charge.

Councillor Brian Wilcox, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for environment, housing and planning, said: “We used to offer grants ourselves to fund the cost of installing insulation measures and have already helped more than 12,000 households reduce their energy bills.

“This funding has now been withdrawn by the Government but we remain fully committed to making the county cleaner and greener by reducing carbon emissions from domestic homes. Insulation measures have proved to be one of the easiest and most effective ways to achieve this and have the added bonus of reducing fuel costs as well.

“Domestic and General Insulation Ltd has been able to secure funding from energy companies to install insulation for 3,000 county households for free and we are delighted to be able to support them in promoting this initiative.

“The company has a long record of working in the county and the insulation measures will not only improve the environment but, with fuel bills set to increase even further, this will be an excellent way to reduce those household bills. The offer is on a first come, first served basis so I would urge all people who do not have cavity wall or loft insulation to contact DGI on 01432 377050,” he added.

Paul Simpson, Domestic and General development manager, said: “We have installed more than 19,000 energy efficient measures to Herefordshire properties since 2006, including loft and cavity insulation but also energy efficient boilers, double glazing and solar systems. We’re excited that we have the potential to add to that figure with this special offer and help more Herefordshire householders to reduce their carbon emissions.”

Any residents who get a free installation of insulation can also have a second measure installed for the special price of £99.

All residents over the age of 70 or in receipt of benefits can also get these insulation measures free of charge.

Free installation is subject to property size, suitability and a technical survey.

For further details about how insulation can reduce your energy bills, contact Herefordshire Council on 01432 260398.
Posted : 17/06/2011 16:00:43

Council’s music service strikes the right note
The future of Herefordshire Council’s music service will become more secure if plans to change the way the service runs are approved by the cabinet member for cabinet and education.

Following reports that the service, which provides music tuition to more than 3,000 children across the county, was failing to cover costs, a number of different options have been explored over the last few months to see if the service could be run differently.

As a result of discussions with music staff, unions, parents and schools, a new business model is being recommended which, if approved, will protect services for children.

The new scheme being proposed is the Accredited Teacher Scheme which has proved to be very successful in other authorities such as Derbyshire.

Under the proposals, the 53 peripatetic teachers currently employed by the council will become self employed and join a quality assured accredited register managed by the council. Accredited music teachers will work directly with schools to deliver tuition to children wishing to learn a musical instrument and will invoice parents directly, saving schools administrative time. Parents will benefit too as tuition fees will be reduced from £29 to £27 an hour, where tutors charge the recommended rate.

By making instrument tuition self financing, the grant funding available for the music service will be used to continue running the Music Centre bands, orchestras and ensembles and to increase whole class instrumental lessons, which are free to primary school pupils through the wider opportunities programme.

Cliff Woollard, head of Herefordshire Council’s music service, said: “As the government continues to bring new changes in, we need to change the way we deliver services in a climate of reducing budgets.

“We don’t have the funding to continue supporting the music service as we do at the moment, yet we want to make sure children and young people have the opportunity to learn to play music instruments in school, and to continue to develop the outstanding bands and orchestras we have.

“By reducing our management from seven to two, reducing our back office costs and changing the organisation of the instrumental provision, we will be saving approximately £200,000 each year.”

“The new business model will prevent us operating at a loss – it’s a much more flexible model for schools which saves them the burden of administration and the collection of tuition fees.

“By adopting these new arrangements, we can secure the future of music tuition for the county’s children and ensure the music service is able to better respond to national policy changes in the future.”

The proposals will be considered by the cabinet member for corporate and education.
Posted : 17/06/2011 15:54:55

The Queen honours outstanding volunteer groups
The Bromyard Light Brigade and Yarpole Community Shop Association from Herefordshire have been announced as two of 130 winners of The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service, the MBE for groups of volunteers who work in their local community for the benefit of others.

This prestigious UK National Honour recognises outstanding voluntary contributions and sets the national benchmark for excellence in volunteering, with the work of those awarded being judged to be of the highest standard.

The Bromyard Light Brigade has received the Award for the difference they make to the lives of people living in and around Bromyard, an area of severe rural deprivation. Not only do they give joy and civic pride in the very high standard of the Christmas lights but they also bring in much needed trade by attracting visitors. The volunteers who range in age from 14 to 70 also raise funds and through their efforts give pleasure to many people.

Yarpole Community Shop Association has received the Award for their determination and hard work in setting up and manning this community asset. The shop, which includes a Post Office and a coffee shop has created a focus for community life in the village and provides some 30 people with opportunities to volunteer their time, energy and expertise to support this facility. Yarpole Village shop is working hard for the local community and is an excellent example of how determined voluntary action can succeed.

Those receiving this year's Award were selected from 413 groups nominated by members of the public who have been helped personally or witnessed the benefits of a group's work in their community.

The Bromyard Light Brigade and Yarpole Community Shop Association will receive a certificate signed by The Queen and an exclusive commemorative crystal, presented by Her Majesty's representative in Herefordshire, The Countess of Darnley at a special ceremony arranged by the Lieutenancy office on Wednesday 15th June.

The group has also received an invitation for representatives to attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in the summer.

The Lord-Lieutenant, The Countess of Darnley, said: "Herefordshire put forward eight excellent very strong nominations for the Award recognising the marvellous efforts of voluntary groups in the County. I am delighted at the success of the Bromyard Light Brigade and the Yarpole Village Shop - well done to both of them."

Seven groups from Herefordshire have now received this annual Award since it was created by Her Majesty to mark the occasion of her Golden Jubilee in 2002.

For details of all this year's Award winners and information on how to nominate a group, visit www.direct.gov.uk/qavs, where a nomination form can be downloaded.

In 2012, The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service will be celebrating its 10th anniversary in Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee year. There will be further announcements on activities to mark the anniversary of the Award in the autumn.
Posted : 06/06/2011 17:45:15

Friends of library to meet
The next meeting of the Friends of Leominster Library will take place on
Wednesday, May 25.

The Friends Group supports the library in Leominster and acts as an advocate on behalf of the library service. The meeting will be held in the library at 6.30pm and all are welcome.

If you would like further details about the group please contact Margaret Coldman on 01432 383290.
Posted : 20/05/2011 14:32:53

Election Results May 2011 - Leominster
Election Of Councillors For The Leominster North Ward

BARTLETT, JENNIFER MARGARET - Green Party - 380
BURKE, DAVID RICHARD - Local Conservatives - 543
CLARK, EDWARD HENRY (Known as Eddie) - The Labour Party Candidate - 308
JONES, PETER - Local Conservatives - 610 (E)
LANE, MATTHEW CHARLES (Known as Matt Lane) - Liberal Democrat - 119
MILLER, JAMES (Known as Jim) - Independent - 392
NORMAN, FELICITY MARY - Green Party - 607 (E)

(E) : Elected

PETER JONES and FELICITY MARY NORMAN have been duly elected.


Election Of Councillors For The Leominster South Ward

BLENCH, PETER JOHN - Green Party - 268
FERRARI, BENSON JOSEPH - Independent - 233
GREENE, AUBREY BASIL - Local Conservatives - 427
HUNT, ROGER CHARLES - Local Conservatives - 787 (E)
MCCAULL, PETER JAMES - Independent - 660 (E)
ROBERTS, PHILIPPA LOUISE - The Labour Party Candidate - 247
SMITH, PAMELA ANN - The Labour Party Candidate - 160
THWAITES, JOAN - Green Party - 240

(E) : Elected

ROGER CHARLES HUNT and PETER JAMES MCCAULL have been duly elected.
Posted : 06/05/2011 09:56:54

Herefordshire Council election results
Following yesterday’s local elections, the results for Herefordshire Council are:


Conservatives - 30 seats won
Independents- 14 seats won
It’s Our County - 9 seats won
Liberal Democrats - 3 seats won
Labour - 1 seat won
Greens - 1 seat won

A full list of the results for each ward is available on Herefordshire Council’s website www.herefordshire.gov.uk.

The count for the parish council elections begins at 10am today and results will be posted on the website as they are announced.

The count for the referendum begins at 4pm. The result for Herefordshire will be posted on the website when it is known.
Posted : 06/05/2011 09:48:24

Music Box set to strike a chord
Adults with learning difficulties in Leominster hope to hit the right note with local music lovers when they open a new shop in the town early next month.

The Music Box is an exciting new venture which will sell high quality second hand CDs/DVDs, records, books and computer games.

It will be located on West Street in Leominster and will be operated by Marshfield’s, which is part of Herefordshire Council’s day opportunities services for adults with learning disabilities.

“We believe that passion for music creates common ground,” said inclusion manager at Marshfields, Sean Ladd.

“The music box will provide individuals involved with an opportunity to engage with their community,” he added.

“In addition, Individuals will be able to develop a range of skills that will prove beneficial to their future independence and help them to achieve, believe and belong”.

As well as direct sales the shop will be selling online, opening up a world of personal development for those involved.

The shop has sofas and coffee available, so you can relax and try before you buy.

The new shop opens its doors for business on Monday, April 4, and opening times are Mon – Fri 10am to 4.15pm and Saturday from 9.30am to 12.30pm.

Donations of unwanted CD’S/DVD’S books and computer games gratefully received - contact the Music Box on 01568 611869 or Marshfield’s on 01568 614772 for further information.
Posted : 25/03/2011 10:47:53

Grange Court model unveiled in Broad Street
As work progresses on Herefordshire Council’s major refurbishment of historic Grange Court in Leominster, visitors to the market town will now be able to see a model of the building as it was originally constructed.

Grange Court, which was built in 1633 by the King’s Carpenter John Abel, was originally sited at The Buttercross, on the junction of High Street and Broad Street and served as a town hall with an open-air market beneath. In 1856, Grange Court was dismantled, moved and rebuilt at its current site in Pinsley Road as a Victorian private residence.

Now a bronze tactile scale model of Grange Court has been unveiled at the building’s first site at The Buttercross.

Mayor of Leominster Councillor Roger Hunt, who unveiled the model, said: “Tourism is vital for Leominster and this model will provide another link to get tourists here as well as enticing them to go and see the original building.”

Martin Baines from the Leominster Area Regeneration Company (LARC) added: “This model is a first for Herefordshire and is the ideal way to show where Grange Court first was and what it looked like then.”

Funding for the model came from Advantage West Midlands Better Welcome Fund, Barclays Bank plc, Marches Housing Association, Leominster Civic Society, Bill Jackson and N and M Baines Architects.

The Dog Rose Trust of Ludlow advised on how the model could best be cast, the mould was made by Omega Models of Glasgow and the final casting was done by Castle Fine Arts Foundry at Oswestry.

The £2.8million “Grange Court: building in the past for the future” project, has been funded by grants from the Big Lottery Community Assets Programme (£1million), Advantage West Midlands RDPE Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) (£750,000) and Social Investment Business Community Builders Fund (£1million) with the difference made up by Marches Town Initiative funding, Leominster Town Council and Herefordshire Council.

As part of project, Herefordshire Council will transfer the freehold of the completed building to the Leominster Area Regeneration Company Limited (LARC) who will manage the new community facility.
Posted : 03/03/2011 11:29:58

Council tax frozen in Herefordshire
Despite the deepest cuts in the funding it receives from central government, Herefordshire Council has confirmed it is to keep council tax levels at the same level as last year.

To achieve this, it is to cut management costs and slash red tape, but has vowed to safeguard most frontline services – including those to the most vulnerable people in Herefordshire.

“Be under no illusion,” Cllr Roger Phillip, the leader of the council, told fellow councillors at today’s (Fri, Feb 4) meeting of council, “these are the deepest cuts we’ve ever had to face.

“Our strategy is to cut the costs of delivery and protect frontline services where we can,” he added.

He highlighted the deep partnership which has been forged with NHS Herefordshire and Hereford Hospital Trust which has allowed a number of services to be shared as a key area of savings, along with a commitment to cut around 250 jobs – around 12 per cent of the workforce – including more than 30 management posts.

The financial strategy is designed to save just over £10.3 million in the coming financial year and £5.8 million in the following year.

However, the budget also includes an extra £3.5 million for adult social care to help support services to the more than 4,500 older people in the county. The number of older people is growing rapidly and during the last 12 months along has increased by seven per cent.

While the cut in government funding affects concessionary bus fares, councillors were told that the council proposes to use some of its financial reserves to retain free travel for bus pass holders, although free travel will no longer be available during the weekday morning commuter period before 9.30am.

The budget also means that, unlike many other areas of the country, Herefordshire will hold on to its existing libraries but the mobile library service is undergoing a review.

During the two-hour debate, Cllr Phillips announced that he was writing to the county’s two MPs to raise his concerns regarding the alarming rise in the cost of fuel which is affecting individuals, businesses and the public sector.

He also said he would continue to lobby central government in a bid to ensure maintenance and improvements to the county’s roads remained a priority.

“There’s no doubt that this is a tough budget. We’ve been planning for it – it will take a lot of effort to implement, but we have no choice.”

Thirty councillors voted in favour of the budget strategy and keeping council tax to its current level, 22 councillors abstained.
Posted : 07/02/2011 12:23:20

Council consults on reduced school budgets
Herefordshire schools are having to face up to reductions in school budgets as a result of falling pupil numbers, increases in spending commitments for looked-after children and changes to the way the government allocates its funding.

The majority of the funding schools depend upon comes from the Dedicated Schools Grant, which is allocated to the local authority by the government on a ‘per pupil’ basis. In the past, this has been topped up with a range of other grants, including the Standards Fund and Area Based Grant. However, these have either been stopped or reduced, making the Dedicated Schools Grant the sole source of income for many schools.

Although the government has set a pupil premium of £430 for vulnerable children and an additional £200 for service children, there is still a predicted shortfall in the overall Herefordshire schools budget of £1.5m.

Herefordshire’s Schools Forum met this week and agreed to the distribution of a consultation document which will be tabled at a meeting of head teachers. A package of cash-saving measures are included in the document, which could see a number of schools experiencing cuts to their school budgets from April 2011.

There are also proposed cuts to the nursery education grants, which will have an impact on private, voluntary and independent playgroups and nurseries. Schools and early years settings are being given the opportunity to respond to the paper this month before the Schools Forum considers a set of formal proposals at the beginning of March.

Budgets have to be set by the end of this financial year (March 2011).
Posted : 02/02/2011 15:52:22

Trading standards warning over top ten scams
As part of February’s national scam awareness month, Herefordshire Council’s trading standards service is warning people not to fall victim.

Each year an incredible £4 billion is given over to fraudsters every year in the UK.
Beware of the following top ten scams from 2010:-

1. Doorstep Crime- always top of the list. Anyone who cold calls you for property repairs will almost certainly be a rogue trader and charge excessive amounts for poor quality and unnecessary work, whether it is for driveways, roofing, garden/tree surgery or any other work. If you are trying to find a reputable trader then search the Herefordshire Council’s Trader Register at www.traderregister.org.uk/herefordshire or phone 01432 260746

2. Cold telephone calls falsely purporting to be from Microsoft, claiming you have a virus on your pc. They will take over your computer and charge you £80 when there is nothing wrong in the first place.

3. Small business scams:- cold calls pushing advertising in fictitious publications for the emergency services or schools etc and then sending you an invoice for £400. Also companies who cold call you claiming to be able to reduce your business rates and others who claim to get you top of internet searches.

4. Calls falsely offering to get your credit card debts written off due to legal technicalities and then taking £400 off your credit card as payment.

5. Calls and emails offering low interest loans if you pay a large up front fee-usually by wiring the money abroad.

6. Cold calls offering free gifts -eg free alarm systems which come with an extortionate monitoring contract, free carpet cleans which are merely the hard sell on a vacuum cleaner costing up to £2400.

7. Timeshare resale/Holiday clubs: those with existing timeshares coerced to a presentation by false promise of buying their timeshare - only to be conned into signing up for a holiday club costing £5,000 or more.

8. Bogus charity collections - still as rife as ever and cost genuine charities millions every year.

9. Unsolicited calls that result in high pressure selling from unscrupulous traders for extortionately priced mobility aids such as – bath lifts, reclining chairs and scooters.

10. Last but not least Prize Draw Mailings, Scratchcards, usually asking you to ring a premium rate number and implying you will receive a much better prize than you actually do.

Principal Trading Standards Officer, Tim Thorne, says: “Typically, it’s the elderly or vulnerable who fall victim to such scams. We can all therefore play our part and be vigilant to ensure that our relatives or neighbours don’t get conned !”

“There is a very simple rule to follow to avoid being a scam victim and that is never deal with anyone who cold calls you at home, or on the telephone and put all unsolicited mail / flyers in your green recycling bin”.
Posted : 02/02/2011 15:51:13

Wealth of events to celebrate Year of the Orchard
Herefordshire Council is supporting the Orchard Topic Group in promoting a series of events to celebrate Year of the Orchard 2011.

This year is the 200th anniversary of Thomas Andrew Knight’s ground-breaking work, Pomona Herefordiensis, the first illustrated Pomona (Book of Apples) in the world.

Thomas Andrew Knight, born at Wormsley Grange in Herefordshire and living at Downton Castle, near Ludlow, was an 18th century horticulturalist who helped to develop many of the fruit and vegetable varieties we still eat today.

He went on to become president of the London Horticultural Society, which later became the Royal Horticultural Society.

Councillor Adrian Blackshaw, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for economic development and community services, said: “We have already got a host of events registered to celebrate this important anniversary with many more being confirmed every day.

“Orchards play such an important part in the county’s economy and biodiversity and these events will help people find out more about them as well as try some of the many ciders, perries and apple juices produced in Herefordshire.

“More events will be advertised as the year goes on and I would urge people to log onto www.yearintheorchard.org to find out what is happening and more about Herefordshire’s Year in the Orchard,” he added.

Events already confirmed are:

Saturday, February 5: Community Apple Tree Pruning at Kingsland Millennium Green. Come and learn how to prune fruit trees for better tree health, shape and fruit production. Bring sharp secateurs and suitable outdoor clothing for this hands on practical event. Numbers will be restricted, so please book a place in advance by calling 01568 708281. Donations to Kingsland Millennium Green would be appreciated.

Saturday, February 19, 2pm to 5pm: Once Upon a Tree, Putley Village Hall, Putley, Much Marcle. Cidermaker Simon Day will lead a talk and tasting of “The Wonder” dessert pear wine and Norman Stanier will lead a walk and talk to visit “The Wonder” landslip, taking in several Putley orchards on the way. Contact 01531 670263 for further details. Wine tasting for over 18s only.

Saturday, March 26: Tree logging demonstrations using heavy horses at Westons Cider, Much Marcle. For more information visit www.westons-cider.co.uk

Tuesday, March 29 to Saturday, May 7: The Herefordshire Pomona and Heritage Orchards, 10am to 4pm at Apple Store Gallery, Hereford. Images and prints from the 'Herefordshire Pomona' will be featured alongside the work of local artists who have been inspired by the traditional orchards of Herefordshie. Richard Bavin, painter and a group who have been working over the past year producing ceramics, textiles, photographs and stained glass will be showing their work. The Gallery is open Tuesdays to Saturdays, 10am to 4pm. Entry is free and all are welcome, but children should be accompanied by an adult. Support dogs are welcome. For further details log onto www.applestoregallery.co.uk

Sunday, May 1 to Monday, May 2: Blossom Weekend, The Bounds, Much Marcle. A chance to take a tour round the mill and see the orchards in full blooms. For further details log onto www.westons-cider.co.uk

Sunday, May 8: Blossom time walk around Risbury Hill Fort orchard, 2.30pm. A walk of about 2 hours on and around the beautiful and interesting Risbury Hill Fort and its orchards at blossom time. For further details call 01568 780886.

Wednesday, May 18: International Cider and Perry Competition, 10am to 5pm at Cider Museum, Hereford. Entries from the UK and overseas will be judged to determine the Overall Champion Cider or Perry Maker for 2011 followed by ploughman’s supper and tutored cider tastings for over 18s only. Bookings must be made for tastings by emailing enquiries@cidermuseum.co.uk or telephoning 01432 354207.

Saturday, August 27: Bats and Moths night at Bodenham Lake Nature Reserve join Herefordshire Moth Group and the Council’s Countryside Service for a “four in one” celebration of the County’s biodiversity. Celebrate International Year of the Bat and European Bat Night with a bat walk around the orchard at Bodenham Lake and its locality, then return to support European Moth Night seeing what native and migratory moths we can attract in the orchard and from the surrounding area. Further details nearer the time on www.yearintheorchard.org or email orchards@herefordshire.gov.uk

Tuesday, September 27 to Saturday: The Orchards of Herefordshire and Monmouthshire, 10am to 4pm, Apple Store Gallery, Hereford. Painters Richard Bavin and Richard Corbett live and work close to the Welsh Border. During the recent past, Richard Bavin, who has has a long fascination with trees, has been working in a traditional orchard to the north of Hereford, painting in oils, acrylics and watercolours. Richard Corbett has turned his artistic attention to orchards in Monmouthshire as part of a country-wide focus. The results of these two extended projects will form the core of an exhibition at Apple Store Gallery. For further details log onto www.applestoregallery.co.uk

Saturday, October 1 to Sunday, October 2: Berrington Apple Weekend, 10am to 4pm. Normal admission charge applies. Berrington’s extensive range of apples and fruit will be on display and there will be cider making demonstrations, local food and craft stores. Organised children’s activities ensure this is a day for all the family. For further details log onto www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Saturday, October 8 to Sunday, October 9: Big Apple Harvestime, Much Marcle, organised by The Big Apple Association. The event will be made up of community activities among the orchards, celebrating the cider heritage of Marcle Ridge. For further details log onto www.bigapple.org.uk

Saturday, October 15: Leominster Apple Fair 10am to 4pm, Priory Church, Leominster. A large display of apples, apple growing advice and information, and apple identification, apples, cider, perry, apple juices, cakes, jams, jellies, honey, artisan bread, herbs and other produce for sale with opportunities for tasting many of these products. There will also be stalls, craft displays, demonstrations, home-made refreshments, competitions and dancing from the Jenny Pipes Morris. For details call 01568 780886 or email folley.farm@btinternet.com

Saturday, October 15 to Sunday, October 16: Cidermaking Festival, Cider Museum, Hereford, 10am to 5pm. Demonstrations of traditional cidermaking, coopering and blacksmithing, beekeeping exhibition, displays of apples and pears, Morris Dancing, corn dolly making, fairground organ, games and children's activities. Normal admission prices apply. For further details call 01432 354207 or email enquiries@cidermuseum.co.uk

Sunday, December 4: Christmas Fair at the Cider Museum, 11am to 7pm. A perfect chance to get ahead of the city centre crowds and pick up some imaginative gifts with a local or orchard flavour, festive snacks and entertainment. For further details call 01432 354207 or email enquiries@cidermuseum.co.uk
Posted : 31/01/2011 17:35:15

Council missed just two days of refuse collections
Herefordshire Council's refuse collection service, carried out by Focsa, only missed two collection days during the worst December weather for more than 100 years.

The service did struggle with the snow and ice, particularly in the more rural and remote areas of the county where the roads hadn't been treated, but only missed two whole days of collections and on all other days collections were made.

Councillor John Jarvis, Herefordshire Council's cabinet member for environment and strategic housing, said: “I would like to thank residents for bearing with us while our contractors Focsa worked extra hours to return the service to normal.

“Thankfully we have a weekly refuse collection in the county so the ability to catch up on the missed days is much easier when compared to authorities who have a fortnightly system.

“I would also like to thank residents for accepting the difficulties the collection crews have faced and the fact they still provided a service where possible.

“We received a call from a lady in Ross who said: 'While councils are being criticised for the accumulation of rubbish and recycling bins we should like to congratulate you on the magnificent service we get here in Ross-on-Wye. It was unfortunate for us that the snow came the afternoon before our collection was due but apart from that week we have had no problem'.

“I would also like to thank people for continuing to use the recycling service which has again seen increases in the amounts collected and we hope this will rise even more as the service is extended to village halls and charities,” he added.

Residents can also sign up for an SMS texting service which will let them know if there are any problems with recycling collections. All you need to do is text “hcrecycle”, your postcode and first line of your address to 80800.
Posted : 27/01/2011 12:17:26

New library card design to be launched
Herefordshire Council’s library service is launching a new library card which has been specially designed to encourage more under 5s to enjoy the benefits of free library membership.

The card will be officially launched at Hereford Library on Wednesday, February 2 at 1.30pm, by Cut and Paste nursery from Hereford and a special appearance by the much-loved children’s book character, the Gruffalo.

Emma Stevens, Herefordshire Council’s library learning officer, said: “We are launching this card as part of our campaign to get every baby, toddler and young child to enjoy the benefits of free library membership.

“Every Child a Talker is a national strategy which highlights how talking to your child can help to develop their speech and communication skills, as well as helping their imagination grow too.

“Sharing books can play a big part in this and our libraries not only offer a wide range of picture and board books to borrow for free but there are no fines or charges for damaged or lost books for under fives,” she added.

For more information on how to join the library contact your local library or log onto the website www.herefordshire.gov.uk/libraries
Posted : 21/01/2011 10:09:40

Libraries launch Gruffalo competition
Herefordshire Council’s library service is celebrating the joy of children’s books this spring with a special competition with lots of lovely Gruffalo goodies to be won.

As part of celebrations for World Book Day, the competition is to draw a picture of something from your favourite children’s book.

Emma Stevens, Herefordshire Council’s library learning officer, said: “The competition is open to all ages so we’re hoping this will capture the imaginations of the young and old, and everyone in between.

“Herefordshire libraries are trying to get every baby and young child to enjoy the benefits of free library membership this spring as part of a nationwide campaign.

“Every Child a Talker is a national strategy which highlights how by talking to your child you’re helping to develop their speech and communication skills, as well as helping their imagination grow too. Sharing books can play a big part in this, so Herefordshire Libraries are reminding parents of what they offer.

“In addition to our regular Bounce and Rhyme and Storytime sessions each week, we are also launching a new library card designed for young children, and you are never too young to enjoy the benefits of being a library member. There are no fines or charges for damaged or lost books for under 5s, and we have a huge choice of picture and board books to borrow for free,” she added.

Details of the competition, further events and how to join the library are available from any of your local libraries or on our website www.herefordshire.gov.uk/libraries

The closing date for the competition is March 11, 2011.
Posted : 10/01/2011 16:43:14

Every Child a Talker (ECAT)
Herefordshire Council’s library service is trying to get every baby, toddler and young child to enjoy the benefits of free library membership this spring as part of a nationwide campaign.

Every Child a Talker is a national strategy which highlights speech and language development in babies and children. It supports parents by encouraging them to talk to their children as much as possible because this helps to develop their speech and communication skills, as well as helping their imagination grow too.

Sharing books can play a big part in this, so Herefordshire Council’s library service is launching a series of events this spring which will support parents and be fun for children.

Events include special storytelling sessions for invited groups from playgroups, childminders and other early years groups from across the county.

These are in addition to the Bounce and Rhyme and Storytime sessions which are already available each week. These sessions are free and fun to join in and involve songs, rhymes, stories and story sacks which parents and children can enjoy together.

Emma Stevens, Herefordshire Council’s library learning officer, said: “If you do have a young child, don’t miss out on the benefits of them joining the library.

“You are never too young to join up and there are no fines or charges for damaged or lost books as well as a huge choice of picture and board books to borrow for free. We are even launching a new library card specifically designed for young children which will be available this spring.

“We also work in partnership with health visiting teams in the county to ensure that free Bookstart book packs are available to every child in the county. Please ask at your local library or ring 01432 261644 for more information.

“You may also like to take part in the Book Crawl, where you collect stickers and certificates for your child when they take books out. This is also free and a great way to connect fun and books,” she added.

Details of further events and how to join the library are available from any of your local libraries or on the website www.herefordshire.gov.uk/libraries
Posted : 10/01/2011 16:42:36

Work progressing well on Grange Court revamp
Contractors WRW Construction Ltd are on schedule with works on Herefordshire Council’s £2.8million refurbishment of Grange Court in Leominster.

A Meet the Buyer event has already been held and provided some successful leads but the contractors are still keen for any tradesmen, especially those involved in finishing works such as decorating, to get in touch. Tradesmen are welcome to call in at the site office at Grange Court.

Councillor Adrian Blackshaw, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for economic development and community services, said: “We would love more local tradesmen to get involved in this exciting project which gives an opportunity to work on a historic building and I would urge anyone interested to get in touch with the contractors.”

Foundations for the extensions to the historic building are now being dug out as part of the scheme which will see the historic building become a hub for community activities.

As part of the “Grange Court: building in the past for the future” project, Herefordshire Council will transfer the freehold of the completed building to the Leominster Area Regeneration Company Limited (LARC).

LARC are in the process of applying for charitable status and this will allow them to access more funding to equip the building and install educational materials relating to the history of Grange Court which was built in 1633 by the King’s carpenter John Abel.

LARC are also to start recruiting for a centre manager and will also be seeking suitable tenants for the completed building.

Bill Jackson, chairman of LARC, said: “It is wonderful work has now started on the building and we can start to plan for the future in earnest. We want the building to be a focus for the local community and offer people the chance to have state-of-the-art offices in the heart of Leominster.

“We are also seeking charitable status and this will enable us to access funding for items such as furniture and display cases to ensure the building’s history can be used as an educational resource,” he added.

Work on the fabric of the building and extensions is being funded by grants from the Community Assets Programme from HM Government (£1million), Advantage West Midlands RDPE Rural Development Programme for England (£750,000), Social Investment Business Community Builders Funds (£1million) with the difference being made up by Marches Town Initiative funding, Leominster Town Council and Herefordshire Council.

Community Assets is a non-Lottery programme funded by the Cabinet Office and is distributed by the Big Fund, the non-Lottery funding operation of the Big Lottery Fund.

Posted : 10/01/2011 12:28:10

Council nearly doubles amount of roads gritted
The coldest December ever recorded has seen Herefordshire Council nearly double the amount of miles it has gritted to 44,000 miles in the 2010/11 winter season to the end of 2010 compared with 23,000 miles in the equivalent period of the 2009/10 season.

Up to the end of December 2009, the council’s gritters carried out 36 priority runs, 4 secondary runs and 4 part treatments whereas in the period up to December 2010 there were 65 priority runs, 12 secondary ones and 11 part treatments.

Councillor Brian Wilcox, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: “We are only at the start of 2011 and we are already carrying out record numbers of gritting runs up to the end of December.

“We remain committed to keeping the county’s roads open for business and our gritting operations this year alone are estimated to cost £2.4million. This compares with the £2million we spent during last year’s severe weather.

“I hope residents will understand we have to focus on priority routes in the county because if we were to try and grit the whole of the county’s road network then these costs would soar to £7.5million plus.

“In these times of government cutbacks, it would be impossible to find this extra £5million without severely affecting other council services and we could only do more if the government commits to providing us with extra funding,” he added.

Herefordshire Council is still receiving regular salt stocks with more deliveries due next week together with a further 3,000 tonnes of imported salt supplementing the 2000 tonnes which was imported back in the summer to ensure that our salt barns were brim full at the start of the season.

For further details about gritting routes log onto www.herefordshire.gov.uk and click on the Winter Gritting box.

Anyone with any particular problems to report with gritting should telephone Streetscene on 01432 261800 or email streets@herefordshire.gov.uk
Posted : 10/01/2011 12:25:27

Snow Update - 7 January
Council opens info line as snow returns to Herefordshire

Herefordshire Council has opened its information lines for residents concerned about road conditions and school closures after heavy snowfall across the county this morning and freezing overnight temperatures. The number is 0844 9396101 and calls are charged at local rate.

All gritting teams are deployed and have been treating roads last night and in the early hours of this morning. Primary routes are passable with care but traffic is very slow on some stretches, including the A4103 at Frome Hill, the A49 at Callow and at Dinmore Hill, and the A465 towards Pontrillas is currently closed. Traffic in Hereford City is slow and static in some places.

The council’s gritting schedules are available on its website: www.herefordshire.gov.uk and motorists are advised to take extra care and leave plenty of time for travelling.

Several schools have closed due to bad weather. Parents are asked to consult the council’s website for up-to-date information and list to local radio.
Posted : 07/01/2011 08:42:13

Largest book giveaway ever attempted
20,000 passionate book lovers will give away 1,000,000 books on the inaugural World Book Night

World Book Night will take place on Saturday 5 March 2011 and will be broadcast in partnership with BBC Two. This dynamic and unprecedented initiative to celebrate adult books and reading will see one million free books given away on World Book Night by 20,000 passionate readers to other members of the public across the UK and Ireland.

Members of the public can currently apply to be one of the 20,000 givers of 48 copies of their favourite book chosen from a carefully selected list of 25 titles.

Herefordshire Council’s library service is celebrating the inaugural World Book Night by urging people across the county to register as book givers at www.worldbooknight.org before the extended deadline of January 17, 2011.

“We’re thrilled to be involved with the inaugural World Book Night,” said Anne-Marie Dossett, reader development librarian at Herefordshire Council,” and our readers are participating enthusiastically.”

Herefordshire Council’s library service participation in World Book Night is organised by The Reading Agency, the independent charity working to get more reading to more people.

Most givers are expected to be passionate readers who will take pleasure in recommending a book they love to other readers. However, World Book Night will also encourage givers to pass the books on to others who either may be reluctant readers or who are part of communities with less access to books, bookshops and libraries.

The 25 titles selected for the inaugural World Book Night are:

Kate Atkinson - Case Histories (Black Swan)
Margaret Atwood - The Blind Assassin (Virago)
Alan Bennett - A Life Like Other People’s (Faber/Profile)
John Le Carré - The Spy Who Came in From the Cold (Penguin)
Lee Child - Killing Floor (Bantam)
Carol Ann Duffy - The World’s Wife (Picador)
Mark Haddon - The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time(Vintage)
Seamus Heaney - Selected Poems (Faber)
Marian Keyes - Rachel’s Holiday (Penguin/Poolbeg)
Mohsin Hamid - The Reluctant Fundamentalist (Penguin)
Ben Macintyre - Agent Zigzag (Bloomsbury)
Gabriel García Márquez - Love in the Time of Cholera (Penguin)
Yann Martel - Life of Pi (Canongate)
Alexander Masters - Stuart: A Life Backwards (Fourth Estate)
Rohinton Mistry - A Fine Balance (Faber)
David Mitchell - Cloud Atlas (Sceptre)
Toni Morrison - Beloved (Vintage)
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie - Half of a Yellow Sun (Fourth Estate)
David Nicholls - One Day (Hodder)
Philip Pullman - Northern Lights (Scholastic)
Erich Maria Remarque - All Quiet on the Western Front (Vintage)
C.J. Sansom - Dissolution (Pan)
Nigel Slater - Toast (Fourth Estate)
Muriel Spark - The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (Penguin)
Sarah Waters - Fingersmith (Virago)


The World Book Night website www.worldbooknight.org will serve as the primary means through which members of the public can apply to be a giver. People will be asked to say in up to 100 words why they want to give away a book chosen from the list and the sort of people they would like to give it to. Information about World Book Night will also be available via libraries and bookshops across the UK and Ireland. The closing date for entries is January 4, 2011.

The final selection of titles offers a wide array of outstanding books encompassing all types of fiction be it historical, literary, crime and commercial as well as poetry, memoir and young adult. Whether a huge bestseller, a prize-winning debut, a lesser known gem or an undisputed classic, it was felt that every book needed to be an accessible work of enduring quality that people would feel passionate about sharing with others.

Jamie Byng, Chairman, World Book Night says: “World Book Night is a unique collaboration between publishers, booksellers, libraries, writers and individual members of the public and one that I think is going to have an enormously positive impact on books and reading. There are few things more meaningful than the personal recommendation and having one million books given to one million different people on one night in this way is both unprecedented and hugely exciting.”

Alan Yentob Creative Director, BBC and member of the World Book Night editorial committee says: “BBC Two will host World Book Night from its inception on December 2 through to the event itself on 5 March. Whether as a giver, recipient or viewer, we hope that BBC audiences will be inspired to get involved with this groundbreaking project.”

Author John le Carré says: “No writer can ask more than this: that his book should be handed in thousands to people who might otherwise never get to read it, and who will in turn hand it to thousands more. That his book should also pass from one generation to another as a story to challenge and excite each reader in his time -that is beyond his most ambitious dreams.”

For press information about World Book Night please contact Fiona McMorrough or Josephine Olley at FMCM on 0207 405 7422, fionam@fmcm.co.uk; josephineo@fmcm.co.uk
Posted : 05/01/2011 09:36:36

Herefordshire refuse collections
All refuse collection vehicles are out in Herefordshire today as normal and they will be doing their best to make collections despite the icy roads and pavements.

Advice to residents is to leave it out until the end of today. If it is not collected, please take refuse in and present on the next collection day.

Recycling will be caught up on next scheduled collection day - recycling sites are available in most supermarkets and across the county.

Anyone with extra recyclable material is asked to place it out in another bag next to their recycling bin which is clearly marked “RECYCLING”.

They are asked not to use black bags for this purpose as the crews can not see what is in the bags and may miss the label.
Posted : 24/12/2010 09:11:35

Snow update
Snow update at 8:15am

Herefordshire Council’s gritters have been out overnight using around 260 tonnes of salt to keep the roads clear.

Surface temperatures dipped to a low of -7 at Llancloudy.

High Town in Hereford has been treated this morning in preparation for the last day of Christmas shopping.

Motorists are being advised that untreated surfaces still remain hazardous in some locations and slight winds in the early evening have caused some snow drifts in various places.

We advise motorists to take extra care and leave plenty of time for travelling.
Posted : 24/12/2010 09:10:43

Snow update
Snow update at 8:15am

Herefordshire Council’s gritters have been out overnight using around 260 tonnes of salt to keep the roads clear.

Surface temperatures dipped to a low of -7 at Llancloudy.

High Town in Hereford has been treated this morning in preparation for the last day of Christmas shopping.

Motorists are being advised that untreated surfaces still remain hazardous in some locations and slight winds in the early evening have caused some snow drifts in various places.

We advise motorists to take extra care and leave plenty of time for travelling.
Posted : 24/12/2010 09:09:49

Snow update
Herefordshire Council’s gritters have been out overnight using around 260 tonnes of salt to keep the roads clear.

Surface temperatures dipped to a low of -7 at Llancloudy.

High Town in Hereford has been treated this morning in preparation for the last day of Christmas shopping.

Motorists are being advised that untreated surfaces still remain hazardous in some locations and slight winds in the early evening have caused some snow drifts in various places.

We advise motorists to take extra care and leave plenty of time for travelling.
Posted : 24/12/2010 09:07:13

Snow update
Gritters have been out overnight keeping priority routes clear across Herefordshire.
 
While surface temperatures dipped to a low of -14.2 at Allensmore, 260 tonnes of rock salt have been used overnight.
 
Salt and grit has also been used to treat roads and pavements in Hereford’s High Town.
 
Motorists are being advised that untreated still remain hazardous.
 
Refuse and recycling:
 
Collection crews are out this morning.
 
Residents are asked to put out their refuse as normal but to be aware there may be delays in collections and there will be some areas that the crews cannot get to due to icy roads and pavements.
 
Advice is that if a collection is not made today, please leave refuse and recycling out until the end of tomorrow.
 
Once crews complete today’s collection rounds, they will attempt to return to areas which were not collected from yesterday and possibly Tuesday.
 
If refuse has not been collected by the end of Friday, residents are asked to take it back in until the date of their next collection.
 
Please note that there are no changes to collection days over Christmas and New Year; crews are working as normal on the bank holidays.
Posted : 23/12/2010 09:13:46

Take care of flu symptoms in this severe weather
NHS Herefordshire, the leader for health in the county, has confirmed there has been a significant increase in the number of people visiting their GP with flu like symptoms over the last few days. As the cold weather is set to continue, the situation is anticipated to escalate further in the coming days.

NHS Herefordshire is urging anyone suffering flu symptoms to stay at home, take Paracetamol if appropriate, keep well hydrated and only contact their GP by telephone if symptoms persist or get worse. Alternatively they can contact NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

Dr Arif Mahmood, Consultant in Public Health at NHS Herefordshire, said: “Most patients visiting their GP are experiencing mild illness and not requiring hospital admission or any specialist treatment. However, for those individuals in at risk groups, such as the elderly, the chronically ill, immuno-compromised, and pregnant women, the flu virus can be serious.”

He added “The NHS in Herefordshire is well prepared for the influenza season but it is important that people do everything they can to reduce the incidence and spread of this infection. This means everybody in the at-risk group who needs to be immunised gets their free flu jab from their local GP Practice – which this year includes pregnant women.”

The met office has advised a slight thaw is likely over the next few days, as a milder air front comes into the county. As a result, NHS Herefordshire is advising patients to rearrange routine GP appointments where possible.
Posted : 22/12/2010 16:47:11

Update on Roads – 11am
Dinmore Hill and Frome Hill have now been reopened and are passable with care. Herefordshire Council’s gritting teams have been out and about across the county, helping to keep the county moving. Further deliveries of salt were brought in by gritters this morning boosting stock levels to 1070T.

The county’s minor roads (C and U roads) have not been treated and are hazardous in some areas, particularly north of the county. Footways in the north of the county are also hazardous, particularly in Kington Town.

As Herefordshire continues to struggle with the weather, the following roads are passable with extreme care. However, motorists are advised to avoid them if possible:

Leintwardine, A4113, A4110
Little Hereford, A456, A4112, B4361, B4362
Leominster, A44, B4360
Kington, A44, A4111, A480, B4355, A438
Posted : 22/12/2010 11:42:58

Recycling and refuse collections cancelled
Recycling and refuse collections across Herefordshire have been cancelled again today due to the heavy snowfall.

Weather permitting, the collection vehicles will be out tomorrow doing what they can to make collections and follow up the backlog from yesterday and today. Residents who's collections have been affected are asked to leave their rubbish out until the end of tomorrow. If it isn't collected by then they should take it back in until the date of their next collection.

Herefordshire Council's recycling sites remain available throughout the county. In addition, all household waste sites are currently open.
Posted : 22/12/2010 10:44:27

Snow Advice at 9am
Gritting teams are reporting that the snowfall is becoming slightly less intense in the far north of the county, but the southern edge has moved south to encompass Morton on Lugg/Wellington where the snowfall is intense. This concurs with the latest forecast from the met office who expect the snow to pass, just touch Hereford and become less intense over the next two to three hours.

Dinmore Hill and Frome Hill remain impassable at the moment whereas other roads are passable but with extreme care (Leintwardine, A4113, A4110, Little Hereford, A456, A4112, B4361, B4362, Leominster, A44, B4360, Kington, A44, A4111, A480, B4355, A438)

All efforts are being taken to keep the roads as clear as possible, but the council is urging people to sit tight and wait until the snowfall has passed and the gritters have got on top of the roads before making any journey through North Herefordshire or beyond.
Posted : 22/12/2010 09:14:16

Road Update
As Herefordshire continues to struggle with the weather, the following roads are passable with extreme care. However, motorists are advised to avoid them if possible:

Leintwardine,
A4113
A4110

Little Hereford,
A456
A4112
B4361
B4362

Leominster,
A44
B4360

Kington,
A44
A4111
A480
B4355
A438
Posted : 22/12/2010 08:54:46

Snow update - 9.30am
Due to the adverse weather, Herefordshire Council's refuse contractors have had to suspend collections for the day.

Officers are monitoring the situation and will make a decision regarding tomorrow's collections as soon as possible.

Meanwhile the council is continuing to run its constrained service to conserve salt stocks, meaning only priority routes are being treated.

High Town in Hereford is also being treated as a different product is used here.

As part of its winter planning service, the council is keen to hear people's experiences of what has worked well and what has been not so good.

People are urged to call 01432 261800 or email streets@herefordshire.gov.uk

Motorists are being advised that the C1120, known as God Almighty Hill, remains closed due to snow and ice on a very steep pitch. A diversion route has been set up.
Posted : 21/12/2010 09:51:39

Snow update – 7.45am
Herefordshire Council’s team of gritters have been busy during the night depositing 330 tonnes of rock salt on the main routes through the county.

Teams have been out gritting and ploughing the roads three times overnight.

As a result, main routes (A and B roads) are passable with care, but other routes are passable with extreme care.

The only road which is closed is the C1120, Bodenham to Marden road.

The lowest surface temperature recorded overnight was -4.4 on the A4113 at Hillpike.
Posted : 21/12/2010 09:28:29

Herefordshire prepared for arctic weather
Herefordshire Council has had to move to a more constrained winter weather service due to the impact of the recent bad weather and the effects of what is lining up to be the coldest December for 100 years.

Extremely cold temperatures over the weekend, with some places in Herefordshire reaching as low as -14.5 degrees, mean the council has to be prudent with its salt stocks to ensure priority routes can remain open.

In line with its winter service plan, the council has now moved to a constrained level of service focusing on the priority routes. Snow clearance will still be carried out on secondary routes and other places as well.

So far this winter, the council has used 6,000 tonnes of salt and has delivered more than 28,000 miles of gritting.

Today (December 20), the council has 1,500 tonnes of salt in stock and a further 420 tonnes is being delivered this week. Regular stocks will continue to arrive from the council’s normal supplier and a further 3,000 tonnes of imported salt, which was ordered at the beginning of December, is due to arrive in January.

In addition to this the council has put in its bid for some salt from the strategic stockpile held by the Department for Transport, to ensure our resilience throughout.

Councillor Brian Wilcox, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: “We are monitoring the salt stocks on a daily basis and the extremely cold temperatures over the weekend mean we have to move to the more constrained level of service. Fortunately, the schools have now broken up for Christmas but we will ensure priority routes are gritted.

“This will ensure our salt stocks will last over the Christmas period and then we will have more salt arriving in January to replenish salt stocks.

“I would like to thank all in the highway service team who have planned well for winter and have, once again, been working around the clock through the bad weather to keep essential routes open and minimise the risk of accidents on the roads.

“With more snow and freezing temperatures forecast, I would urge drivers to ensure they plan their routes carefully and log onto www.herefordshire.gov.uk and click on the Winter Gritting box for details of our priority routes for treatment. They should also drive according to the conditions, remembering it takes a lot longer to brake in snow and ice,” he added.

Jesse Norman, MP for Hereford and South Herefordshire, added: "I would like to add my thanks to the gritting teams for all the work have been doing and will be doing over Christmas and New Year to keep our roads safe and passable."
Anyone with any particular problems to report with gritting should telephone Streetscene on 01432 261800 or email streets@herefordshire.gov.uk
Posted : 20/12/2010 11:58:48

Herefordshire Weather Report Update
Herefordshire Council reports another freezing cold night in the county with temperatures ranging from minus 3 to minus 7. All A and B roads are passable with care after being treated with around 220 tonnes of salt at around 3am this morning (8 December 2010) and yesterday evening.

Freezing fog and a severe hoar frost means untreated surfaces are hazardous. Hereford city car parks, High Town and heavily used footways were treated at 4.30am.

All schools in the county are reported to be open this morning and the council’s website – www.herefordshire.gov.uk – carries regular school and school transport updates as well as details of the winter road gritting schedule.
Posted : 08/12/2010 08:32:25

Herefordshire's main roads open this morning
Herefordshire Council reports that all A and B roads across the county are passable with care after being treated with salt in the early hours of this morning (6 December 2010).

Over 220 tonnes of salt were used by the council’s partner Amery Herefordshire at 3.03am and 6am after temperatures were recorded at minus 10 in some parts of the county. Freezing fog and a severe hoar frost means untreated surfaces are hazardous and Hereford city car parks, High Town and heavily used footways were treated at 6am.

All schools in the county are reported to be open this morning and the council’s website – www.herefordshire.gov.uk – carries regular school and school transport updates as well as details of the winter road gritting schedule.
Posted : 06/12/2010 09:30:25

Brace yourself for more freezing weather
Herefordshire Council is advising motorists and pedestrians to take particular care this evening when a mixture of rain and snow is likely to fall on freezing surfaces.

It will mean there will be the potential for widespread icy surfaces across the county – meaning an increased risk of injuries and road accidents.

The latest weather forecasts show that while up to 3cm of snow may fall in some areas during the late evening/early part of the night, the greater hazard is it falling onto cold roads and pavements.

Saturday is expected to be mostly cloudy with some rain at times and slightly higher temperatures, but ice will again be a hazard overnight into Sunday morning.

Meanwhile, Herefordshire Council is aware that many people want to clear ice and snow from footways and roads but do not do so due to concerns over potential litigation.
Herefordshire Council’s advice is:
There is plenty of case law about the responsibility of the highway authority with respect to snow, ice and gritting, but we can find none which deals with ordinary members of the public.
The position of an ordinary person who clears snow from outside their own or someone else’s property is that they would only be liable for an accident if:

• Their efforts actually made the pavement less safe than it was with the snow and ice undisturbed;
• They should have foreseen the likelihood of someone being injured as a result;
• Someone actually gets injured;
• The injury is the result of their efforts; and
• The person injured decides to sue them.

In most cases people will improve the situation, in which case no liability could arise.
While there is a theoretical possibility of liability arising if a person cleared an area by moving a lot of snow somewhere else, which caused an accident, or if they cleared snow which wasn’t slippery, and left a wet area which iced up and became slippery, we do not think that this should discourage individuals from taking it upon themselves to clear ice and snow from our roads and footways.

For further details of the council’s gritting operations and advice on the precautions residents can take to make drives and pathways safer during the freezing weather, visit www.herefordshire.gov.uk and follow the winter gritting link from the front page to view the council’s winter gritting leaflet.
Posted : 03/12/2010 15:56:28

Herefordshire's main roads gritted overnight
Herefordshire Council reports that A and B roads in the county are passable with care after they were gritted overnight and this morning following a 2am inspection.

Also this morning, workmen have been out gritting Hereford city car parks, High Town and the main footpaths through the city centre.

However, motorists are being advised to take care as light snow flurries over night have been falling on sub-zero ground temperatures and a severe frost so untreated surfaces are hazardous.

Overnight gritters have used 270 tons of rock salt.

The domestic refuse and recycling crews are all out collecting their normal Friday rounds this morning.

The main routes are accessible but crews are reporting difficulties with ice on side roads.

Every attempt will be made to clear this week's backlog later in the day but this will dependant on weather and road conditions.

Stoke Prior and Wigmore primary schools are closed this morning.
Posted : 03/12/2010 08:52:17

Herefordshire refuse collections as normal today
Herefordshire’s refuse and recycling crews are out collecting this morning.

Thursday’s collections rounds will be carried out first with crews going back out again to collect the remaining refuse and recycling from Tuesday and Wednesday, subject to suitable weather and road conditions.
Posted : 02/12/2010 09:56:19

Council reports primary routes clear in County
Herefordshire Council reports that all A and B roads in the county are passable with care after being treated by the gritting teams, although untreated minor roads remain hazardous.

Today (2 December 2010) all the county’s schools are open, except for Michaelchurch Escley primary school, which is clearing up after burst water pipes. Herefordshire Council has a regularly updated schools list on its website – www.herefordshire.gov.uk - for parents who need to check their schools status and how school bus services are coping.

Overnight, temperatures were as low as minus 4 in some areas and 130 tonnes of salt were used to treat roads. Of the 2044 miles of road in Herefordshire, around 30 per cent are priority routes that receive precautionary and reactive gritting. The trunk roads and motorways are maintained by the Highways Agency, including the M50 and the A49.

The council’s partner Amey Herefordshire uses 15 gritters on different routes around the county and aim to have all routes completed in two and a half hours. Generally, all planned early morning treatments are completed before 7.30am. In cold weather, other roads may be icy and in prolonged freezing weather or snow, salting or snow clearance is carried out on defined set of secondary routes. The council publishes its winter gritting plans on its website.

Roads that provide access to schools are also treated as a high priority in times of severe or prolonged winter weather. Roadside grit bins are supplied following requests by parish councils to provide cover on minor roads which might not otherwise be treated.

The council has released top tips for motoring in winter. Before you go check the weather forecast and consider whether your journey essential is essential, allow an extra 10 minutes to prepare the car, make sure all windows and mirrors are clean and clear from frost, ice or snow and carry a scraper and de-icer. Make sure your wipers and lights are clean and in good working order, consider taking a torch, blanket, food, wellingtons, warm clothing and a spade and finally, tell someone where you are going and what time you expect to arrive.

When driving, allow extra time for your journey, adjust your driving to suit the conditions, remember stopping distances can be ten times longer in ice and snow compared to a dry road, apply brakes gently and manoeuvre carefully and where there is poor visibility or snow, use dipped headlights. If you need to abandon your car, try to park considerately to facilitate gritting activities and allow access for other road users, and let the local police know.
Posted : 02/12/2010 09:55:28

Refuse Collections In Herefordshire
Herefordshire refuse collections as usual with some delays in remote areas.

Herefordshire Council reports that its refuse and recycling collection crews are out on the roads as usual this morning and residents are requested to put out their refuse and recycling for Wednesday collection as usual.

Some rural areas are still proving difficult to access for the council’s contractors Focsa, which will be undertaking the normal Wednesday collections first and then going back to finish any missed rounds from Tuesday.

The council has apologised for any delays in remote areas and asks everyone to bear with them while they carry out collections where there remain difficult conditions on minor roads.

The council will be updating advice throughout the day on its website – visit www.herefordshire.gov.uk
Posted : 01/12/2010 09:08:23

Work starts on Grange Court revamp
Work has now started on Herefordshire Council’s £2.8 million refurbishment of Grange Court in Leominster.

Contractors WRW Construction Ltd from Llanelli, Carmartenshire, have now started on the scheme which will see the historic building become a hub for community activities.

As part of their commitment to getting the community involved in the project, the contractors are holding a Meet the Buyer day on Wednesday (November 16) when local sub-contractors are urged to come forward and see if they can get involved in the scheme. It is being held at Grange Court in both the morning and afternoon and invites have already been issued.

The contractors have also been in contact with Herefordshire College of Technology and will be offering work experience to students who are studying construction, plumbing and metalwork courses.

Councillor Adrian Blackshaw, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for economic development and community services, said: “I am pleased the contractors are offering a chance for local firms to get involved in this project and would urge anyone interested to attend the day.

“As the build period is less than 12 months, the contractors were unable to offer apprenticeships for students but I am sure many will benefit from work experience being offered on this prestigious project and a chance to learn about working on a historic building,” he added.

Bill Jackson, chairman of LARC, said: “I am delighted work has started on schedule ready for completion by September 2011 and we will now be working to get tenants for the finished building so it can become a place for Leominster to be proud of,” he added.

Work is being funded by grants from the Community Assets Programme from HM Government (£1million), Advantage West Midlands RDPE Rural Development Programme for England (£750,000), Social Investment Business Community Builders Funds (£1million) with the difference being made up by Marches Town Initiative funding, Leominster Town Council and Herefordshire Council.

Community Assets is a non-Lottery programme funded by the Cabinet Office and is distributed by the Big Fund, the non-Lottery funding operation of the Big Lottery Fund.

As part of the “Grange Court: building in the past for the future” project, Herefordshire Council will transfer the freehold of the completed building to the Leominster Area Regeneration Company Limited (LARC).
Posted : 10/11/2010 09:12:17

Hereford Fire Update
The vast majority of shops in Hereford’s High Town will be open for business as normal tomorrow morning (Fri, Oct 22) despite the blaze which brought the city centre to a standstill this morning.

The fire at the Card Factory shop, which spread to nearby buildings, resulted in a cordon in High Town to allow around 70 fire fighters to tackle the blaze.

However, St Peter’s Square has already been opened up to allow school buses to use it as the regular collection and drop-off point and the council is expecting that just a handful of shops neighbouring the Card Factory shop which were directly affected by the fire, will remain closed tomorrow morning.

Herefordshire Council has vowed to support these local businesses as they look for alternative suitable premises in the city centre.
Posted : 21/10/2010 17:29:33

St Peter’s Square open in time for school bus run
Following the fire in Hereford this morning, when a section of the city centre was cordoned off, Herefordshire Council is pleased to announce that St Peter’s Square has been re-opened in time for the school bus run.

Alternative arrangements were put in place this morning as the square was closed to allow fire fighters to put out the fire.

Although St Peter’s Square is not fully open to all traffic, arrangements have been made to ensure buses can use the bus stops in the square.
Posted : 21/10/2010 14:38:40

Helping local businesses get back on their feet
Herefordshire Council is pledging support to local businesses affected by today’s fire in Hereford city centre by helping them find alternative suitable premises.

The economic development team is scouring the city to identify potential properties for temporary or permanent occupation, in a drive to get those affected up and running again as quickly as possible.

The team encourages premises owners or business managers in need of alternative accommodation to contact them as quickly as possible on 01432 261758.

The team is also investigating how affected businesses will be treated from a business rates perspective.

It is hoped that damaged properties can be taken out of business rates until they are ready to be occupied again.

The council has also announced it will waive the daily charge for those businesses which would ordinarily have been trading in High Town today but are unable to due to the fire.
Posted : 21/10/2010 11:17:34

Hereford fire
The fire in Hereford’s High Town is under control – but the area is likely to remain cordoned off for the remainder of the day.

Other parts of the city centre – include Maylords Orchard, Widemarsh Street, Broad Street, Commercial Street and Commercial Road, are open for business as usual.

Around 70 fire fighters and 20 fire engines have been at the site of the fire, which began in the Card Factory, when it took hold at around 4.30am this morning and spread to a number of neighbouring shops.

Four people were evacuated from city centre flats – but no-one has been injured and no-one is reported missing.

The Black and White house in the centre of High Town is undamaged.

High Town, the Buttermarket, St Owen Street and St Peter’s Square are currently closed. To help city centre shop workers, Herefordshire Council has opened up the Shire Hall as a gathering centre so workers can get the latest information.

Due to the amount of water used on the fire, people may experience low water pressure or slightly discoloured water in the city centre.
Posted : 21/10/2010 09:48:00

Schools gear up for Car Free Challenge
Five Herefordshire secondary schools are taking part in a regional Car Free Challenge which aims to reduce the numbers of children travelling to school by car.

Pupils from Aylestone Business and Enterprise College, Hereford Cathedral School, The Hereford Academy, Minster College in Leominster and Kingstone High School will be competing against a further 31 schools across the West Midlands in the challenge which runs from April 26 until May 7.

The campaign, funded by the West Midlands Department of Health as part of its Change4Life campaign which aims to get people moving more, eating better and living longer, challenges schools to come up with innovative ways of reducing the number of cars coming to school.
It is being organised by TravelWise West Midlands.

Ideas so far generated in schools include podcasts, video documentaries, competitions to promote walking and cycling, poster campaigns, leaflets and newsletters to parents, promoting car sharing amongst staff, drama around the journey to school, sponsored walks and many more.

The most innovative and successful school in Herefordshire will win £100 for their school and a chance to win the top prize of £500 for the best school campaign in the West Midlands.

Andrew Ashcroft, Herefordshire Council’s head of planning and transportation, said: “By 2050 almost 60 per cent of the population could be obese, with nearly 30 per cent of two to 15 year olds currently being classed as overweight or obese. Walking or cycling to and from school provides an easy, daily opportunity for exercise and gets students outdoors and more active.

“With the ever increasing petrol price, walking to school will help parents save money. Reducing car use will also reduce school carbon emissions, 16 per cent of which result from school travel and transport.

“This is a great campaign that will not only help the environment by reducing the number of cars on the road and combat the increasingly growing obesity problem, it will also motivate students to become creative and organised about a real life issue that has to be tackled,” he added.

The challenge is for student groups who will need to be as innovative as possible to encourage people to go car free for a two week period. The challenge is due to take place between April 26 and May 7.

An awards event will be held next autumn to award the winners and the winning campaign will be turned into a new campaign for all secondary schools.

Hereford Cathedral School are starting the week on April 26 with a school assembly in Hereford Cathedral to explain the aims of the Challenge and Hereford Academy are launching the Challenge with an open morning and display at the school on the same day.
Posted : 20/04/2010 11:27:36

Another £1million to fix Herefordshire's highways
Herefordshire Council has received an extra £1million from the government towards its major scheme to fix the county’s highways.

The announcement came as part of the recent Budget after the council lobbied central government for more cash to repair the county’s roads.

This will be added to the £10.7million already earmarked by the council to deliver the biggest programme of highway maintenance that the county has ever seen.

Richard Ball, Herefordshire Council’s assistant director, said: “Highways in Herefordshire have suffered greatly after the worst winter weather in more than 30 years.

“Rather than just provide a quick-fix by filling in potholes, we will carry out a wider programme of planned resurfacing work over the coming year to restore the county’s roads to an acceptable standard for the longer term.

“The condition of the county’s roads is one of our major priorities and I believe Herefordshire is leading the way among local authorities in targeting resources to this important issue.

“I am glad our lobbying for government cash has paid dividends,” he added.

Detailed surveys have highlighted a rise in defects of more than 30 per cent on the county’s road network. This year will see the biggest ever programme of maintenance with over 135 miles of the county’s road network being treated.
Posted : 13/04/2010 19:09:16

Way forward for tourism in Herefordshire
A new report outlines the way forward for tourism in the county to build on the success of Visit Herefordshire in attracting people to the county.

The report commissioned by Herefordshire Council in collaboration with Visit Herefordshire DMP outlines the value of tourism to the county at £410 million per year, and shows how well placed the county is to increase visitor spend and offer.
It also builds on the good work carried out by Visitor Herefordshire in attracting people to the county through marketing, major events such as University of the Great Outdoors and the Flavours of Herefordshire Food Festival.

The report offers new ideas for creating greater collaboration between tourism operators and other sectors involved in tourism development within the county.

Natalia Silver, Herefordshire Council’s head of economic and community services said: “Tourism is so important to the profile and economy of the county and the report points us in the direction to ensure the work of all parties involved can promote the county and ensure visitors stay longer.”

Peter Hands, chairman of the Destination Management Partnership, added: “Following on from my tenure as chairman, this report is very welcome in outlining the next stage in the development of the Destination Management Partnership. Many partnerships in the UK are going through similar changes and as a county we need to be ahead of the competition to make sure we maximise the opportunities for the county.”

The next phase will be to work through the details recommended in the report, through a transition group.

Peter Hands will sadly be stepping down as chairman of the partnership in May to pursue a new challenge with his wife Gillian, having recently purchased the Speech House Hotel in The Royal Forest of Dean.

Natalia Silver said: “Peter will be greatly missed as he has overseen some major advances in tourism within the county over the past two and a half years. On behalf of Herefordshire Council, I would like to wish him all the best with his new venture.”
Posted : 13/04/2010 19:06:35

General election – make sure you can vote on May 6
Voters in Herefordshire go to the polls on Thursday, May 6, to elect their member of parliament for the Hereford and South Herefordshire and North Herefordshire constituencies.

Electors in Hope End and Ledbury wards will be going to the polls on the same day to elect new Herefordshire Council councillors following resignations.

To ensure everyone who wants to vote can, Herefordshire Council is issuing the following guidance:

Not everyone realises that they need to re-register each year to have their names included on the register of electors.

This happens when the council's electoral registration team carries out the annual canvass in the autumn, or if people move house during the year.

Anyone who returned the canvass form, or registered on line or by telephone during the annual canvass, should be on the register of electors. They will shortly receive their poll card with voting details for the election.

Anyone who did not register, or who has changed address since the autumn, still has time to register in time for the elections.

“All they need to do is download the voter registration form off the council's website and return it to the council's electoral registration team based at the Town Hall in St Owen Street, Hereford, as soon as possible,” said Chris Bull, the acting returning officer for the election.

“The deadline for completed forms to be with us is Tuesday, April 20,” he added.

The forms are also available from the council's Info shops and libraries – and they can be obtained by telephoning the council's electoral registration team on 0844 9396107.

For those who can't get to a polling station to vote, the council has the following advice:

If you can't get to your polling station to vote, or simply find it more convenient to vote by post, then you can apply to vote by post at the elections on May 6 and future elections.

Once again, the forms to apply for a postal vote are available to download from the council's website – www.herefordshire.gov.uk/elections - and from Info shops and libraries.

The deadline to apply to vote by post at the elections is 5pm on Tuesday, April 20.

The council is aiming to send out postal votes for the election on either Friday, April 23, or Monday, April 26 at the latest.

“Alternatively, residents can choose to vote by proxy – this means appointing someone to vote on your behalf.

“Simply complete and return the proxy application form which can be found on the council's website and is available from Info shops and libraries and return it to us. You may need to have your application vouched for, depending on the reasons for your application. More details can be found on the form,” said Chris.

The deadline to apply to vote by proxy at the elections is 5pm on Tuesday, April 27, other than for medical emergencies.

If someone is unable to get to the polling station due to a medical emergency that has arisen after the normal deadline, they can apply to vote by proxy up to 5pm on the day of the election.

To anyone who wants to stand in the general election, Herefordshire Council is issuing the following guidance:

Nomination packs can be downloaded from the council's web site www.herefordshire.gov.uk/elections or can be obtained by telephoning the electoral services office on 0844 9396107.

Completed nomination papers have to be delivered to the acting returning officer at the Council Offices, Brockington, 35 Hafod Road, Hereford HR1 1SH between 10am and 4pm (Monday - Friday) from Wednesday 14 April to Tuesday 20 April 2010.

Key towns served in each of the two constituencies covering the county are:

Hereford and South Herefordshire:
• Hereford
• Ross-on-Wye

North Herefordshire:
• Leominster
• Kington
• Bromyard
• Ledbury

Polling station locations can also be found on the council's website.

Anyone who needs further information about the process should contact the electoral registration team on 0844 9396107.
Posted : 12/04/2010 19:04:40

Pride of Herefordshire photo competition launched
Local photographers have a chance to showcase their work in some of the most visual places in Herefordshire in a competition to highlight the beauty and diversity of the county.

This competition has been launched as one part of Herefordshire Council’s Windows on Art scheme funded by the Communities and Local Government Department, which aims to make creative use of empty shops with a view to making high streets a more vibrant and attractive place to shop and run businesses.

The Pride of Herefordshire Photo Competition is an opportunity to show everyone what is good about the county and for everyone else to see it. Pictures will be judged and winners will see their images featured in window displays in empty shops around the county.

Natalia Silver, Herefordshire Council’s head of economic and community services said: “This is a chance for local people to use photography to show what Herefordshire means to them, as well as improving empty shops to visitors and shoppers into the county.

“This is a development of the window in art programme ran last year which was really popular and makes the most of the creativity in the county,” she added.

The competition is open to amateur and professional photographers alike, who are residents of Herefordshire who have until Tuesday 4th May to enter their images into The Pride of Herefordshire Photo Competition.

The Pride of Herefordshire Photo Competition judging panel will be looking for the photographers idea of positive aspects of living and working in the county. They will also consider a range of factors and will be looking for present rural, urban landscapes and scenes at events. Judges will also look for a creative approach and good technical ability.

For full details on how to enter the competition, please visit the link: http://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/leisure/arts_and_crafts/26195.asp or email: lhill@herefordshire.gov.uk or telephone Liz Hill on 01432 260621
Posted : 12/04/2010 18:59:01

Council warns over broadband offer
Herefordshire Council is warning county residents to beware of cold callers claiming to offer free broadband.

Maureen Guest, Herefordshire Council’s principal trading standards officer, said: “We have received calls from concerned members of the public who have been told by cold callers that Herefordshire Council is offering a free broadband service.

“As a council, we have no such offer for residents but would instead urge people to carry out their own research into the best broadband provider for their needs.

“Residents should always be wary of cold callers who often claim to offer services that do not exist and target the most vulnerable members of society.

“I would also welcome it if anyone who has calls from these people would contact trading standards so we can investigate the matter further,” she added.
Posted : 08/04/2010 18:51:57

Stained glass window unveiled at new crematorium
Herefordshire Council’s new crematorium now has a new stained glass window kindly donated by a Hereford man to commemorate the life of his late partner John Sperry.

Richard Claridge of Hampton Grange and Lynhales Nursing Homes donated the bespoke window to the crematorium.

The window was designed, painted and made by Williams and Byrne of Ludlow.

David Williams, of Williams and Byrne, said: “Richard wanted to make this gift to the people of Herefordshire because stained glass can be peaceful and uplifting. It cannot change the sorrow, but it can give comfort and strength.”

Councillor John Jarvis, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for the environment and strategic housing, said: “When we designed the new crematorium, we wanted the chapel to become part of the city’s heritage and we were delighted when Mr Claridge asked if he could pay for a stained glass window to be installed there.

“The window is not only a fitting celebration of his late partner’s life but is also a sensitive addition to the crematorium’s interior decoration.

“For people attending the crematorium it can be a distressing and upsetting time, so it is important that the surroundings are as sympathetic and pleasant as possible and this window certainly makes the chapel a more uplifting place to be,” he added.
Posted : 30/03/2010 12:47:53

New play areas to open in time for Easter holidays
Children across Herefordshire will be able to enjoy eleven new, creative outdoor play areas this Easter thanks to Herefordshire Council.

Over the last few months, plans have been drawn up, ramps and boulders have been installed and nature-friendly play equipment has been delivered to create fantastic new play areas with a focus on challenge, for children aged eight to 13 in Leominster, Bromyard, Hereford, Kington, Peterchurch, Credenhill and Ross on Wye.

Nearly £300,000 has been spent on the new equipment with funding from Playbuilder, a two year government project which aims to improve or develop play areas. The focus of Playbuilder is to encourage outdoor play in the natural environment. As fund manager, Herefordshire Council has worked closely with local groups and organisations to develop sites that include mounds, boulders, wood and logs as well as exciting new types of swings, slides and zip wires. Now, as the project reaches its half way point, eleven new sites will be opened just in time for the Easter holidays.

Developed hand in hand with the local community, Herefordshire Council will continue to maintain the sites and ensure they are kept safe.

Councillor Jenny Hyde, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “This project has brought together council departments and local community groups to make sure we make the best use of people’s broad skills and experiences and get it right for our children and their families.

“We’re lucky in Herefordshire to have so many open spaces and such a beautiful environment in which to live. However, much of it isn’t free for children to play in and there are many local community groups who have been working hard to make things better for their children and young people. Herefordshire Council has been delighted to work with them to make sure that our children get the play spaces they need and deserve.

“A lot of thought and discussion has gone into the design of these areas to make sure that the equipment provided enhances imaginative play and allows children to challenge themselves and take risks in a safe environment.”

The new play areas are Bye Street in Ledbury, The Knapp in Bromyard, Barons Cross and Sydonia Park in Leominster, King George V Playfield Fields and Northolme Road in Hereford, Roman Way in Ross on Wye, Crooked Well in Kington, and recreation grounds in Peterchurch and Credenhill.

A further fourteen play projects are due to begin this year taking the total to 22 across the county. These are due to be completed by April 2011*.


* The Copse, Burghill
Withington, site to be determined
Sutton St Nicholas, site to be determined
Llangrove, site to be determined
Weobley, site to be determined
Griftins Park, Lentwardine
Kingstone, site to be determined
Kington Recreation ground
Deer Park, Ledbury
The Knapp (Phase 2), Bomyard
Grandstand Road, Hereford
Waterfield Road, Hereford
Queenwood Country Park
Ross on Wye, site to be determined
Posted : 30/03/2010 12:46:50

Setting out ambitions for broadband in the County
Herefordshire could be missing out because of the limited broadband coverage, yet an event held on 18th March showed there is potential in businesses, communities and Herefordshire Council coming together to improve Broadband coverage in the county.

The Community Broadband Conference was open to anyone with an interest in improving broadband and included national and local speakers.

David Thame, gave an inspiring talk on how local people have set up Lingen Community Broadband showing that local solutions are possible though not without challenges along the way.

Launched at the event was the document entitled Broadband in Herefordshire – Developing a County Approach which sets out a vision for the future, as well as outlining how solutions can be met.
This document makes clear that waiting for market forces to solve the problem is unlikely, with Herefordshire not having the population density to make the laying of fibre optic cable financially viable for commercial operators.

Councillor Roger Phillips, leader of Herefordshire Council, said: “People of the county are losing out, including businesses who are not able to compete on a level playing field with companies in the more urban areas who have faster connectivity.

“Within Herefordshire Council and NHS Herefordshire we are keen to have more services available electronically to aid access to services specifically in the rural areas but this will prove difficult without a broadband solution,” he added.

Natalia Silver, Herefordshire Council’s head of economic and community services, said: “The conference and document produced aims to stimulate debate about a way forward for the county working with local businesses and communities to create solutions for different parts of the county.”

The document is available via email economicinvestment@herefordshire.gov.uk or sent by contacting 01432 260609
Posted : 23/03/2010 19:27:15

£10million to fix Herefordshire’s highways
After the worst winter weather for 30 years, Herefordshire Council is to invest over £10million during the next year (an increase of over £3million compared to last year) to deliver the biggest programme of highway maintenance the county has ever seen.

Councillor Brian Wilcox, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: “Our highway network has suffered considerably during this winter weather and we have already filled 17,000 potholes since the beginning of the year.

“This compares to just 3000 in the same period last year and the numbers of potholes reported and being found are still continuing to rise.

“Whilst pothole repairs are providing a quick-fix, a wider programme of planned resurfacing work will be done over the coming year to restore the county’s roads to an acceptable standard for the longer term.

“The condition of the county’s roads is one of my priorities and I am pleased to be able to announce this major highway maintenance programme for the county. I believe Herefordshire is leading the way amongst local authorities in targeting resources to this important issue,” he added.

Detailed surveys have highlighted a rise in defects of more than 30 per cent on the county’s road network of more than 2,000 miles.

Amey normally use four hotboxes manned by two operatives to deal with the potholes but are currently using the four hotboxes together with an additional Jetpatcher and two further hot boxes.

All parish gangs have also been redeployed on pothole works (eight gangs of two men countywide) which is over and above the normal labour attached to this activity
Posted : 23/03/2010 19:26:31

New play area opens in Barons Cross
Children in the Barons Cross area will be spinning, climbing and cycling this summer as a new play area is due to open next month (April 2010).

Herefordshire Council has been working closely with Marches Housing Association and residents at Barons Cross to provide much needed facilities for the children who live on two adjacent estates. A patch of land divides the two at the moment, but work has already begun to turn this into a fantastic play area for 8-13 year olds and is due to be completed and officially opened on Saturday April 10 2010.

The new playground will feature a zip wire, a tree house, a cyclone spinning roundabout, a basket swing and a state of the art climbing frame. A cycle track is being created by local residents and to retain as much of the natural environment as possible, a wild flower area is being planted on the borders alongside some trees.

The £57,000 project is being funded through the government’s Playbuilder programme and is part of a project being run by Herefordshire Council to develop 22 new play projects across the county.

Residents at Barons Cross got together a steering group with support from the Marches Housing Association, to consult with children and young people, decide what was needed and put together plans and a funding bid to the council.

“The residents have worked incredibly hard, talking to children and young people and encouraging other residents to get involved, said Chris Bailey, Marches Housing Association. She continued, “Their work has paid off and as a result the children will be able to play outside this summer in a fantastic new facility. Through discussions with other groups, there are hopes to receive further funding for a ball court, an under-5s play area and a youth shelter which would make this an incredible community facility.

Councillor Adrian Blackshaw, cabinet member for economic development and community services, Herefordshire Council, said: “This is an exciting project and shows what can be achieved when people come together and work in partnership. The new play area has been planned with great care to make sure it is enhances the natural environment and is as inclusive as possible. It is so important for our children to be able to play outside and take reasonable risks when playing – it’s part of learning to be independent. Herefordshire Council is delighted to have been able to help with this much needed venture.”

The playground will be officially opened by Councillor Adrian Blackshaw at 11.30am on Saturday April 10 2010. To celebrate the event, WildPlay will be running some sessions with the children helping them explore the outdoor environment and there will be refreshments available to help families celebrate the opening.
Posted : 22/03/2010 16:47:32

Don your boots and discover more of Herefordshire
This year's Herefordshire Walking Festival offers more than 50 walks over a nine-day period so visitors and residents alike can discover the nooks and crannies of the county's rich, rural landscape.

The featured walk at this year's festival, which runs from June 19 to 27, is "In the Steps of the Mortimers", a three-day walk covering 30 miles from the north of Leominster through to Ludlow, uncovering the secret past of its undulating scenery.

In the south of the county, the Ross Round offers a chance to hike all or part of an 18-mile circuit around the market town, passing ancient sites and where steep climbs are rewarded with magnificent views.

Several of the walks offer a chance to sample some of the county's wonderful locally grown produce over a delicious breakfast, lunch, tea or evening meal while other walks provide refreshment stops or free tastings of local ice cream, apple juice or perry.

There are also many walks catering for special interests such as archaeology, ornithology, nature, history and wildlife.

Jane Lewis, Herefordshire Council's tourism, food and marketing manager, said: “This festival really does offer something for everyone, whatever their interests may be.

“This year we have two morning walks to hear the bird chorus, a special evening walk to search for bats and even a chance to go walking with llamas.

Budding photographers have the chance to improve their skills under the guidance of travel photographer Nick Meers, on a twilight amble at Croft Castle, and there is also a chance to find out more about the hauntings and horrors of Hereford city on a special ghost walk.

For further information and to book tickets log onto www.walkingfestival.com, telephone 01568 797842 or pick up one of the Herefordshire Walking Festival programmes from one of the county's libraries and tourist information centres.

This year's walking festival is being sponsored by MandMDirect.com, the country's leading online discount clothing retailer, and Amey, one of the UK's leading public services providers.
Posted : 15/03/2010 10:34:15

Herefordshire gears up for British Tourism week
Herefordshire Council's tourist information centres are gearing up for the fourth annual British Tourism Week which takes place from 15th-21st March 2010.

During 2008 visitors brought nearly £411 million into the county and the council is keen to celebrate British Tourism Week by putting on events to raise the profile of the tourist information centres and encourage visitors and residents to use them.

Last year's British Tourism Week saw 230 events take place across the country: a list of this year's events is available at www.britishtourismweek.com.

In Herefordshire the Leominster Tourist Information Centre will be offering free samples of local food and drink from local producers, throughout the week. Tyrrells potato chips, cider from Dunkertons, jams and pickles from Sally's Pantry, and Herefordshire cheeses from Monkland Cheese Dairy are just some of the tasty samples donated for people to try.

Ross-on-Wye's centre has some fabulous prizes to give away in a competition which will run throughout the week. Prices include tickets to see Jools Holland at Eastnor Castle on Saturday 10th July, £50 worth of Theatre Tokens and National Express tickets. To enter, simply call into the Tourist Information Centre.

There will also be a competition, one for adults and one for children, at the Hereford Tourist Information Centre. The prizes on offer here are two return tickets to travel anywhere in the United Kingdom by National Express and for the children a big cuddly teddy bear.

Councillor Adrian Blackshaw, cabinet member for economic development and community services, said: “Herefordshire is a beautiful county to visit so it’s no wonder we receive so many visitors each year: tourism is an important part of our local economy.

“Our tourist information teams have a wealth of knowledge about the county's culture and history, together with lots of information about places to visit and things to do. During national tourism week, we hope that local people as well as visitors, will be encouraged to visit the centres more often so that they can explore some of the county's hidden treasures.”
Posted : 15/03/2010 08:51:38

Seal of approval to customer services
Local people receive excellent customer service from Herefordshire Council and NHS Herefordshire, according to the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown.

The Customer Excellence Award has been developed by the cabinet office and assesses the attitude, professionalism and helpfulness of customer service staff, as well as the timeliness and quality of information provided.

There is also emphasis on how well the council and the primary care trust understand their customers, and their experience of, and satisfaction with, nearly 1000 different services delivered to over 170,000 people across the two organisations.

An assessor spent two days with the customer service team, scrutinising evidence, visiting customer service centres and checking experiences with customers, partners and staff.

The new award replaces the Charter Mark for excellence in customer services. Herefordshire Council has won the Charter Mark for the previous five years running.

Councillor June French, cabinet member for corporate, customer services and human resources, said: "Herefordshire Council has a strong track record in excellent customer services and I am delighted that the team have again met the highest standards to achieve this new award.

"Public services are usually well ahead of the private sector when it comes to providing a knowledgeable and responsive customer service, either face to face or by telephone or email. It is very important that residents are able to access local services and be able to talk to someone about the issues that concern them. Now that the council and the primary care trust are working in their unique partnership, staff have to know about nearly 1,000 different services that often affect the quality of life of thousands of local people. This level of service is something many other organisations can only aspire to”.

All the employees working in our customer service centres and contact centre have received extensive training and are able to provide a wide range of information on public services.

There are customer service centres in Hereford, Bromyard, Kington, Leominster, Ledbury and Ross-on- Wye. In addition, information can be obtained by ringing the contact centre on 01432 260500.
Posted : 12/03/2010 10:05:07

Setting out ambitions for Herefordshire broadband
Businesses and communities in Herefordshire are missing out because of the limited broadband coverage. However, a new document produced by Herefordshire Council sets out an ambitious way forward to address the challenges.

Herefordshire, like all rural areas, is not able to achieve the broadband coverage and bandwidth of more urban areas because the network coverage is not in place. The document entitled Broadband in Herefordshire – Developing a County Approach sets out a vision for the future, as well as outlining how solutions can be met.

This document makes clear that waiting for market forces to solve the problem is unlikely, with Herefordshire not having the population density to make the laying of optic fibre financially viable for commercial operators.

Councillor Roger Phillips, leader of Herefordshire Council, said: “People of the county are losing out, including businesses who are not able to compete on a level playing field with companies in the more urban areas who have faster connectivity.

“Within Herefordshire Council and NHS Herefordshire we are keen to have more services available electronically to aid access to services specifically in the rural areas but this will prove difficult without a broadband solution,” he added.

The document will be launched at a Community Broadband Conference on 18 March, from 4.30pm until 7pm at The Three Counties Hotel, Hereford. The conference is open to anyone with an interest in improving broadband and will include national and local speakers.

Natalia Silver, Herefordshire Council’s head of economic and community services, said: ”The conference and document produced aims to stimulate debate about a way forward for the county working with local businesses and communities to create solutions for different parts of the county.”

To book a place at the conference please contact Kate Amos on 01432 260638 or email to kamos@herefordshire.gov.uk

For anyone unable to make the conference the document can be sent (electronically or in paper form) after the event.
Posted : 09/03/2010 10:17:08

Unseen health dangers of binge drinking
Young people in Herefordshire are being warned of the dangers of alcohol consumption through an exciting new project being delivered in the county’s colleges.

NHS Herefordshire, the leader for health in the county, has successfully bid for £12,000 to pilot a new innovative programme which will help young people understand all the risks involved with alcohol consumption. The primary care trust is working in partnership with 2XL, a voluntary-run group that uses the creative arts to raise awareness and stimulate discussion on a wide range of issues affecting young people.

Aimed at colleges and sixth forms, 2XL is developing an exciting, vibrant, dramatic performance called Blind Delusion which will take their student audience on a journey challenging perceptions and myths so that they have a clear understanding of the risks involved with alcohol. Safe and sensible drinking is the key message. The project is a pilot project and will consist of ten performances being delivered around Herefordshire’s colleges between March and April this year (2010). Each performance is followed by an interactive workshop where students can ask questions, exchange information and, if they wish, talk to health professionals.

“It’s about presenting issues in a social context,” said Sue Carter from 2XL. She continued, “We have put the performance together after detailed discussion with a group of young people who we work with on a regular basis, so we can make sure the issues addressed are from a young person’s perspective.

Roger Hanson, NHS Herefordshire, said: “The anti-social effects of binge drinking are well documented with national hospital admissions at an all time high, but we also want students to be aware of the other effects of alcohol misuse such as links to cancers, heart attacks and strokes. There is also a whole range of issues around control and responsibility, which has an impact on sexual health and relationships.

“Drinking sensibly isn’t a problem, but many don’t understand what the NHS recommended limits are, and that the impact of abusing these limits goes beyond liver damage. Using drama is a great way of getting messages across to students in an accessible way and encouraging them to consider changes in their own behaviours.”

NHS Herefordshire hopes to develop the programme further and bids are in for additional funding to facilitate this.
Posted : 08/03/2010 11:27:42

Herefordshire’s lowest ever council tax rise
Herefordshire Council approved today (5 March 2010) the lowest council tax rise ever in its history. The rise of 2.54 per cent represents £29.85 a year, or 57.4 pence a week, on a Band D property, which will rise to £1,205.09 in the next financial year but is still below the average council tax level for the country.

In a challenging budget setting, the council balanced its books last year for the seventh year running and achieved £5.6 million in savings for the next financial year.

Today, Herefordshire Council announced it had allocated an extra £1.5 million in capital and extra reserves for road maintenance, following the worst cold spell in the county for 30 years. The council, with its contractor Amey, is filling in 200 potholes a day, dealing with the most urgent first but allocating £3.7 million over the next 12 months to bring roads up to repair and resurface the road network.

Councillor Roger Phillips, leader of the council, said the council recognised the impact of any rise on local communities but Herefordshire was facing huge pressures in providing more social care for vulnerable and older people, a section of the population that is growing rapidly, as well as facing more expensive safeguarding for children.

The numbers of people receiving intensive home care has risen by 25 per cent in two years, and the number of children under child protection has rocketed by 100 per cent in the same period. The council today announced an extra £500,000 in contingency for increased pressure on social care next year.

Councillor Phillips announced that he expected soon to hear details of the new dedicated schools grant funding formula from the Department for Children, Schools and Families. Herefordshire Council has been lobbying for a fairer deal for schools, as Herefordshire gets just over £4,000 funding per pupil from government, compared with the national average of nearly £4,400. The county is fighting for government recognition of the higher overheads involved in providing education in sparsely populated areas.

Herefordshire people get £317 each from the central government formula grant, which is 17 per cent less funding per head of population than the average for similar authorities, despite the fact that public services are more expensive to provide in rural settings.
Posted : 05/03/2010 16:38:35

Spring is ideal time to reuse
Spring is the ideal time of year for people to have a good old clearout and maybe even decorate their homes and Herefordshire Council is encouraging people to see if any of their unwanted items can be reused rather than thrown away.

Many people discover unwanted items when spring cleaning but they are too good to throw away and they need somewhere to take them. People may also be replacing furniture but their existing furniture could still be useful to other people.

All across Herefordshire there are many voluntary or community organisations that will gladly take unwanted items, still in good condition, such as furniture, electrical appliances, bicycles and paint. They are then made available to other people in the area.

Councillor John Jarvis, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for the environment and strategic housing, said: “The reuse and voluntary sector is a vital means by which unwanted items don’t end up in landfill.

“Around the county many such organisations exist to help and even collect those unwanted household items that people simply have no need for anymore. Most are perfectly good and suitable for re-homing.

“The Reuse guide lists all the organisations and the items that they accept, and is a great guide for finding out where to donate your unwanted possessions.

“Re-using valuable resources in this way can help reduce the amount of waste we send to landfill and help support good causes,” he added.

A leaflet containing details of the county’s local re-use organisations is available from Info in Herefordshire centres throughout the county. Alternatively, residents can try offering their unwanted items on the internet by using the Freecycle website and a local Freecycle group can be found at www.freecycle.org

People interested in finding out more about re-use initiatives should call 01905 766883 or visit www.wastemissionimpossible.org.uk
Posted : 02/03/2010 09:45:33

Herefordshire families invited to boogie on down
As the nation gets dancing with the Change4Life Let’s Dance campaign, NHS Herefordshire and Halo Leisure are teaming up to get local families strutting their stuff on the dance floor by offering free dancemat taster sessions.

Halo Leisure has purchased two sets of eight state-of-the art dancemats to help Herefordshire’s families get active. Using games console technology, the mats are used in small classes with an instructor on hand to help participants learn a range of steps. Each class member has their own mat to dance on with the dance image being projected onto the wall at the front of the class. The class can choose which tracks they want to do, which vary from 1970s glam rock to hip hop, dance and R&B. Once the tracks are chosen, the dancing begins! You follow the moves on the screen and your efforts are recorded and scored for accuracy, effort and skill, so there’s a competitive element too.

Dancemat sessions have been introduced into Halo’s group exercise programme at Hereford Leisure Pool and Leominster Leisure Centre. Although these are targeted at young people aged 6–16, Halo is working in partnership with NHS Herefordshire to provide some free sessions as part of the local Change4Life programme that people of any age can participate in.

The free sessions which take place on March 6, are open to all people regardless of age, ability and style. Four sessions will be run from Hereford Leisure Pool (10-10.45am, 11-11.45am, 1-1.45pm and 2-2.45pm) whereas Leominster Leisure Centre re inviting people to come and have a go any time between 11.45am-15.45pm. Booking is advisable for the Hereford sessions by ringing 0845 241 2562.

“Dance is great for all ages and abilities and it doesn’t really matter if you don’t have a musical bone in your body – you’ll still be having fun whilst getting involved in healthy activity.” Says Tamara Bailey, health and fitness manager at Halo Leisure. She continued, “All people need to bring with them is a willingness to have a go, and some comfy shoes."
Posted : 25/02/2010 14:40:12

Are you ready for this year's General Election?
While the date for this year's general election is not yet known, Herefordshire Council is urging residents not to wait until the date has been announced before they secure their right to vote.

The time between the election date being announced and the last change to register to vote can be a matter of a few days, warned Chris Bull, Herefordshire Council chief executive and electoral registration officer for Herefordshire.

“If you're not on the electoral register, you won't be able to vote,” he added.

Registering to vote only takes a few minutes: print off a form from the council's web site www.herefordshire.gov.uk or www.aboutmyvote.co.uk, the website of the independent elections watchdog, the Electoral Commission, or telephone the electoral services office at 01432 260107.

Return the completed form to the Electoral Services Office at the Town Hall, St Owen Street, Hereford HR1 2PJ.

“Sometimes people don't realise they need to re-register every year,” said Chris.

“Last autumn we sent out registration forms to 79,500 addresses in Herefordshire – around 90 per cent of people returned them. But if you're not sure you returned yours, or if you've moved house since then and have not registered with your new details, you need to register now to make sure you can vote.

“Don't let anything stop you make your mark and have your say on election day.”
Posted : 24/02/2010 09:42:32

Secure future for Leominster Town FC
The future’s looking bright for Leominster Town Football Club after it took over the lease of its pitch from Herefordshire Council.

Eddie Clark, chairman of Leominster Town FC, said he was delighted the club now has total control of the lease for the Bridge Street ground.

He said: “This really marks a new era for the club and we can now start developing the ground for the benefit of both the football club and town as a whole.

“The fact we have now taken over the lease means we can apply to the Football Association for various grants which can help us to improve the ground. We can then seek to climb the football ladder and play at a higher level than we do at the moment.

“We can also invest more in providing facilities to encourage youngsters to take up the sport and, as the largest market town in Herefordshire, we really want to create a football club that the whole county can be proud of,” he added.

Councillor June French, deputy leader of Herefordshire Council and a ward member for Leominster, said: “I am delighted the football club has now taken over the lease as this will enable them to better plan for the future.

“I would also like to thank staff from our property services and parks and countryside team for all the work they carried out to ensure this takes place.

“As a local member, I wish the club all the best and hope they are successful in achieving their plans to rise up the football leagues and perhaps we may even get to enjoy a day out at Wembley,” she added.
Posted : 22/02/2010 14:36:15

Children’s Centres open their doors to families
Herefordshire Council’s children’s centres in Kington and Leominster are inviting mums, dads and carers to go wild and get drumming with their toddlers next month as they prepare to hold open sessions for new and existing customers.

The sessions, which are free, take place at Coningsby Children’s Centre in Leominster (next to the Leisure Pool) on Saturday March 20 from 10am to 1pm and at Kington Children’s Centre on Thursday March 25 from 10am to 12 noon.

Both centres have local percussionist Pedro Brown on hand to make sure the event remains upbeat. Nature rangers, WildPlay, will be organising lots of outdoor fun for parents, carers and toddlers to get involved in such as den building, hide and seek and searching for bugs. Children’s centre staff will be around to talk to visitors about how they support families within the local community and refreshments will be available.

Andy Gosling, manager of Kington and Coningsby children’s centres, said: “This is a great opportunity for parents and carers to come and meet others with young children and learn about what each of our centres has to offer.

“There are lots of organisations using the centres on a regular basis offering a range of services from parenting support, child development programmes, access to health services and a range of other activities for young children and their families.”

Honey Bees Day Care Nursery will also be opening their doors at Coningsby Children’s Centre on Saturday 20th March.
Posted : 22/02/2010 13:20:43

Council helps responsible dog owners
Herefordshire Council is set to change the way it manages its stray dog functions with effect from March 1, 2010, to help responsible dog owners avoid unnecessary charges.

The changes will mean that responsibility for dogs collected as strays will pass to the owners, allowing the council’s dog wardens to spend more time carrying out enforcement or educational work around responsible ownership and dog fouling rather than transporting dogs around the county.

Fees associated with administering this service will also rise as a part of this change to more closely reflect the actual costs incurred.

Owners of dogs seized as strays will be required to pay an administration charge of £50, a statutory fee of £25, plus £8 per night for each night their dog is boarded at kennels. The administration charge will be reduced to £30 in cases where a dog can be returned directly to an owner without being boarded at kennels.

Shane Hancock, regulatory services manager with Herefordshire Council, said: “In future, an owner whose dog has been collected as a stray and taken to a kennels for safety will have to collect their dog from the kennel and pay a fee for its return. A big advantage of this is that it will release time for the dog wardens to actively promote responsible dog ownership and carry out enforcement where education is not working.

He added: “The vast majority of dog owners are very responsible and do not incur any charges because they keep their dogs under proper control. Dogs that are not kept under control and are left to wander unsupervised in public are a hazard. They can cause a danger to traffic, they may attack people or other animals, they may foul in public areas, and they may also get injured or killed.

“It is only right that responsible dog owners and non dog owners do not disproportionately fund, through their taxes, a service that has to be provided because of the actions of a minority. It is acknowledged, however, that on occasions dogs can ‘escape’ the control of even responsible owners.

“In such cases, charges may be avoided if owners comply with the legal requirement that dogs must wear a collar giving the name and address of the owner when in a public place. A telephone number is also useful. This allows a finder to contact the owner direct without the council stray dog service being involved.”

Anyone wishing to report a stray dog or a lost dog should contact Herefordshire Council’s INFO in Herefordshire service on 01432 260500
Posted : 15/02/2010 14:58:24

Council helps to meet the challenges of broadband
Herefordshire Council is seeking to work with communities and businesses to improve broadband coverage in the county.

The council recognises broadband coverage and speed is a key issue for the county, with communities and businesses potentially losing out on the opportunities of electronic communication.

In response, Herefordshire Council is organising a community broadband conference for anyone interested in looking at solutions for the county. The conference will take place on Thursday, March 18, from 4.30pm to 7pm, at The Three Counties Hotel, Hereford, with a mix of presentations and workshops.

Councillor Roger Phillips, Leader of Herefordshire Council, said: “We are using the conference to gauge a national and regional perspective on what is possible in Herefordshire, but we are also keen to create a forum for discussion and debate involving communities and businesses.”

One of the ways forward is to work closely with local communities to look at localised solutions to address broadband coverage, and the conference will include a presentation by the Community Broadband Network with examples of how local areas have worked together to improve services. Additionally, businesses have challenges not just on coverage but also bandwidth and this will also be a topic for the conference.

Natalia Silver, Herefordshire Council’s head of economic and community services, said: “The concern is that as a county we could just wait for market forces to improve coverage, however the problem facing many rural areas is that there are not enough customers for companies to justify the investment. However, we need to make sure businesses and communities do not lose out, and that companies decide not to locate to the county because of its limited broadband coverage.”

The conference is suitable for community representatives, local businesses, internet service providers, providers of internet content, community services e.g. rural shops and community centres, councillors and statutory and voluntary sector organisations.

The event is free, but early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. To register please contact 01432-260638 or email to kamos@herefordshire.gov.uk no later than March 12, 2010.
Posted : 12/02/2010 15:18:52

Families challenged to read the labels
Herefordshire families are being urged to read the labels when doing the weekly shopping to make sure their favourite products don’t contain hidden sugars, fats or salt.

As part of the Change4Life campaign, NHS Herefordshire is doing a sweep on supermarkets across the county to teach people how to read product labels and understand what are healthy levels of sugars, fats and salt in some of our everyday products.

Health trainers have been scouring the shelves in our stores, helping customers identify some of the key offenders and looking for alternative, healthier options. Breakfast cereals are a classic; many popular brands which claim to aid weight loss are low in fat but still very high in sugar. Also, many low fat products are still high in calories due to hidden sugar. Too much sugar, fat and salt can have harmful long term effects on people’s health leading to diabetes, cancers and heart disease in later life.

Lisa Purslow, healthy lifestyle co-ordinator, said: “People are often surprised to learn that the foods they thought were healthy are not always what they seem to be. Label reading is a bit of an art and our health trainers have been helping shoppers learn how to do this. As well as learning how to identify sugars, fats and salt in products, our shoppers are being helped to understand the appropriate and safe levels for themselves and their children.

“Fizzy drinks are some of the worst offenders with up to ten teaspoons of sugar in a typical serving. We are encouraging families to get a better understanding of what’s inside their weekly shopping trolley so that they can make small changes. With a bit of label reading knowledge, they can choose alternative, products with lower sugars, fats and salt without having to change the kinds of products they buy.”

The team is happy to talk to customers about making healthy choices and help them learn how to read the small print on the packages. NHS Herefordshire will be at Morrison’s supermarket in Leominster on Friday February 12, at Tescos in Belmont, Hereford on Friday February 9 and at Morrisons in Hereford on Friday February 25, from 10am-4pm.

Details of all Herefordshire Change4Life events are available at www.herefordshirechange4life.org

Posted : 09/02/2010 09:54:34

Council celebrates cultural traditions of Africa
Herefordshire Council’s cultural services learning team has brought together local and international artists to celebrate some of the many cultural traditions of Africa.

Destination Africa is a programme of events from Friday, February 12 until Tuesday, February 23, and will include workshops in the county’s libraries and museum sites.

Events range from a bellydancing session at the Museum Resource and Learning Centre in Hereford, an author recounting his solo trek across Africa, as well as workshops for children to dance, paint their own tee-shirts, create wall-hangings and make kangas. There will also be storytimes on an African theme available in some libraries and a competition running thoughout February where people could win a wonderful cuddly elephant family.

Two of the flagship events will be the Cultural Roadshow attending Leominster Leisure centre on Saturday, February 13, where families are encouraged to make their own African art and the Heritage Open day on Tuesday, February 16, at the Museum Resource and Learning Centre in Friar Street, Hereford. Here people will have the opportunity to see some amazing museum artefacts from Africa, peek behind the scenes and there will also be dancing and painting workshops running.

In addition groups from a number of playgroups are being invited to special stories with Anansy, an African storyteller in some of the county’s libraries. There are also artists working in partnership with schools on African projects, including Aaron Meli who is working with John Kyrle High School on some drumming workshops which will hopefully lead to a performance in Ross Library.
Posted : 08/02/2010 16:19:05

Now is perfect time to install solar panels
Herefordshire Council is encouraging residents to consider installing solar panels which can reduce the cost of their electricity bills and reduce the impact they have on the environment.

Residents have a double incentive to consider solar energy now with grants available from Herefordshire Council to help towards installing the panels as well as a government announcement this week that people with solar panels will be able to sell the electricity generated.

Solar electric panels or photovoltaics have been in the light this week as the government announced the clean energy cashback or feed in tariff scheme for small-scale electricity generation.

Councillor Phil Cutter, Herefordshire Council’s energy champion, said: “Feed In Tariffs are to be introduced on April 1 2010 and will provide financial incentives for households to install solar electricity panels. A guaranteed minimum payment for the electricity generated will be offered from your energy supplier. The added incentive is the solar generated electricity, used in the home for lighting and electrical appliances will help reduce electricity bills.

“As a council, we can also help people with the cost of installing solar panels. Our SEES Renewables scheme still has funding for 10 grants of £500 available to private homeowners in Herefordshire, regardless of income, subject to funding, to help towards the cost of utilising renewable energy in the home.

“The deadline for receiving SEES Renewable applications is the end of February so I would urge people to get in touch soon,” he added.

Measures included in the scheme are:
• Solar thermal
• Solar electric
• Biomass boilers
• Wind turbines
• Ground source heat pumps
• Air source heat pumps

For more detail on how to apply for the SEES Renewables scheme please contact 01432 260398

Posted : 08/02/2010 13:47:28

Events at libraries to promote World Book Day
Herefordshire Council's library service is celebrating World Book Day in March with a variety of events and promotions.

The events, which will take place across libraries in the county, include the popular bounce and rhyme sessions, storytimes and even a special appearance by the Bookstart Bear.

Youngsters will be encouraged to dress up as storybook characters for a storytime session at the council's newest library which opened in Peterchurch last month.

Jan Nesaratnam, Herefordshire Council's senior reader services librarian, said: “World Book Day is an opportunity for us to promote the wealth of books we have available at county libraries and get more youngsters to enjoy reading.

“Books are great fun and by holding these storytelling events and encouraging youngsters to dress up, we hope they will develop a lifelong love for reading,” she added.

Events are:

Monday, March 1:
and Rhyme for under-fives at The Kington Centre 10.3am to 11am.

Tuesday, March 2:

• Three storytime sessions at The Kington Centre for Reception and Year 1 children from the local primary school.

Wednesday, March 3:

• Staff from Ross Library will be doing an Ugly Bug Storytime at the afternoon Stay and Play session at the local Children's Centre.
• Hereford Library - Bounce and rhyme for 0-3yrs 11.15am to 11.45am.

World Book Day Thursday, March 4:

• Peterchurch Library - Local primary school children will come along to the library from 10am to 11am. The children will be dressing up as storybook characters.
• Ledbury Library - under-fives storytime 10am to 11am
• Leominster Library – Bounce and Rhyme 10.30 to 11am
• Hereford Library - Storytime for 2+ yrs 10.15 to 10.45am
• Hereford Library - Bounce and Rhyme for 0-3yrs 2.15pm to 2.45pm
• The Bromyard Centre - Book exhibition 4pm to 5.30pm
• Belmont Library - Bookstart Bear will be welcoming under-fives to the library for short Bounce and Rhyme sessions at 11am, noon and 2pm. He will also be gifting bookstart packs on production of your child’s red health record book.
• Herefordshire Council's Cultural Roadshow will be at Belmont Tesco from 10am to 3pm promoting libraries and books to all ages and highlighting the service at Belmont Library.

Friday, March 5:
• Staff from Leominster Library will be out doing storytimes for three reception classes at Leominster Infants School.
• Under-fives storytime at Ross Library 2.15pm to 2.45pm

Saturday 6th March:
• Leominster Library Chatterbooks group (age 7-12yrs) will be dressing up as book characters 2pm to 3pm

Bookstart pack gifting at Belmont Library

At Belmont Library on Thursday, March 4 between 11am and 3pm children are invited to come and collect any Bookstart packs that they may have not already received. The first Bookstart pack is usually gifted at 9-12 month reviews by health visitors. The second pack is usually gifted at the 24-30month check, also by health visitors.

If you have missed either of these checks, bring your read child health record along to Belmont Library on World Book Day to collect your packs. Alternatively, contact our Early Years Officer, Julie Goodwin for more information on 01432 261644.

If you would like further information about any of these events, please contact Jan Nesaratnam, Senior Reader Services Librarian on 01432 383285.
Posted : 08/02/2010 13:44:50

New telephone scam hits Herefordshire
Fraudsters are telephoning local residents claiming they are due for a rebate on their council tax – if they would just let them have their bank details.

Herefordshire Council warns householders to be on their guard after a local woman received a bogus call saying that her council tax banding was being reduced.

The resident received a call from someone who gave her name as Margaret and told her that there was a one off fee of £39.99 for her council tax to be reduced. She put her through to a man who took her bank details. She did not catch the man’s name. When the call was finished she dialed1471 and message was ‘caller withheld number’.

The resident called Herefordshire Council to check and was advised to contact her bank urgently to explain what had happened, and to inform the police.

Similar warnings have already been issued from Newcastle to Portsmouth, as variations on the scam are growing across the country.

"No council would ever contact a resident in this manner on such issues”, said Mike Toney, head of the council’s benefits and exchequers service, “and we would never ask for your bank details over the phone to make refunds.

“Homeowners are asked to please remain alert to scams designed to find out your bank details and if possible, keep a close eye on vulnerable older family members or neighbours," he said.
Posted : 29/01/2010 18:06:15

Exhibitions to mark liberation of death camp
Herefordshire Council's community heritage team has arranged for two special exhibitions to mark the fact 2010 is 65 years since the liberation of the Auschwitz-Berkenau death camp.

Next month (February), the exhibition, “Never Again? Thinking about the Holocaust” will be coming to Hereford and will be on display from February 8 to 20 at Hereford Museum and Art Gallery then travelling to Leominster library from February 22 to 27 and to the Cider Museum, Hereford from March 1 to 6.

This exhibition by the Wiener Library, Britain's leading archive on the Holocaust and Nazi era, allows audiences to explore and think critically about the issues raised by the Holocaust and genocide. Themes covered include refugees, commemoration and memorials, propaganda both historical and contemporary and justice through the legacy of Nuremburg.

The Never Again? exhibition is complemented by the Heartstone “Testimony” Auschwitz-Berkenau exhibition on display at Hereford Museum and Art Gallery until February 20. This is a powerful photographic exploration of the Auschwitz-Berkenau death camp, featuring stunning contemporary photographs of this historic site and testimony from survivors.

Later in the year in October, to coincide with Herefordshire Photography festival, the photographic exhibition “Absence and Loss” by Marion Davies will be on display in the stairwell of Hereford Museum and Art Gallery.

The exhibition records Marion's journey around Berlin exploring the many Holocaust memorials in the city and impact of Nazis in Berlin and the wider German population in the wartime era. The exhibition aims to present an impression of the period, demonstrate man's inhumanity to man and encourage reflection on current issues of racism and extremism in society.

For more information about these exhibitions or to find out more about Holocaust Memorial Day please contact the council's community heritage officers on 01432 383599 or log onto www.herefordshire.gov.uk/museums or www.hmdt.org
Posted : 29/01/2010 17:08:48

Council approves £7.8m primary school
Herefordshire Council has rung the bell to start the legal process of creating a new £7.8-million primary school in Leominster. The brand new school, which will join up the current infants and junior schools, was backed by the council’s cabinet (Thursday 21 January 2010) but also needs the approval of the Secretary of State.

Although the government wants to see more businesses, charities or parents groups compete to run new schools, it will consider an exemption if the local community prefers their council to run it.

Consultation during the autumn of last year resulted in 73 per cent of local respondents supporting the proposal to amalgamate the schools, and when asked how it should be run, the overwhelming majority gave a vote of confidence to the local authority.

Both schools already are rated ‘good’ by Ofsted, but a brand new school, providing 630 places for children aged 4 to 11, will be a big boost to Leominster. It is part of a package of almost £30 million going into supporting schools in the market town. The new £20-million state-of-the art secondary school, the Minster College, is due to be finished in the summer of this year.

“The new primary school will make more effective use of resources”, said Councillor Philip Price, cabinet member for ICT, education and achievement. “It will share teacher expertise and provide a consistent support for children’s achievement in one school, Leominster Juniors and Infants are the only schools in the county not as an all-through primary.

“The decision to amalgamate was supported by the local community and councillors when this option was put forward under the government’s policy Primary Strategy for Change to obtain the funding. Cabinet’s decision seeks to formalise the statutory process”.

The investment will also support and sustain the vibrant community of Leominster. Approvals permitting the new school will be built on land next to the existing site in September 2012.
Posted : 26/01/2010 14:35:41

Emergency funding bid for £5.5m pothole bill
As Herefordshire thaws after the big freeze, the full damage to the county’s road network is becoming clear. Herefordshire Council estimates it will cost over £5.5 million to repair the potholes created as the water froze, expanded and broke up road surfaces.

The council and its highways partner, Amey Herefordshire, are currently scouring the county’s roads and lanes to repair hazardous potholes and keep roads safe.

In the meantime, council leader Roger Phillips has written to the Department of Transport to request the government to enact emergency funding. He makes the case that the road network has ‘suffered considerable damage as a direct result of the recent and unusually severe weather, which has left roads not meeting the high expectations of the public’.

He urges the government to act by making available extra financial support to address the full impact of the damage urgently. Several councils are expected to make similar requests.

“As in previous years Herefordshire continues to effectively deliver winter gritting and snow clearance to keep the county’s primary routes open”, said Councillor Phillips.

“There is great regret that there is never enough rock salt available in the national supply system for the council to grit over 2,000 miles of minor and unclassified roads – the focus always has to be on the A and B roads together with key access roads, such as to the county hospital, that keep the county open for business and emergency vehicles.

“However, now we face another challenge to repair hazardous potholes in the road network as quickly as possible – and although there are contingencies in the council’s budget, the financial impact is out of all proportion to what could have been expected during the winters Herefordshire is used to”.

Over 10,000 tonnes of grit have been used on Herefordshire’s roads this winter so far, mostly during the first two weeks of January. A typical recent winter would normally require about 5,000 tonnes of grit for the entire season.

If anyone spots a pothole, they are asked to contact the council’s street care line on 01432 261800 or at streets@herefordshire.gov.uk
Posted : 26/01/2010 14:34:52

Herefordshire schools get seven new minibuses
Seven new minibuses will help the county’s secondary school students get training in specialist subjects, thanks to Herefordshire Council.

To take part in the new young apprenticeship programmes and diplomas, 14 to19-year-old students need to be being able to travel from their base school for training in specialist subjects at other educational establishments. The courses include business, administration and finance, construction, engineering, hospitality, social care and creative and media.

Following a successful proposal, the council secured £1 million in government funding. Schools were asked how they wanted this money to be spent and as a result, more than £200,000 was used to buy seven 17-seater mini buses, which have been converted for use by disabled people and wheelchair users. The rest of the money will go towards equipment, ICT and building works.

Jenny Hyde, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “This really boosts the opportunity for young people in our schools, and because we face significant transport problems in getting students around our large county, the minibuses are going to be a great help. This was a wise choice made by the county’s schools.”

The minibuses will be kept at the following schools, although all secondary schools will be able to use them to transport pupils to and from diploma courses:

John Kyrle High School
Queen Elizabeth’s Humanities College
The Minster College
Weobley High School
Wigmore High School
Fairfield High School
Lady Hawkin’s High School
Posted : 25/01/2010 15:26:58

Snow brings traffic disruption in Herefordshire
Herefordshire Council has opened its emergency information line to take residents questions on how the snow is affecting roads, schools and services this morning. The number is 0844 939 6101.

The council reports that gritting teams are working across the county to tackle the heavy fall of snow that coincided with the start of commuter journeys this morning. Persistent heavy rain overnight meant that gritting could not start earlier as rock salt would simply have been washed away.

Traffic is at a standstill on several roads – including Fromes Hill on the Worcester to Hereford road where the council’s contractor Amey Herefordshire is hand-gritting to try and get traffic moving after a bus broke down and several vehicles abandoned. There remain traffic queues into Hereford.
Posted : 20/01/2010 10:37:28

Rock salt record in worst cold spell for 30 years
Over 10,000 tonnes of grit have been used on Herefordshire’s roads this winter so far, mostly during the first two weeks of January, when the county was in the grip of the worst cold spell for 30 years.

Herefordshire Council reports that storage barns were full with 6,500 tonnes of rock salt stockpiled before Christmas to ensure it could fulfil its pledge of keeping the county’s 600 miles of priority routes open over the winter.

This was backed up with more deliveries as needed and more rock salt has been received today (20 January 2010).

Last year, the council used 10,000 tonnes of salt during the whole winter period, and in the year before that under 4,000 tonnes were used, with under 3,000 tonnes used in total the year before that.

The council’s winter service plan is to grit the strategic routes that carry heavy traffic, the key commuter and public transport routes, and those important to the emergency services. But the council says it is almost impossible to also grit the unclassified and minor roads that make up the remainder of Herefordshire’s 2,000 plus miles of roads.

“I know many people in rural areas would want us to grit every minor road”, said Clive Hall, the council’s highway network manager. “If the council attempted to do so, it would soon have run out of rock salt altogether, given that the whole country was in the grip of icy conditions and there were national shortages due to the high demand on supply.

“Running out of supplies would mean it would be almost impossible for most people to get anywhere in the county, and this could bring business and commerce to a halt, as well as endangering lives and seriously impacting emergency and public services”.

“We do have a good track record in keeping primary routes open in even the worst conditions, but the recent prolonged period of below freezing temperatures has been a real challenge to our services”.

The council also has to carefully manage the way its salt is stored and used, as there is the risk of environmental damage if too much is washed into the soil or into water courses.

In the aftermath of the big freeze, there is also the problem of the potholes created as water freezes, expands and breaks up road surfaces. The council estimates it will cost over £5.5 million to rectify the damage to Herefordshire’s roads.

Herefordshire Council and its highways partner, Amey Herefordshire, are currently scouring the streets and lanes across Herefordshire to make sure that all hazardous potholes are repaired as soon as possible.

Local authorities are expected to lobbying central government for financial help in addressing the full costs of the damage to road networks during the extreme weather.

“We have contingencies in our budgets for the impact of winter on our roads, for we will be seeking help from government”, explained Clive Hall.

“Teams are out and about already repairing potholes,” he added. “They are also be inspecting drains at critical locations to make sure they are not blocked by debris and not the cause of localised flooding.

If anyone spots a pothole, they are asked to contact the council’s street care line on 01432 261800 or at streets@herefordshire.gov.uk
Posted : 20/01/2010 09:25:04

Jilt the Junk advice hits the road
Herefordshire Council will once again be taking its advice on dealing with junk mail on the road in a bid to help residents reduce the amount of rubbish sent to landfill.

The waste prevention team's Jilt the Junk Mail campaign, run in conjunction with Worcestershire County Council, is now in its fourth year and aims to help households get on top of the issue of unsolicited letters and flyers arriving through their letterboxes.

As part of the campaign, the team has arranged a number of drop-in sessions at customer contact centres in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

Residents are invited to pop along and find out ways in which they can help stop junk mail. Free Jilt the Junk Mail packs will be available, containing letterbox stickers, envelope re-use stickers and more top tips and advice, but only while stocks last.

Councillor John Jarvis, Herefordshire Council's cabinet member for the environment and strategic housing, said: “This simple campaign is very effective and is the perfect way to stop all that 'junk' mail falling through your door. Pop along to one of the road shows to find out more from the waste prevention team about how to prevent all that unwanted post piling up on your doormat.

"We are also reminding people that if they do still receive junk mail, they can recycle it through their kerbside recycling collection, at local recycling banks or even compost the paper element at home."

The roadshow will be calling at the following venue between 10am and 3pm:

Herefordshire: InfoShop, Wednesday, February 24

For further information, visit your local customer contact centre, call 01905 766883 or visit www.wastemissionimpossible.org.uk
Posted : 19/01/2010 16:46:41

Spread the word about home composting
Herefordshire Council is giving residents the chance to give something back to their community by championing the benefits of home composting.

The council, in association with the national charity for organic growing, Garden Organic, and Worcestershire County Council, is appealing for volunteers to sign up to its Master Composters Programme. They are looking to recruit 20 more volunteers to be trained in March 2010.

A total of 72 people have been trained since the scheme began. The Master Composter scheme is aimed at promoting the benefits of home composting, encouraging more people to participate and enabling those who already home compost, to do so more effectively.

Volunteers will take part in a number of promotional activities, which could include attending events such as shows and doing school visits and demonstrations, where they will provide the council’s waste prevention team with a helping hand.

Since May 2006 volunteers have collectively given around 4,000 hours of their time to promoting home composting across the two counties.

Councillor John Jarvis, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for the environment and strategic housing, said: “The Master Composters Programme is making a massive contribution towards home composting throughout Herefordshire and Worcestershire and we are now looking for more people to join the team so that we can spread the word even further.

“Our existing volunteers are an enthusiastic and motivated team, who are doing a fantastic job in promoting home composting. Becoming a Master Composter is a great way to meet new people, learn valuable skills and benefit from being part of a team that makes a difference.”

Volunteers will be provided with full training in home composting and other related environmental issues. Volunteers will be expected to contribute a minimum of 30 hours over 12 months. Travel expenses will be paid.

People interested in finding out more should call Chris Atkinson on 01905 768227 or email cnatkinson@worcestershire.gov.uk
Posted : 19/01/2010 16:29:52

Flooding in Herefordshire
Herefordshire Council has reported that several roads remain flooded in the north of the county as a result of the melting of the week’s heavy snowfall over the weekend. The following roads are likely to remain closed well into today (Monday 18 January 2010):

A4113 Walford to Leintwardine
A4110 Adforton to Leintwardine
A4110 Lawtons Cross to Bainstree Cross, Kingsland
A438 Letton
C1001 Brampton Bryan to Walford
C1039 Bicton Crossroads
C1105 Ivington to Hyde Ash

The following are passable but with care:
A4111 Eardisley
A456 Little Hereford to Brimfield

The council’s emergency information line was opened at 6am this morning and is taking calls – the number is 0844 939 6101.

The information is based on reports from local authority and police sources but is not necessarily comprehensive. Conditions are liable to change at short notice. Motorists are advised to take care on all routes and to comply with warning signs.

Residents are advised to:
• Listen to the local radio for travel information
• Tell someone at your destination what time you expect to arrive
• Do not enter floodwater, as there is no way of telling how deep it may be. This applies if you are on foot as well as in a vehicle - manhole covers may have been loosened or removed so there could be extremely dangerous hidden hazards in floodwater
• Please respect road closure signs - they are there for your safety and mean the road is impassable
• Remember the rain and spray from vehicles makes it difficult to see and be seen, so adjust your speed and drive more slowly and use your headlights.
Posted : 18/01/2010 08:01:24

Refuse and recycling collections in Herefordshire
Friday's refuse and recycling will be collected as normal where the crews have safe access, reports Herefordshire Council.

Local people are requested to put out their recycling if they normally have a Friday recycling collection but it wasn't collected due to the Christmas Day and New Year's Day arrangements and the snow last Friday.

The collection crews will be working today and Saturday to clear both Friday recycling collections so residents are asked to put out their recycling at their normal collection point until 6pm Saturday. If the crews have been unable to collect by then residents should please bring their refuse and recycling back in.

The council expects that both refuse and recycling collections will return to full service next week but will keep residents informed if weather conditions worsen again.

Richard Wood, waste services manager, said: “I would like to thank Herefordshire residents for bearing with us during the recent terrible weather conditions and I would remind everyone that extra recycling can be put out in old purple and clear recycling sacks or in sacks clearly labelled, "RECYCLING" on their normal recycling day”.
Posted : 15/01/2010 08:21:29

Schools and Roads Update
With today’s big thaw, Herefordshire Council reports that most schools are expected to open today and A and B roads across the county are clear with some minor and unclassified roads getting easier to negotiate for motorists, although great care is still required as the rain is turning to ice on some high ground.

The council’s emergency information line is open this morning and taking calls – the number is 0844 939 6101.
Posted : 15/01/2010 07:21:07

Normal service resumes at household waste sites
Residents wanting to get rid of their refuse or recyclable materials can do so at the county’s household waste sites.

These have been closed due to the snowy weather, but are now open as normal.

Locations and opening times are:

Hereford
Chapel Road
Rotherwas Industrial Estate
HR2 6LD
(01432) 343420
Mon-Sun 8am – 6pm
(Inc. Bank Holidays except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day)

Leominster
Bridge Street
HR6 8EA
(01568) 614271
Mon-Sun 8am – 6pm
(Inc. Bank Holidays except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day)

Ross-on-Wye
Station Approach
HR9 7AQ
(01989) 762460
Thurs and Sat 8am – 6pm
Sun 10am – 5pm
(Except Christmas Day , Boxing Day and New Year’s Day)

Bromyard
Linton Industrial Estate
HR7 4QT
(01885) 488261
Tues 8am – 6pm
Sat and Sun 8am – 6pm
(Except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day)

Ledbury
Little Marcle Road
HR8 2DR
(01531) 635615
Wed and Sat 8am – 6pm
Sun 9:30am – 1pm
(Except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day)
Posted : 14/01/2010 09:16:15

Herefordshire’s refuse collections resume
Refuse and recycling collections across Herefordshire have resumed today, Thursday, January 14.

Herefordshire residents are being asked to put out their refuse and recycling for collection as normal today.

With the thaw expected to continue, the council is planning a double collection of recycling tomorrow, Friday, January 15.

It means that people who haven’t had a recycling collection due to Christmas falling on a Friday should put out their recycling tomorrow morning along with those residents who normally have their recycling collected on Fridays.

These arrangements will be confirmed first thing tomorrow morning.
Posted : 14/01/2010 09:15:33

Schools and Roads Update
Most schools are expected to open today in Herefordshire but the following schools are reporting they will be closed:

Notified as Closed as at 7.45am
Primary Schools
Kings Caple Primary
Kingstone and Thruxton Primary
Leominster Infants School
Leominster Juniors School
Llangrove CE Primary
Michaelchurch Escley Primary
Much Marcle CE Primary
Peterchurch Primary
Steiner Academy
Stoke Prior Primary

Secondary Schools
Fairfield High School
Kingstone High School

Special Schools
Barrs Court

Notified as Open as at 7.45am
Primary Schools
Ashfield Park Primary (packed lunches required)
Bridstow CE Primary (packed lunches required)
Dilwyn CE Primary
Eardisley CE Primary (no transport or lunches)
Goodrich CE Primary
Luston Primary
Madley Primary
Much Birch CE Primary at 10am
Orleton CE Primary
St Joseph's RC Primary 9.30 - 2.30
St Martin's Primary, Hereford
St Mary's CE Primary, Credenhill
Wellington Primary
Whitchurch CE Primary
Wigmore Primary
Withington Primary

Secondary Schools
John Kyrle High School
John Masefield High School from 9.45am
Lady Hawkin's High School main road buses only
Weobley High School
Wigmore High School

Special Schools
Blackmarston from 10am


Herefordshire Council reports that A and B roads across the county are clear after overnight gritting - but drivers are reminded to watch out for patches of black ice and freezing fog in some areas. The minor and unclassified roads remain hazardous after yesterday's persistent snowfall and overnight temperatures over just below freezing.

The council’s emergency information line is taking calls on the status of school opening, roads and public services this morning – the number is 0844 939 6101.
Posted : 14/01/2010 08:55:35

Refuse collections across Herefordshire cancelled
Refuse collections across Herefordshire have been suspended today, Wednesday, January 13, due to the snow.

Residents are being asked to keep hold of their refuse and recycling which was due for collection today.

Refuse can be put out next Wednesday for collection and recycling will be collected in a fortnight’s time, subject to the road conditions improving.

Herefordshire Council and its partners will assess the conditions tomorrow morning prior to deciding on whether we can safely carry out Thursday’s collections.

Look out for further updates on the council’s website and by tuning in to your local radio station.

The Hereford, Leominster and Ledbury household waste sites are open today, but residents are advised that care should be taken on the roads accessing them.
Posted : 13/01/2010 09:51:05

Schools open and schools closed in Herefordshire
Herefordshire Council has reported that 90 schools are closed and 10 known to be open across the county this morning (at 9.00am on 13 January 2010):

Schools closed today:

Primary Schools
Almeley Primary
Ashfield Park
Ashperton Primary
Brampton Abbotts Primary
Bredenbury Primary
Bridstow CE Primary
Broadlands Primary (and nursery and after school clubs)
Brockhampton
Burghill Primary
Burley Gate Primary
Canon Pyon Primary
Clehonger Primary
Clifford Primary
Colwall Primary
Cradley Primary
Dilwyn Primary
Eardisley Primary
Eastnor Primary
Ewyas Harold Primary
Garway Primary
Goodrich Primary
Gorsley Goff Primary
Hampton Dene Primary
Holme Lacy Primary
Holmer Primary
Ivington Primary
Kings Caple Primary
Kingsland CE Primary
Kingstone and Thruxton Primary
Kington Primary
Lea Primary
Leintwardine Primary
Leominster Infants
Leominster Junior
Little Dewchurch Primary
Llangrove Primary
Lord Scudamore Primary
Luston Primary
Madley Primary
Marden Primary
Michealchurch Escley Primary
Much Birch Primary
Orleton Primary
Our Lady's RC Primary
Pembridge Primary
Pencombe Primary
Peterchurch Primary
Riversides Primary
Shobdon Primary
St Francis Xavier
St James' Kimbolton Primary
St Joseph's RC High School
St Mary's Credenhill Primary
St Michael's CE Bodenham
St Paul's CE Primary Hereford
St Peters Bromyard
St Thomas Cantilupe Primary
St Weonards Primary
St. Mary's CE Primary, Fownhope
Staunton-on-Wye Primary
Stoke Prior Primary
Stretton Sugwas Primary
Sutton Primary
Walford Primary
Wellington Primary
Weobley Primary
Weston-under-Penyard Primary
Whitbourne Primary
Whitchurch Primary
Wigmore Primary
Withington Primary (and Nursery)

High Schools
Fairfield
John Kyrle High open for exam candidates only
John Masefield High only open for exam candidates
Lady Hawkins (open for A level exams)
Queen Elizabeth
St Mary's RC High
The Hereford Academy
Weobley High
Whitecross High
Wigmore High
The Steiner Academy
The Bishop of Hereford's Bluecoat School
Kingstone High
The Minster open for exam candidates only

Special
Barrs Court
Blackmarston
Westfields
The Priory Centre
The Aconbury Centre

The Contact Course at the Art College

Schools Known to be Open

Primary
Ledbury Primary
Marlbrook Primary
Mordiford Primary
St James' CE Primary, Hereford
St Martins Primary, Hereford
Trinity Primary

High
Aylestone High

Special Schools
Brookfield - open until 12.

Colleges
Hereford Sixth Form College
Herefordshire College of Technology
Posted : 13/01/2010 09:15:10

Heavy snowfall closes many schools
Herefordshire Council reports that several schools will be closed today as a result of the heavy and persistent snowfall. The list at 6.50am is:

Primary
Burghill Primary
Canon Pyon Primary
Kingstone & Thruxton Primary
Leominster Infants
Leominster Junior
Llangrove Primary
Whitchurch Primary
Wigmore Primary

High
Lady Hawkins (open for A level exams)
Whitecross High
Wigmore High
The Minster open for exams only

Special
Barrs Court
Blackmarston

The council does publish gritting routes on its website and these can be viewed by visiting www.herefordshire.gov.uk and the council’s own emergency information line has been open since 6am to respond to residents’ enquiries about schools, roads and other services. The number is 0844 939 6101.

Herefordshire Council has reported that as forecast, the county has been hit by persistent snowfall overnight and this morning, with up to 6 feet drifts in some areas of high ground affecting the road network.

Gritting and snowplough teams have been battling to try to treat the A roads as a priority since 10.30 last night. The teams will tackle B roads as soon as the A roads are clear. Currently A roads are passable with care but other roads, particularly the minor and unclassified ones, are hazardous.

The council’s contractors are in Hereford High Town clearing snow in preparation for the day’s business after hand gritting the city and market town shopping areas yesterday.


During what is the worst cold spell for 30 years, the council’s contractor Amey Herefordshire is focusing on regularly gritting the 600 miles of A and B roads - but if it attempted to treat all of the 2,500 miles of minor and unclassified roads across such a large area, it would run out of rock salt very quickly. Salt has to be carefully managed at a time of national supply problems but the council traditionally is able to keep most of the county moving on primary routes during extreme weather.

There are warnings of possible delays at Aylestone Hill in Hereford as Welsh Water begin repairs to a burst water main, the result of a thaw after freezing weather. Temporary traffic lights are installed and the repairs are expected to be completed by Thursday afternoon.
Posted : 13/01/2010 06:59:28

Heavy snow disrupts Herefordshire yet again
Herefordshire Council has reported that as forecast, the county has been hit by persistent snowfall overnight and this morning, with up to 6 feet drifts in some areas of high ground affecting the road network.

Gritting and snowplough teams have been battling to try to treat the A roads as a priority since 10.30 last night. The teams will tackle B roads as soon as the A roads are clear. Currently A roads are passable with care but other roads, particularly the minor and unclassified ones, are hazardous.

The council’s contractors are in Hereford High Town clearing snow in preparation for the day’s business after hand gritting the city and market town shopping areas yesterday.

The council does publish gritting routes on its website and these can be viewed by visiting www.herefordshire.gov.uk and the council’s own emergency information line has been open since 6am to respond to residents’ enquiries about schools, roads and other services. The number is 0844 939 6101.

Two schools – Kingstone High and Barrs Court special school - have reported they will be closed but the list is expected to grow.

During what is the worst cold spell for 30 years, the council’s contractor Amey Herefordshire is focusing on regularly gritting the 600 miles of A and B roads - but if it attempted to treat all of the 2,500 miles of minor and unclassified roads across such a large area, it would run out of rock salt very quickly. Salt has to be carefully managed at a time of national supply problems but the council traditionally is able to keep most of the county moving on primary routes during extreme weather.

There are warnings of possible delays at Aylestone Hill in Hereford as Welsh Water begin repairs to a burst water main, the result of a thaw after freezing weather. Temporary traffic lights are installed and the repairs are expected to be completed by Thursday afternoon.
Posted : 13/01/2010 06:58:49

Herefordshire to decide on its future
Local people to reshape Herefordshire as a new land of opportunity – major consultation starts next week

Thousands of residents are expected to participate in discussions to help turn Herefordshire into a new land of opportunity, with more and better paid jobs, more decent and affordable homes, and better transport links.

Herefordshire Council is launching next week the Shaping Our Place 2026 consultation, the findings of which will affect everyone who lives and works in the county. A public event at the Kindle Centre at Asda in Hereford - from 10am to 4pm – on 18 January kicks off an eight-week series of exhibitions and road shows across the county.

“Herefordshire Council needs you to share your views now in what will be one of the most important consultations ever to take place in the county”, said Councillor John Jarvis, cabinet member for environment and strategic housing. “The council wants to help create a land of opportunity, right here in Herefordshire, for all our communities.

“Herefordshire has the room and freedom to grow, while retaining its special heritage and environment. Everyone has a view about how Herefordshire can be improved – whether we need a relief road for the city, more decent and affordable homes, a university or better-paid jobs. But it will be up to local people to help grow the right future for the county, the city and the market towns”.

The consultation is driven by the need to grow the county. Herefordshire has below average wage levels for the region but above average house prices. There are 5,000 people on the county’s housing waiting list and demand is high for homes that are decent and affordable.

Herefordshire is recognised as providing a good education. But without a university, or sufficient higher education to build skills and qualifications, or good career prospects, the council knows young people are more likely to find better prospects elsewhere.

The county also needs more enterprises, offering high quality jobs. More space for employment land has to be found. Growth in the county will provide stronger markets for local firms to thrive and prosper - and safeguard local essential public services.

Sorting out Hereford’s traffic problems is a major priority. Previous consultation shows that most local people feel that a blend of public transport improvements and a new relief road and second river crossing is the preferred solution. However, the route – either to the west or the east of the city – needs careful consideration and the consultation details the implications of either option. Leominster is also identified as requiring a southern relief road.

The strategy for the market towns is to further promote their roles as service and economic centres for their rural hinterlands but also improve links with Hereford. Several villages could see development designed to increase affordable housing and sustain essential services, including schools, and new shops, along with rural transport improvements. The options are also to promote extended employment land and more enterprise centres to encourage the creation of new jobs, particularly creative industries and environmental technologies to boost the economic viability of villages.

The council is holding several exhibitions and road shows across the county in the coming weeks, as well as workshops in schools and colleges. People’s views will be analysed and proposed policies developed and presented back to cabinet later in 2010 and publicised, before being submitted to the Secretary of State, who will arrange for a public examination and inspector’s report with final adoption anticipated in 2011.

It provides a chance for everyone to help finalise the Local Development Framework, which will be the blueprint for planning and developing Herefordshire for the future.

In parallel, the council is also running a consultation on the Local Transport Plan, which will be adopted by April 2011 and will drive the county’s transport strategy for the next 15 years. The review of the transport strategy is intended to align transport policy with the wider needs of the county and will help coordinate support for growth. The Local Transport Plan consultation enables local people to let the council know what their priorities for transport are for the county, whether it is greater public transport investment, more cycle routes, better highway maintenance or further road safety improvements.

Members of the public wishing to comment can access the consultation documents on the council’s website www.herefordshire.gov.uk. Literature can also be picked up from council facilities like info shops and libraries.

More public events are expected to be announced by Herefordshire Council soon, but the following have been arranged:

• 18 Jan - Launch at Kindle Centre, Asda, Hereford. Turn up any time from 10am to 4pm
• 26 Jan - Public event at the Town Hall, Hereford from 10am to 1pm
• 02 Feb - Road show at Ross Market Square. Visit any time from 10am to 1pm
• 03 Feb - Road show at Leominster Corn Square from 10am to 1pm
• 04 Feb - Road show at Evans Easyspace at Rotherwas, starting 11pm
• 09 Feb - Road show at Kington Mill Street Car Park from 10am to 1pm
• 11 Feb - Road show at Bromyard Tenbury Road Car Park from 10am to 1pm
• 13 Feb - Road show at Hereford High Town from 10am to 3pm
• 23 Feb - Road Show at Ledbury St Katherine Street Car Park from 10am to 1pm
• 23 Feb – Evening event at Hereford’s Aylestone School from 6pm to 8pm
• 24 Feb - Road show at Ewyas Harold Memorial Hall Car Park from 10am to 1pm

Posted : 12/01/2010 13:07:17

Waste collections resume across Herefordshire
Herefordshire Council has reported that waste collections across Herefordshire have resumed today (Tuesday 12 January 2010). The council apologises for the disruption and crews will be making every effort to collect all refuse and recycling - but are still hampered by difficult icy conditions on many minor roads.

Residents are asked that if they have not had a collection by 6pm today, then could they please bring in their refuse and recycling and put it out again on their next collection day.

In the face of the worst cold spell for 30 years, the council is making the decision whether to send out the crews on a day-by-day basis. Rotherwas, Leominster and Bromyard household waste sites have re-opened today.

The council’s contractors will collect recycling material, over and above that in the authorised bins and sacks, for the next round of collections, which will take place when refuse collection vehicles are out again.

It will mean residents can put out excess recycling in their old purple and clear sacks or in any other sacks, so long as they are clearly labelled up as "recycling".

A decision on Wednesday’s collection will be made first thing tomorrow morning - residents are advised to tune in to their local radio stations or visit www.herefordshire.gov.uk to find out the latest information.
Posted : 12/01/2010 11:48:59

Herefordshire’s scandals, brought back to life
John Challis - of Only Fools and Horses and Green Green Grass fame – is to play a leading part in bringing back some of the most scandalous and surprising stories from Herefordshire’s past.

Herefordshire Council is holding a special evening next month when Mr Challis and other actors will perform dramatic readings of selected historic documents.

Tales from the Archives will be held in the Great Hall, Bishop’s Palace, Hereford at 7pm on Saturday 27 February 2010. It will feature crimes, miracles, tokens of love, drunkenness and witchcraft – all taken from the county’s written heritage held in the council’s archives service.

Chief archivist Elizabeth Semper O’Keefe said ‘We are delighted that Mr Challis and the other actors will be helping us celebrate the people of Herefordshire who are represented in our archives. It will be very exciting to hear them being given a voice and I’m sure it will make for a special evening.’

Tickets are £8 and will include light refreshments. For further information and bookings, call Herefordshire Council’s archive service on 01432 260750
Posted : 12/01/2010 10:03:40

More snow on the way for Herefordshire tonight
As Herefordshire braces itself for more heavy snowfall, the council warns that it must continue to prioritise on keeping the primary routes of the county open.

During what is the worst cold spell for 30 years, the council’s contractor Amey Herefordshire is focusing on regularly gritting the 600 miles of A and B roads - but if it attempted to treat the 2,500 miles of minor and unclassified roads across such a large area, it would run out of rock salt very quickly. Salt has to be carefully managed at a time of national supply problems but the council traditionally is able to keep most of the county moving on primary routes during extreme weather.

The council reports that all A and B roads in the county have been gritted throughout the night and are passable with care – but motorists are advised that they are likely to encounter black ice without warning, and there is freezing fog in some areas. Most minor and unclassified roads are all passable with extreme care - but pavements in villages, market towns and parts of Hereford are hazardous.

Waste and recycling collections are operating today, reports the council, and Fosca bin crews will endeavour to get to every household but delays are inevitable.

Social services have asked if residents could please look in today on elderly or vulnerable neighbours who may have run out of basic supplies and would find it difficult to get provisions if we suffer increased disruption.

Fire and rescue remind parents to keep children away from icy bodies of water after incidents in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, and urged extra care with wood burning stoves and electric fires. Also poorly parked cars in some back roads are restricting access for fire crew vehicles.

Around 90 schools in Herefordshire are expected to be open today and parents can check with individual school’s web sites or call the council’s emergency information line, which opened at 6am this morning. The number is 0844 939 6101.

The West Midlands Ambulance Service warns that people should take care to avoid the risk of slips, trips and falls if they have to venture out on foot.

NHS services remain under pressure and NHS Herefordshire is urging people to only use 999 if a situation is life-threatening. Anyone requiring medical treatment should consider using parts of the NHS other than Accident and Emergency and the 999 service. People can get advice on their condition from their local pharmacist or GP and should also consider calling NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or visiting it on-line at http://www.nhs.uk/
Posted : 12/01/2010 08:10:06

Drivers asked to watch out for black ice
Herefordshire Council reports that all A and B roads in the county have been gritted throughout the night and are passable with care – but motorists are advised that they are likely to encounter black ice without warning, and there is freezing fog in some areas. Most minor and unclassified roads are all passable with extreme care - but pavements in villages, market towns and parts of Hereford are hazardous.

Around 90 schools in Herefordshire are expected to be open today and parents can check with individual school’s web sites or call the council’s emergency information line, which opened at 6am this morning. The number is 0844 939 6101.

The council’s contractor Amey Herefordshire dispensed 170 tonnes of rock salt on the roads overnight. They reported at 3.30am a major water leak on the A49 southbound, just past the traffic lights for Saxon Gate in Hereford, and Welsh Water have been notified.

The West Midlands Ambulance Service warns that people should take care to avoid the risk of slips, trips and falls if they have to venture out on foot.

NHS services remain under pressure and NHS Herefordshire is urging people to only use 999 if a situation is life-threatening. Anyone requiring medical treatment should consider using parts of the NHS other than Accident and Emergency and the 999 service. People can get advice on their condition from their local pharmacist or GP and should also consider calling NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or visiting it on-line at http://www.nhs.uk/

While social services are doing their best to ensure elderly and vulnerable people are looked after, residents are asked please to check on their older neighbours as many may be in need of basic supplies.
Posted : 12/01/2010 07:02:27

Herefordshire Snow Update
As Herefordshire enters its second week of snow and ice, some schools in the county have reported to local radio and to the council that they will be open today. But parents are advised to check the school's individual websites for updated information or call Herefordshire Council's emergency information line– the number is 0844 939 6101.

The following schools are expected to be open today:

Ashperton Primary
Canon Pyon Primary
Cradley Primary
Fownhope, St Mary's Primary
Garway Primary
Holme Lacy Primary
Pencombe Primary
Trinity Primary
Whitchurch Primary

John Kyrle High School for years 11,12,13 and exam candidates only
The Minster at Leominster for years 11,12, 13 and exam candidates only
Kingstone High
St Mary's RC High for years 10 and 11 only (packed lunches are required and parents driving their children to school should please pick them up at 3pm).

Motorists are respecting the difficult road conditions and driving with care on the county's principle roads, which have been kept open by gritting teams, who were out at 12.30am and 4am this morning. Herefordshire Council and its contractor Amey Herefordshire are focusing on treating the 600 miles of A and B roads and managing road salt supplies - but much of the county's 2,500 miles of minor roads remain icy and hazardous.

Snow showers started at midnight and have been persistent on times across the county. Motorists are advised to check local road and weather conditions before making the decision to drive. Visit the council's website on www.herefordshire.gov.uk and look in the spotlight on the home page to access information on which roads will have been gritted.

Don't get caught out even on short journeys. If you have to travel, make sure you take plenty of warm clothing, food and hot drinks.

The county's emergency services along, with Herefordshire Council and NHS Herefordshire, reviewed together the situation over the weekend to ensure key services are maintained and communities supported throughout the spell of very cold weather.

The West Midlands Ambulance Service warns that people should take care to avoid the risk of slips, trips and falls if they have to venture out on foot.

NHS services remain under pressure and NHS Herefordshire is urging people to only use 999 if a situation is life-threatening. Anyone requiring medical treatment should consider using parts of the NHS other than Accident and Emergency and the 999 service. People can get advice on their condition from their local pharmacist or GP and should also consider calling NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or visiting it on-line at http://www.nhs.uk/

While social services are doing their best to ensure elderly and vulnerable people are looked after, residents are asked please to check on their older neighbours as many may be in need of basic supplies.
Posted : 11/01/2010 07:11:11

Keep on recycling...
The snow may have prevented the regular refuse collections around the Herefordshire, but it needn't stop people recycling.

Herefordshire Council has agreed with its contractors that they will collect recycling material, over and above that in the authorised bins and sacks, for the next round of collections, which will take place when refuse collection vehicles can safely go out to collect.

It will mean residents can put out excess recycling in their old purple and clear sacks or in any other sacks, so long as they are clearly labelled up as "RECYCLING".

“We apologise that we have not been able to collect during the last few days due to the weather. The good news is that it needn't stop people recycling – just store it up and put it out when the collections start again,” said Richard Wood, Herefordshire Council's waste services manager.

Due to the ongoing icy conditions, Herefordshire's household waste sites won't be open this weekend (Saturday and Sunday, January 9 and 10). They are iced over and are not safe for residents to deliver their recycling and refuse.

Please check the council's website to see when the sites will reopen.
Posted : 08/01/2010 17:23:42

Motorists heed 'stay at home' message
Emergency services and organisations providing key services across Herefordshire have praised county motorists for heeding the “stay at home” message during the current spell of icy weather.

Plunging temperatures which fell to around -14C last night caused hazardous driving conditions across the county as water, slush and snow turned to ice yesterday afternoon and overnight.

But despite today’s blue sky and bright sunshine, temperatures are not due to rise much above freezing and with clear sky tonight, the temperature is expected to plummet again.

“We’ve had a great response from people across the county,” said Supt Kevin Purcell, of West Mercia Police, who chairs the group which oversees the response to the snowy weather from the emergency services, Herefordshire Council and NHS Herefordshire.

“With treacherous conditions, it was encouraging that roads were noticeably quieter yesterday afternoon and overnight. However, drivers must not be complacent.

“The big freeze is not over and conditions in the coming days will mean more ice and possibly snow this weekend – motorists should remain vigilant.

“The message is the same – only make essential journeys. If you have to go out, make sure you take plenty of warm clothing, food and hot drinks,” he added.

While the county’s A and B roads are passable with care, minor roads remain covered in snow and can turn into ice rinks overnight.

“As schools know their local conditions and how far staff and pupils have to travel, they are best placed to make their own decisions as to whether they remain closed or re-open,” said Chris Baird, children’s services assistant director for Herefordshire Council.

“Schools are also very much aware of the health and safety implications they need to take into account. They will act on the advice that the council and other partners provide.

“A number of our schools are not on main roads and many roads across the county are not yet suitable for school buses. This is under constant review and we are updating the current position with our transport contractors.”

When schools make a decision to re-open, they will update their websites, inform the council and let local radio stations know.

Gritters were out on the priority routes again last night (Weds, Jan 6) and put down around 400 tonnes of salt – but salt solutions do become less effective in the extreme temperatures we’re currently experiencing.

“Roads may appear gritted, but at the temperatures we’re getting overnight, the effectiveness of the salt can become limited,” said Clive Hall, Herefordshire Council’s highways network manager.

“Motorists who have to make essential journeys should be aware that when temperatures reach -15C, the roads could be slippery and icy, despite the salt we’ve put down,” he added.

The team of 18 gritters are currently working around the clock to keep the county’s A and B roads clear.

“We have to concentrate on keeping the main routes through the county clear so unfortunately we simply don’t have the capacity to extend the coverage to all other roads,” added Clive.

Visit the council’s website on www.herefordshire.gov.uk and look in the spotlight on the home page to access the information on gritting routes.

He also issued a plea to youngsters who are out about enjoying an extended winter holiday to stay safe.

“We want our youngsters to enjoy the snow, but please do it safely,” he warned.

“Large snowmen on verges close to a road and on roundabouts could be dangerous to drivers, and children playing in these areas are at risk of slipping into the roadway and are also at risk of cars skidding on the ice.

“Please enjoy the snow, but enjoy it in parks and gardens, well away from roads,” he added.
Posted : 07/01/2010 15:26:49

No refuse collections across Herefordshire today
Refuse collections across Herefordshire have been suspended today, Thursday, January 7, due to the snow and icy weather.

Residents are being asked to keep hold of their refuse and recycling which was due for collection today.

It can be put out next Thursday for collection, and recycling in a fortnight's time, if conditions allow.

Herefordshire Council and its partners will assess the conditions tomorrow morning prior to deciding on whether we can safely carry out Friday's collections.

Look out for further updates on the council's website and by tuning in to your local radio station.

All the county's household waste sites are also closed today.
Posted : 07/01/2010 10:30:25

Extreme weather continues
After recent snowfall and clearer conditions in Herefordshire, temperatures fell as low as minus 13 Celsius in some locations overnight. Herefordshire Council reports that A and B roads are passable with care. They were treated at 6pm yesterday and again this morning at 4am, and over 340 tonnes of rock salt was used, but untreated surfaces and unclassified roads remain hazardous.

Herefordshire Council’s emergency information line is up and running and residents can ring this for the latest information – the number is 0844 939 6101. Herefordshire’s schools are expected to be closed today generally but those opening will notify local radio to inform parents, updating their school’s website and implementing their processes for contacting parents and carers. Schools transport operators are not running services today.

As the weather forecast remains uncertain, schools are considering their local circumstances on a daily basis and will inform the council and local media when they are due to reopen.

The county’s emergency services along, with Herefordshire Council and NHS Herefordshire, are meeting regularly to review the situation and make plans to ensure key services are maintained and communities supported throughout the spell of wintery weather.

The message from the police is to stay at home if possible and only go out if it’s an urgent journey. Don’t get caught out even on short journeys. If you have to travel, then make sure you take plenty of warm clothing, food and hot drinks.

The West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust has backed this call warning that iced-up untreated roads and pavements will be very slippery – so people should take care to avoid the risk of slips, trips and falls if they have to venture out on foot.

NHS Herefordshire is urging people to only use 999 if a situation is life-threatening – anyone requiring medical treatment should consider using parts of the NHS other than A&E and the 999 service. People can get advice on their condition from their local pharmacist or GP and should also consider calling NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or visiting it on-line at www.nhs.uk.
Posted : 07/01/2010 07:55:31

Snow wipes out refuse collections
Refuse collections across Herefordshire have been suspended today, Wednesday, January 6, due to the snow.

Collections were called off late yesterday morning due to the weather.

Residents are being asked to keep hold of their refuse and recycling which was due for collection today.

It can be put out next Wednesday for collection, and recycling in a fortnight's time, if conditions allow.

Herefordshire Council and its partners will assess the conditions tomorrow morning prior to deciding on whether we can safely carry out Thursday's collections.

Look out for further updates on the council's website and by tuning in to your local radio station.

All the county's household waste sites are closed today
Posted : 06/01/2010 11:08:45

Herefordshire Snow Update
Herefordshire Council has reported that A and B roads across the county are passable with care after nearly 500 tonnes of salt were put down by gritters working throughout the night. Hereford has had around 4 inches of snow and up to 10 inches of snow has fallen on parts of South Herefordshire. The council’s contractor Amey Herefordshire is continuing to treat the roads this morning but unclassified roads will be extremely difficult for motorists.

Therefore, the council reaffirms police advice that drivers should not venture out unless their journey is absolutely necessary. Domestic waste and recycling collections are likely to be extremely disrupted today.

Parents can find out the most up to date information on school closures this morning by telephoning Herefordshire Council's emergency information line – 0844 939 6101 – which has been open from 6am.

The council has been notified of the following school closures due to heavy snow today. Parents are advised to ring their schools direct for further details.

Primary Schools
Almeley Primary
Ashfield Park Primary
Ashperton Primary
Bosbury Primary
Brampton Abbotts Primary
Bredenbury Primary
Brockhampton Primary
Burley Gate Primary
Burley Gate Primary
Burley Gate Primary
Canon Pyon Primary
Clehonger Primary
Clifford Primary
Colwall Primary
Cradley Primary
Dilwyn Primary
Ewyas Harold Primary
Garway Primary
Goodrich Primary
Gorsley Goffs Primary
Hampton Dene Primary
Holme Lacy Primary
Ivington Primary
Kings Caple Primary
Kingsland Primary
Lea Primary
Ledbury Primary
Leintwardine Primary
Leominster Infants and Junoirs
Lord Scudamore Primary
Lucton Independent School
Lugwardine Primary
Luston Primary
Marden Primary
Marlbrook Primary
Michaelchurch Escley Primary
Much Birch Primary
Much Marcle Primary
Orleton Primary
Our Ladies RC Primary
Pencombe Primary
Peterchurch Primary
Shobdon Primary
St Francis Xavier RC Primary
St James' CE Primary Hereford
St Joseph's RC Primary
St Pauls CE Primary Hereford
St Peter's Bromyard Primary
St Thomas Cantilupe Primary
Stoke Prior Primary
Sutton Primary
Trinity Primary
Walford Primary
Weobley Primary
Whitbourne Primary
Whitchurch Primary
Wigmore Primary
Withington Primary

Pembridge Primary is open but no buses will be operating

High Schools
Aylestone High
Fairfield High
John Masefield High
Kingstone High
Lady Hawkins High
Queen Elizabeth High
St Mary's RC High
The Bishop's of Hereford Bluecoat School
The Hereford Academy
The Minster
Weobley High
Wigmore High
John Kyrle High
Out of county schools
Monmouth Comperhensive
Tenbury High
Ludlow College

Special Schools
Barrs Court Special School
Blackmarston Special School
Westfield Special School
St Davids Pupil Referral
The Aconbury Centre

Hereford College of Technology - both Hereford and Holme Lacy Campus'

Herefordshire Council is grateful to the team of volunteer 4X4 response drivers, who are members of the community and made over 20 emergency journeys during the night, primarily to get staff to and from the county hospital, and are continuing to make journeys today.

Emergency crews have reported difficulties in getting to blue light incidents due to the weather. Untreated roads and pavements are likely to stay very slippery through the rest of today. And people are urged to take care so that they avoid the risk of slips, trips and falls.

NHS Herefordshire advises that if you do need medical treatment, please consider using parts of the NHS other than A&E and the 999 service. The NHS is extremely busy at present due to the cold weather; please get advice on your condition from a pharmacist, your GP NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or on-line at www.nhs.uk and if you need treatment, consider using a walk in centre or minor injuries unit.

Residents are also being advised to check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be more vulnerable to cold weather, which is especially dangerous for older people or people with serious illnesses. People with heart or respiratory (breathing) problems may have worse symptoms during a cold spell and for several days after temperatures return to normal.

To keep warm and well during the current snowy weather:

• Keep curtains drawn and doors closed to block out draughts.
• Have regular hot drinks and at least one hot meal a day if possible. Eating regularly helps keep energy levels up during winter.
• Wear several light layers of warm clothes (rather than one chunky layer).
• Keep as active as possible.
• Wrap up warm if you need to go outside on cold days.

Keep your home at the recommended temperature of 18–21°C (64–70°F). If you can’t heat all the rooms you use, heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before you go to sleep.
Posted : 06/01/2010 09:25:57

Residents advised to only make essential journeys
With further snow and freezing conditions due later today and overnight, Herefordshire Council and its partners are advising people to only make essential journeys.

Around 80 schools have closed today and refuse collections have been suspended as the weather created problems with crews finding it difficult to keep vehicles on the roads.

Parents can find out the most up to date information on school closures tomorrow morning by telephoning Herefordshire Council’s emergency information line – 0844 939 6101 – which will be open from 6am.

Meanwhile emergency crews have reported difficulties in getting to blue light incidents due to the snow and increased congestion on the roads

West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer, Mark Gough, said: “Untreated roads and pavements are likely to stay very slippery through the rest of today. We would urge people to take care so that they avoid the risk of slips, trips and falls if you are on foot.

“Where possible, people should stay at home. If you do have to travel, please ensure you take warm clothing, and sensible footwear with you. If possible take a shovel, snow chains, chocolate and a drink with you.

”If you do need medical treatment, please consider using parts of the NHS other than A&E and the 999 service.

“The NHS is extremely busy at present due to the cold weather; please get advice on your condition from a pharmacist, your GP NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or on-line at www.nhs.uk.

“If you need treatment, consider using a walk in centre or minor injuries unit.”

Residents are also being advised to check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be more vulnerable to cold weather, which is especially dangerous for older people or people with serious illnesses.

People with heart or respiratory (breathing) problems may have worse symptoms during a cold spell and for several days after temperatures return to normal.

To keep warm and well during the current snowy weather:

• Keep curtains drawn and doors closed to block out draughts.
• Have regular hot drinks and at least one hot meal a day if possible. Eating regularly helps keep energy levels up during winter.
• Wear several light layers of warm clothes (rather than one chunky layer).
• Keep as active as possible.
• Wrap up warm if you need to go outside on cold days.

Keep your home at the recommended temperature of 18–21°C (64–70°F).

If you can’t heat all the rooms you use, heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before you go to sleep.
Posted : 05/01/2010 17:15:50

Herefordshire Council emergency information line
Herefordshire Council’s emergency information line has opened to give local residents the latest news on roads affected by the snow as well as details of school closures.

The telephone line opened at lunchtime today and will remain open so long as there is demand for it this evening.

It will re-open at 6am tomorrow (Weds) and will have the latest details on school closures.

The number is 0844 939 6101
Posted : 05/01/2010 14:14:20

Snow affects Herefordshire refuse collections
Herefordshire's refuse and recycling crews were out this morning but were quickly affected by the snow.

Some areas have had their refuse and recycling collected, but by 9am crews were having difficulties keeping the vehicles on the roads.

At 11am today all collections of refuse and recycling were stopped.

If residents haven't had their collection today, they are being asked to take their refuse and recycling back in.

Refuse can be put out next Tuesday for collection, and recycling in a fortnight's time, if conditions allow.

We will assess the conditions tomorrow morning prior to deciding on whether we can safely carry out Wednesday's collections.

Look out for further updates on the council's website and by tuning in to your local radio station.

Posted : 05/01/2010 11:36:08

Road safety advice over the Christmas period
Herefordshire Council is reminding motorists out on the road over the Christmas period to drive according to the road conditions.

Drivers should be aware that if the road surface temperature drops to -5C, the grit laid down by the gritting lorries becomes less effective – and at -9C, it has virtually no effect at all.

Key advice is that although the council is continually monitoring and treating Herefordshire’s roads, people should only travel when necessary over the Christmas period during the current icy weather.
Posted : 24/12/2009 13:57:42

Gritters out and about to keep routes clear
Herefordshire motorists are being reassured that Amey Herefordshire’s fleet of fifteen gritters will be out and about keeping the county’s primary routes clear over the Christmas period.

Overnight the gritters have been working around the clock to keep primary routes clear: 209 tonnes of grit have been distributed during the last 18 hours.

The gritters were out at 4pm yesterday and were back out again at 10pm to grit all primary routes, secondary routes and car parks

A third grit of all primary routes occurred again at 2.30am this morning and Hereford’s High Town has been hand treated throughout this period.

The team of drivers will be on call right through the Christmas period and will continue to operate as weather conditions dictate.

A leaflet has been produced detailing the winter gritting routes which can be downloaded in PDF format from the council’s website at www.herefordshire.gov.uk

The major towns are available in individual, more detailed files, which are also available on the website.
Posted : 24/12/2009 12:39:24

Swine flu vaccination for county’s under 5s begins
The first of 10,000 children aged between six months and five years of age in Herefordshire have begun receiving their swine flu vaccinations.

The vaccination programme follows the announcement by the health secretary Andy Burnham earlier this month that children of this age had been identified as the next priority group because they are more likely to need hospital treatment if they catch swine flu.

The decision is supported by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation – the UK’s independent advisory board on vaccines.

This second phase of vaccinations follows hot on the heels of the first phase during which around 25,000 people - identified as being at risk of severe illness should they contract the swine flu virus - in Herefordshire were contacted by their local GPs and invited to have their swine flu vaccination

NHS Herefordshire has negotiated through the Local Medical Committee and has reached an agreement that local GPs will roll out this second phase of vaccinations.

While some have already begun contacting the parents of youngsters, the majority of GPs will be contacting families early in the New Year to invite them to bring their children in for flu vaccinations.

“These people have been identified nationally by the Department of Health (DoH) because they are at highest risk of severe illness should they contract the swine flu virus,” said Dr Akeem Ali, Herefordshire’s Director of Public Health.

“Thankfully, for most people the affects of swine flu are mild and no worse than a bout of seasonal flu.

“NHS Herefordshire, which is receiving the batches of vaccinations from the DoH, is making sure they are delivered to GP surgeries so they are in the hands of local doctors who know their patients and particularly those at risk.

“If you get a letter or a phone call from your GP inviting you, or your children, to have a swine flu vaccination, please ensure you to take up this offer,” added Dr Ali.
Posted : 24/12/2009 12:37:53

Highways team keeps county moving
Herefordshire Council and their service delivery partners Amey have been working hard during the recent spell of bad weather to keep the county’s roads clear of ice and snow.

The county’s fleet of 18 gritters has salted roads on both primary and secondary gritting routes during the recent cold snap. The county has 3,291km of roads with 963kmn being priority gritting routes while 684km are secondary routes.

Roadside grit heaps and bins are also provided where requested by parish councils to provide cover on minor roads which might not otherwise be treated.

A leaflet has been produced detailing the winter gritting routes can be downloaded in PDF format on the council’s website at www.herefordshire.gov.uk The major towns have also been made available in individual, more detailed files, which are also available on the website.

Councillor Brian Wilcox, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: “Even though many people are now enjoying a much-deserved Christmas break, it is still crucial that the county’s roads are kept open as this helps to ensure the safety of commuters, people out shopping and those who are travelling to visit relatives.

“We will continue to keep a close eye on weather forecasts and ensure the appropriate action is taken to minimise the risk to the travelling public and keep the county’s roads open throughout the winter period,” he added.
Posted : 22/12/2009 10:22:49

There’s no need(le) to waste Christmas trees
Herefordshire Council is encouraging people not to put their Christmas trees into landfill this year but instead recycle or re-use them.

Millions of Christmas trees are disposed of in early January every year but people could instead take them to the household waste sites where they will be chipped, shredded and used for compost.

Laura Blackwell, Herefordshire Council’s recycling officer, said: “There are also living tree schemes where people can bring a real, potted tree into the house and then plant it back outside once the festivities are over.

“Another option is to buy an artificial tree which can be re-used every year. Unlike a real tree, it won’t help to offset global warming by absorbing carbon dioxide but in comparison to a Christmas tree that is sent to landfill after just a few weeks, it will use fewer resources in terms of transportation, felling and waste disposal,” she added.
Anyone wanting to recycle their Christmas tree in Hereford should take them to their nearest household waste site and leave them in the large composting bins.
Household waste sites can be found at:
• Hereford - Chapel Road, Rotherwas
• Ross-on-Wye - Station Approach
• Leominster - Bridge Street
• Ledbury - Little Marcle Road
• Bromyard - Linton Industrial Estate, Leominster Road

All household waste sites will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, Saturday 26th December.
All sites that are normally open on a Sunday will be available on Sunday 27th December. All sites that are normally open on Mondays will be open on Monday 28th December. All sites will be closed on New Year’s Day, Friday 1st January. Normal opening hours will resume on Saturday 2nd January 2010.
Posted : 17/12/2009 12:11:19

Herefordshire rural shops get a lifeline!
Herefordshire Council is offering rural shops in Herefordshire a chance to apply for funding to make a difference to their businesses and the communities they serve.

The discretionary grant aims to enhance the future viability of rural shops in Herefordshire in order to safeguard vital services for people living in rural areas.

A grant of up to £5,000, or 90 per cent of the total project cost, is available to owners, landlords or lessees of a general village stores which sells a variety of goods. Priority will be given to shops at threat of closure, particularly those that currently offer a post office service.

Eligible activities include:-

• Refurbishment to the shop interior;
• Purchases of equipment e.g. display cabinets, refrigeration;
• Training or advice.

The scheme excludes farms shops, community shops and franchises. However, they are encouraged to contact the team as there may be other funding available.

Cllr Adrian Blackshaw, Cabinet member for economic and community services, said: “I’m delighted to have an opportunity to support our rural shops as they provide such a vital service for their local communities. Keeping these services available and operating ensures that the most isolated and vulnerable communities of Herefordshire can survive.”

As funding is limited, all applications need to be received by 25 January 2010 to be assessed by an independent panel.

Any traders or landlords wanting to take advantage of the grant scheme should contact the delegated grants team for details and an application pack on 01432 260753 or email the team at delegatedgrants@herefordshire.gov.uk
Posted : 16/12/2009 17:23:28

10,000 under fives to get swine flu vaccination
Children aged between six months and five years of age in Herefordshire are to be vaccinated against swine flu.

Health Secretary Andy Burnham’s announcement last week, (Tues, Dec 8), means around 10,000 youngsters in the county will receive the H1N1 vaccine.

This age group was identified as the next priority group for the vaccine because they are more likely to need hospital treatment if they catch swine flu.

The decision is supported by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation – the UK’s independent advisory board on vaccines.

Although the roll-out of the vaccination programme has been hampered because a national agreement between NHS employers and the British Medical Association’s General Practitioners’ Committee could not be found, NHS Herefordshire is negotiating through the Local Medical Council to reach an agreement with local GPs.

“Failure to reach a national agreement is disappointing, but we’re hoping to be in a position to roll out the vaccination programme by around Christmas,” said Dr Akeem Ali, Herefordshire’s director of public health.

“We have a number of options, but our preferred choice would be to vaccinate through our local GPs.

“Parents of children in the priority group will receive information about the swine flu vaccination programme as soon as these plans have been finalised,” he added.
Posted : 15/12/2009 08:05:10

Herefordshire is a good place to live
Glowing reports show that quality of life in Herefordshire is improving

Herefordshire is a good place to live, thanks to the council, the primary care trust and the police services working very closely together to improve people's lives. This is the conclusion of a new government assessment – called Oneplace – which assesses how well public services are meeting the needs of local people.

Herefordshire Council and NHS Herefordshire, who are working in a unique and close partnership to improve local services, have welcomed the new report. Working with the police, and other agencies, they are credited with reducing anti-social behaviour and the fear of crime in Herefordshire, as well as ensuring that people are healthy and safe and that children get a good education.

The rating comes hot on the heels of another very positive report. Herefordshire Council's children's services are also 'performing well' according to an annual performance rating published by Ofsted this month. This is the third year running that children's services have demonstrated continuous improvement. The report says the overall effectiveness of the large majority of inspected services is good and better than in similar local authorities and nationally. Children receive a good start to their care and education in the county.

Also this month, the Care Quality Commission, the independent regulator of health and social care, has reported that Herefordshire is looking after older and more vulnerable people better than ever before. The council consistently delivers adult social care services above minimum requirements and this year has moved up a level from 'performing adequately' to 'performing well'.

The council works closely with its partner, NHS Herefordshire, which is the leader for health in the county, and has improved strongly the quality of life, health and wellbeing of users of social care services and carers, against more stringent government testing for social care.

The rural nature of Herefordshire presents difficulties in terms of domestic waste collection and the Oneplace assessment refers to the need to improve. However, in November, the council launched its new recycling service. Nearly 60,000 wheeled bins and over 15,000 sack deliveries took place and when the scheme went live, the council collected 600 tonnes of recycling by the second week – three times as much as in the same period the previous year. Over 98 per cent of all residential properties now receive a recycling service.

The council also launched this year a new community protection team to respond to anti-social behaviour, and is the first point of contact for sorting out fly tipping, abandoned vehicles, fly posting, littering and dog fouling, and quickly responds to and investigates all reports.

The council is also working to provide more affordable housing, which the Oneplace assessment also identified as a need for Herefordshire. Although it has reached its targets in 2009, the council is encouraging new developments, such as the urban village on the ESG regeneration site in Hereford. Other issues being worked on by the primary care trust, the council and other agencies, include the need to improve broadband access for business, and reduce road accident deaths, speed up ambulance response times and improve dental health.

Herefordshire is one of 152 areas assessed in England, with six independent inspectorates creating a single snapshot of an area. They look at how important local issues, such as crime, affordable housing and people's health, are being tackled – and the prospects for improvement.

The assessment sometimes uses 'red flags' to signal any significant concerns about performance, and in this first Oneplace report, Herefordshire has no red flags but is working to win 'green flags' for significant improvement in next year’s assessment.

Chris Bull, chief executive of Herefordshire Council and NHS Herefordshire, said: “The story for Herefordshire continues to be one of improvement and assessment of our services, by a number of different agencies, is finding that our unique and pioneering approach to partnership is working and providing real benefits for residents, especially in terms of quality of life, community safety, social care and education.

“There is of course, much more we need to do, but in this first Oneplace report it is great news that local people find Herefordshire a good place to live. It is only by working closely together, that their council, primary care trust and several other public services providers, can make a real and lasting difference in ways that are important to them”.

Mary-Ann Bruce, Oneplace spokesperson for Herefordshire said: "Herefordshire is a good place to live. The council, NHS, fire and police services work very closely together to improve people's lives. They've reduced anti-social behaviour and the fear of crime. People are healthy, safe, and children get a good education. The majority of people are satisfied with where they live. But the rural nature of the county creates difficulties, such as a need for more housing that people can afford, better waste management and improved broadband access to attract business and jobs. And more needs to be done to reduce deaths from accidents, speed up ambulance response times and improve dental health."

Oneplace provides an independent overview of local public services. It will help people see how well their local services, including councils, police and the NHS, are serving their needs and how well these services are working together to improve an area's quality of life. The results will be published on a new website www.direct.gov.uk/oneplace launched on 9 December 2009.
Posted : 09/12/2009 07:59:01

Social care services performing well in the County
Herefordshire is looking after older and more vulnerable people better than ever before, according to an independent assessment of social care services.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC), which is the independent regulator of health and social care in the England, has reported that when it comes to adult social care services, Herefordshire Council is performing well.

The council consistently delivers services above minimum requirements and this year the commission has reported that Herefordshire has moved up a level from ‘performing adequately’ to ‘performing well’.

The council works closely with its partner, NHS Herefordshire, which is the leader for health in the county, and has improved strongly the quality of life, health and wellbeing of users of social care services and carers, against more stringent government testing for social care.

“It is very good news that the council’s efforts to ensure that social care service meet the needs of the growing numbers of older and vulnerable members of our communities”, said Councillor Olwyn Barnett, cabinet member for older people and social care.

“There will always be immense pressures on these services in Herefordshire, because the older section of the population is growing faster than most anywhere else in the county, and there will always be room for improvement. But I am gratified that given the more stringent assessment of services, Herefordshire Council is able to demonstrate strong improvement in the range and quality of services it provides.

"I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all members of staff for their very hard work and I congratulate them on the very good results, in spite of the financial pressures."

The council is helping larger numbers of older people to live independently at home, including people with a learning disability, and is boosting awareness and training to help them avoid falls, and so hospital admissions have reduced. People are checked on more often, particularly at night, and the success of electronic monitoring services is also exceeding targets.

Many more people are provided with adaptations to help them live at home and waiting times for this service are much shorter. The number of delayed hospital discharges of older people is very low, although the council needs to continue actions within its new integrated structure with the primary care trust to ensure this number is reduced.

Nearly 250 additional extra care places have been provided this year, including Rose Gardens, in Hereford, a partnership scheme of 91 affordable apartments with on-site social care and leisure facilities.

An innovative village warden scheme has been rolled out across the county, supporting people in remote areas to remain independent.

The council contributes to the funding of the voluntary sector (there are over 1500 voluntary and community organisations in the county and it is estimated that 18 per cent of the local population volunteer). Carers are supported to take part in community life through the carers’ hub, newsletters and specific events for carers.

There is a well-established ‘signposting’ service where local public services alert other services if they feel a vulnerable person needs extra help. Actions have been taken to strengthen and monitor protection for people who use services and their carers from all forms of abuse.

The council is ‘personalising’ services and has increased the number of people who receive a direct payment and use that to purchase the care they need.

There is a range of schemes and services that provide information and advice to help users and carers to understand and manage their income and meet their costs. For example, there is a ‘gold ticket’ fast track benefits scheme that guarantees applications will be processed within two working days.

The council and the primary care trust has improved health and wellbeing, providing a wide range of information and advice to promote a healthy lifestyle, including a magazine delivered to peoples’ homes, coffee mornings that offer free health checks and initiatives to manage long term conditions.

Services and results for people who misuse alcohol are better, and hospital admissions for alcohol related harm have been cut, and there are more drug users receiving effective treatment.

A range of employment opportunities is available for people with learning disabilities, including social enterprise schemes. Training courses and workshops for carers have been developed with partners, and the council plans to improve information and support for employment amongst carers by including information in the carers’ newsletters and on the website.

Chris Bull, chief executive of Herefordshire Council and NHS Herefordshire, said: “The unique and innovative partnership we have between health and social care means we are able to make progress on joining services up to help older people live independently at home with dignity, while having the confidence that the care and support they need is there for them. People in our county live longer than average and we have to ensure that we are delivering on our commitment to add life to years, as well as years to life”.
Posted : 03/12/2009 16:24:08

Council goes electric with new car
Herefordshire Council and its service delivery partners Amey are bidding to cut their carbon footprint by trialling a new electric car.

The partnership is one of just 100 nationwide to have secured the electric-powered smart cars as part of research trials being held across the West Midlands, London and the South East.

Powered solely by electricity, and chargeable from any three-pin socket, the smart electric car can achieve 300mg and travel up to 84 miles between charges. It also has reduced carbon dioxide emissions.

Councillor John Jarvis, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for the environment and strategic housing, said: “I am delighted we have been selected to trial this car as it will not only save our fuel costs but will also help the environment as they produce far less carbon emissions.

“It is crucial that we as a council lead by example and this will help to reduce our own carbon footprint. If the car proves a success, we will look at acquiring more as and when our existing fleet needs replacing.”

Mark Thomas, service director for Amey, said: “One of Amey’s priorities is to reduce its carbon emissions and the trial of the new vehicle is a step towards achieving that goal.”
Posted : 30/11/2009 17:07:17

Herefordshire is urged to shape its future
Growth is coming to Herefordshire – which may result in over 16,000 new homes, new enterprises, more jobs and prosperity, and a bypass for Hereford and Leominster. But making sure we grow the right way is up to everyone, says Herefordshire Council, which is launching a major consultation in the New Year to shape the future of the county, the city and the market towns.

Leader of the council Roger Phillips urged the silent majority to speak out on the options laid out for the Local Development Framework when the consultation starts on 18 January. Speaking at the council’s cabinet (26 November 2009), he said this was Herefordshire’s big chance to write the blueprint for planning and development up to 2026.

Cabinet members considered various ‘place shaping options’ outlined in a draft consultation paper, which has been published on Herefordshire Council’s website www.herefordshire.gov.uk and these are detailed for Hereford, Bromyard, Kington, Ledbury, Leominster, Ross-on-Wye and the rural areas of the county.

The council will hold exhibitions and road shows across the county early next year, with workshops in schools and colleges. People’s views will be analysed and proposed policies developed and presented back to cabinet later in 2010 and publicised, before being submitted to the Secretary of State, who will arrange for a public examination and inspector’s report with final adoption anticipated in 2011.

Previous consultation had highlighted that nearly 80 per cent of respondents feel that a blend of public transport improvements and a new relief road would be the preferred solution to Hereford’s traffic problems. However, the route – either to the west or the east of the city – needs careful consideration and the draft consultation paper details the implications of either option. The paper also outlines possible locations for the new homes, which will also affect the route of a bypass and the location of a second river crossing, as developers would need to contribute to infrastructure improvements. The aim is to regain the city’s place as an economic power in the region in order to bring prosperity and opportunity for future generations.

The strategy for the market towns is to further promote their roles as service and economic centres for their rural hinterlands but also improve links with Hereford.

The largest single allocation of new homes outside of Hereford could go to Leominster, due to its economic importance located on the A49 corridor and its rail links, with growth providing a southern link road for the town. Ledbury and Ross could support more development than Bromyard and Kington with the amounts of new homes and employment land balanced by their respective needs and environment considerations. Several villages and groups of villages could see development designed to increase affordable housing and create and retain employment and services.

The cabinet approved the ‘place shaping paper’ as a consultation document and agreed the formal consultation period of 18 January to 12 March 2010.
Posted : 30/11/2009 08:31:13

Council warning on fraudsters
Fraudsters have targeted Herefordshire homes attempting to trick people into giving their bank details over the phone.

The bogus phone callers claim they are representing the council and tell householders they are entitled to a refund on their council tax because they have 'overpaid'. They then ask for personal bank account details, in which to ‘pay the refund’.

"These calls are not connected to the council and people should never provide personal account or bank details over the phone," said Mike Toney, head of revenues and benefits for the council.

“In some cases, fraudsters may even get hold of part of a person's account number by going through their rubbish, and could quote a few numbers of this in the hope that their victim will provide the rest of the information.”

"Residents need to be aware that if they have overpaid their council tax, we would never telephone but will issue a revised bill to advise them of this. Fortunately no-one has fallen for the scam, but like most organisations, such as banks and government offices, Herefordshire Council will write to residents, therefore be very careful if you do receive calls like this and report them to the council and to the police."
Posted : 26/11/2009 10:48:49

Ambassadors speak up for Herefordshire
Visit Herefordshire is to launch its Ambassador Programme at Hampton Court today, Thursday November 26th, with many of the high profile ambassadors for the county in attendance.

Visit Herefordshire has signed up a wide ranging team of world renowned personalities, as its ambassadors to carry the message that Herefordshire is a wonderful county to visit and relocate to.

During the evening the new 2010 visitor guide for the county, which has a number of quotations from our Ambassadors, will be revealed.

Peter Hands, Chairman of Visit Herefordshire who has worked for several months tracking down the “Good and the Great” to enlist their support in promoting Herefordshire, said: “It has been along process but I am deeply heartened by the responses I have received to date, given that everyone is so busy with their own professional careers.

“Ambassadors who have already signed up include John Challis, Quentin Letts, Mathew Engel, Sir Roy Strong, Richard Johnson, Ian Storey, Walenty Pytel, Sam Llewelyn, Kate Bliss, Kevin Sheedy, Eleanor Oldroyd, Miranda Richardson, Lord Alex Carlile; Julian Lloyd Webber, Colin Addison, Robert Rogers and Brian Huggett.”

Ian Storey, world famous tenor, commented: “I really look forward to returning home to Herefordshire as I am always away performing in various opera’s around the world. It is just the most tranquil county I know”.

Jane Lewis, tourism marketing manager for Herefordshire, said: “It is quite amazing who we have discovered with connections to the county, I am delighted that we have been able to recruit such great Ambassadors and we thank them for their contributions to the new visitor guide.
Posted : 26/11/2009 09:51:19

Recycling collection reminders prove great success
Herefordshire Council has already had more than 500 people sign up to receive a free text message to remind them when to put their recycling out.

The council’s website, which also offers a free postcode search to find out collection days, has also received 1,969 users since the service launched on November 2.

To get free texts, residents just have to text “hcrecycle”, their postcode and first line of address to 80800. People who sign up to the free service receive a text at 6pm the night before their recycling is due to be collected.

Residents can also check their collection date by logging onto the council’s website www.herefordshire.gov.uk and using the simple postcode search.

Councillor John Jarvis, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for the environment and strategic housing, said: “We knew when we started the fortnightly collection of recyclable materials that some people may have trouble remembering when to put their wheeled bin or clear sacks out so I am delighted so many have taken advantage of this free text messaging service.

“I am aware people lead busy lives and as we are obviously keen for people to recycle as much as possible, we wanted to make it easy for people by offering these two services. People can also contact any of the Info in Herefordshire centres to find out when their collection day is.

“These figures show people in the county obviously want to embrace the new recycling service and ensure they don’t miss their collection date and this will be especially important as we start to hit the festive season when people will be having parties and recycling a lot more bottles and cans,” he added.
Posted : 23/11/2009 21:47:33

Walking and more in a Winter Wonderland
Enjoy a winter wonderland this Christmas at Herefordshire Council’s Queenswood Country Park with lots of fun including Bertie Buzzard’s Christmas Trail throughout the school holidays and much more.

Book your place now on the Christmas wreath making workshop on Sunday, December 13, 2009 from 1pm to 3pm.

Come along and make a traditional festive wreath using natural hedgerow materials to take away with you and decorate your home. The term wreath comes from the old English word, “writhen”, meaning to writhe or to twist. At Christmas evergreen plants, such as holly, ivy and pine have long been used to create wreaths.

These plants have a special meaning since they not only stay green, they bear fruit during the harsh winter months and traditionally people believed these plants to represent the promise of new or everlasting life….just don’t leave them up after Twelfth Night. Please wrap up warm as this event will take place outside.

The workshop costs just £5.50 per person, suitable for all ages but no children under 8 years. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Booking is essential please contact Queenswood Tourist Information Centre, telephone 01568 797842

Then on Saturday, December 19, 2009 Queenswood will host the Noah’s Ark Trust Annual Lantern Walk. Reserve your lantern and candle by registering with the Noah’s Ark Trust. For more information and to register please telephone 01432 264555 or visit www.noahsarktrust.co.uk

Queenswood Tourist Information Centre will be open every day until December 23 from 10am until 4pm and December 28 to December 31 from 10.30am-3.30pmso why not pop in for Christmas gifts galore, stocking fillers and a lucky dip £1 entry.

Queenswood Tourist Information Centre is one of the TIC’s in the county holding a “Decorate a Christmas Tree Bauble” competition for children. You can collect your bauble from Friday, December 4 until Saturday, December 12 and return it decorated to be judged on Saturday, December 19 at noon.

Each entrant will get a small present and the winner of the competition will be given the opportunity to visit Santa in his grotto or to attend the performance of Christmas pantomime.

Then when it’s all over for another year why not “Start as you mean to go on in 2010!” by joining Countryside Officer James Bisset for a walk around Queenswood Country Park on New Year’s Day, and the 2nd and 3rd of January 2010. Get some fresh air and exercise and learn more about the park and its trees and wildlife. These walks are free, no need to book, just meet in front of the Tourist Information Centre at 2pm. Dogs welcome on leads. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information about Queenswood this December please contact the Tourist Information Centre, telephone 01568 797842.

Queenswood Country Park, managed by Herefordshire Council’s parks, countryside and leisure development service is open all year, from dawn till dusk with free car parking and a children’s play area.

There are three way-marked trails and easy access paths so that everyone can explore the park and work off that Christmas Pudding!

Queenswood is on the A49 between Hereford and Leominster – follow the brown signs at the top of Dinmore Hill.
Posted : 23/11/2009 21:35:48

Making it easier to get advice on benefits and bad
Herefordshire Council is holding a series of special surgeries at Belmont Library to make it easier for customers to access information and advice on housing and council tax benefits as well as blue badges.

The surgeries, being run by the council’s Info in Herefordshire centres, are every Tuesday from 9.30am until 12.30pm and all people have to do is call 01432 261832 to make an appointment.

Councillor June French, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for corporate and customer services and human resources, said: “We are aware many people who live in the South Wye area find it more difficult to get to the Info centre at Garrick House during normal working hours so decided we would, instead, bring the service to them in their own area.

“At these surgeries, our staff will be able to offer advice on whether people qualify for housing or council tax benefits and can then help them fill in the correct application forms to make their claims which will be fast-tracked and processed within two days as long as we have been provided with all the necessary information.

“Residents can also use the surgeries to see if they qualify for a blue badge for parking and again we can help them complete the application form.

“In the current climate, it is really important to ensure everyone is getting the benefits they are entitled to and I would urge anyone who thinks they may qualify to make an appointment for one of the surgeries,” she added.
Posted : 17/11/2009 14:50:44

New gritter to help keep roads clear this winter
Herefordshire Council has just taken delivery of a new gritter to help ensure it can keep the county’s roads open during the winter months.

The new £80,000 vehicle – paid for by a detrunking grant from the Department of Transport – brings the council’s total fleet of gritters to 17.

Councillor Brian Wilcox, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: “Last year, we took over responsibility for maintaining two new roads, the A40 and A465, which were previously managed by the Highways Agency.

“As part of this agreement, we were given a grant towards maintaining these stretches of roads and have spent some of this money on buying this new gritter. Obviously, we now have extra lengths of road to keep clear during the winter vehicle and this new gritter will ensure we can keep to our targets of getting all priority routes treated within a two-hour period.

“The new gritter conforms to the highest environmental standards and has other features such as GPS technology which will show us which roads have been treated and when. There is also a camera inside the vehicle which allows the driver to see what is happening inside the hopper at the back from the safety of the cab rather than having to get outside the vehicle.

“This year, the council will again be using Safecote to treat the county’s roads and this will also mean the new vehicle will have a lifespan of at least 10 years, rather than the eight with the existing vehicles.

“Herefordshire Council has a dedicated maintenance cycle for its gritting vehicles and aims to replace each one after it has reached its lifespan and also keeps a spare gritter as part of the fleet in case it is needed for extremely severe weather,” he added.
Posted : 13/11/2009 11:43:52

Council prepared for winter weather conditions
Herefordshire Council is fully prepared for whatever this winter brings.

This year’s winter service plan builds on the success of last year’s gritting operations which proved to be resilient to the national salt shortage and enabled the council to keep all priority routes treated throughout the winter.

The winter service, along with the rest of the highway service, is now delivered for Herefordshire council by Amey Herefordshire. In this ground breaking service delivery partnership Amey Herefordshire deliver an ‘end to end’ service for the people of Herefordshire, which also extends well beyond highways into parks, public rights of way services and a range of support services.

Through this partnership Herefordshire Council has secured a guaranteed minimum annual saving of one million pounds, this representing five per cent of the annual spend on these services.

This represents a genuine efficiency saving as opposed to a cut in service because Amey Herefordshire has challenging targets to achieve, which are firmly linked to the award of contract extension. Many of these targets relate to the state of our roads and Amey Herefordshire are managing there operations to achieving the following standards as a minimum:

• 100% defects that represent an immediate or imminent hazard to the travelling public will be responded to within two hours and made safe within 24 hours. 100% of these defects will be permanently repaired within 28 days of initial report.
• 95% defects that, if they remain untreated could become a hazard will be repaired within 28 days of initial report, 100% within two months.
• 95% of defects that present a lower risk, will be repaired within two months of report, 100% within three months.
• All category other defects identified or reported will either repaired or incorporated into known programmes of work within six months.

The programmes of work are being developed through sound asset management planning. Asset management identifies the optimal allocation of resources for the management, operation, preservation and enhancement of the highway infrastructure to meet the needs of current and future customers. Considerable benefits can be derived from the management of assets in this way.

The development of asset management creates the foundation for a best practice environment, and good asset management will ensure that the need for investment is truly understood and that the performance and standards that can be attained for that investment are realised. Ultimately this approach enables the council to make key decisions on the levels of service and performance with regard to the county’s roads, this with the full understanding of the way in which we will need to invest the available funds to secure the very best outcomes for customers.

Councillor Brian Wilcox, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: “As part of the development of our asset management plan, a public consultation exercise was carried out which received more than 4,500 responses.

“Customers clearly indicated what they felt was important and what was currently being delivered to a satisfactory standard. Limits on funds will undoubtedly mean that we cannot match all customer aspirations and that the first duty has to be to fulfil all of our statutory obligations. However, where the options to introduce a higher standard of service do exist, we will take into account the wishes of our customers when deciding where to invest.

“The public consultation concluded that our customers want safe and reliable journeys delivered through:
1. Safe roads, free from defects and obstructions including standing water
2. Quick and reliable journeys and free traffic flow
3. Investment and improvement in Streetscene particularly in areas where customers live and shop

“These wishes are reflected in the targets that have been agreed with Amey Herefordshire and by next year operations will have improved the road condition on our A roads, to a level that only five per cent of this network should be considered for maintenance, only eight per cent of our B and C roads, might require maintenance and our unclassified road network has its overall condition stabilised at 17 per cent to be considered for maintenance. These targets will be achieved alongside improvements in the cleanliness of our streets and drainage systems,” he added.
Posted : 11/11/2009 15:31:06

Council widens its search for would-be adopters
Herefordshire Council’s adoption team is launching a campaign to persuade would-be adopters in Herefordshire and immediate surrounding areas to get in touch during national adoption week (November 9-15).

The council needs people from all parts of the community who could make a lifelong commitment to a child or children. Adopters could be people who already have school-aged children, or grown up children who have left home. Alternatively they might have no children at all but would like to make a difference to a child’s life and provide a safe and loving environment for them to grow up in.

Hilary Hale, adoption team manager, Herefordshire Council, said: “There are lots of myths around who can adopt and who can’t. People are often surprised to learn that we don’t just accept young, heterosexual couples. Single people, older people and people with disabilities will all be considered – what is most important is that they are able to make a lifelong commitment to a child, enjoying the rewards as well as sticking with them through the tough times.

“We particularly need people just outside the county as many children we place will only feel safe in new surroundings, but we would like to be close enough to give them the support they will need. Herefordshire’s population is small, so anonymity can sometimes be a challenge.

“Adopters have to be over 21 and have lots of emotional and physical energy. They need to have a healthy lifestyle and the space in their lives and home for a child or children who will have had a difficult start.

“Re-parenting a traumatised child isn’t easy, but our experienced professionals can provide help and support and the results are life-changing.”

Starting during National Adoption Week, Herefordshire’s adoption team will begin campaigning in some of the area’s supermarkets where they’ll be providing general information about adoption in Herefordshire. They’ll begin at Asda supermarket in Hereford on Wednesday 11th November from 12-2.30pm and will be at Belmont Tesco on Thursday, November 19th from 5pm –8pm
Posted : 10/11/2009 15:18:03

Christmas Lantern Walk
A Christmas Lantern Walk is being held on Saturday 19th December starting at the Queenswood Arboretum, Dinmore Hill near Leominster for those wishing to reflect upon the memory of a loved and lost family member or friend over the festive season.
The 45-minute walk is being organised by Noah’s Ark Trust, a local charity that specialises in providing bereavement support for children, young adults and their families, and is open to all individuals and groups of families and friends.

Says Liz Collins, Community Fundraiser for the charity, “The walk is a wonderful opportunity for people to pull together at what is, perhaps, one of the most difficult times of the year. Everyone is welcome and it can really help to know that you are not alone in your situation. The lanterns and pretty woodland setting create a lovely atmosphere for everyone to remember together.”

The forest walk will pass a viewpoint overlooking the county where a few moments can be taken for remembrance and reflection. After the walk, and to recognise that Christmas is a time for fun and celebration, there will be carols, hot drinks and mince pies.

The walk starts at 5.30pm. Candles and lanterns can be reserved for a £5 donation to Noah’s Ark Trust, please register online at www.noahsarktrust.co.uk or call 01905 745735 or 01432 264555.
Posted : 02/11/2009 22:56:22

Young inspectors trained to check local services
Young people in Herefordshire are being given the opportunity to inspect the services they receive and recommend changes to how they are provided in the future.

Herefordshire Council has been given the thumbs up to run a new programme for young inspectors called Youth4U. The programme aims to give young people the chance to look at services available in their area and tell the people in charge of them what they think. It is being run by the Look Listen Change consortium which is made up of the National Children’s Bureau (NCB), the British Youth Council (BYC) and KIDS Charity.
This programme is for 13 to 19 year olds (or disabled young people up to the age of 25) who, because of their background or life experiences, haven’t had the opportunity to speak out and get their views heard.

They will be trained to look at anything from information, advice and guidance services at schools and colleges, to transport, health services, sport and leisure facilities or youth and community services
As well as gaining valuable training, they will be paid £75 for each inspection they undertake, and have the opportunity to achieve a national accreditation too.

Andy Preedy, Herefordshire Council, said: “The purpose of the programme is to increase the number and quality of opportunities for young people living in Herefordshire to influence services and activities that they access. It’s also to help young people to connect with their peers and shape local policies and services across a wide range of areas including health, transport and community services

“This is a great opportunity for 13-19 year olds to get involved in assessing local services and make a real difference to the way they are provided in the future.”

To get the programme started, Herefordshire Council is looking for ten young people for the first round of training and inspections which will begin before Christmas. Anyone wishing to nominate a young person who appears to fit the bill is encouraged to get in touch with the council’s youth involvement team on 01432 383008.
Posted : 02/11/2009 22:49:37

Don’t be spooked by recycling this Halloween
Herefordshire Council is urging county residents not to be spooked by recycling and give their well-carved pumpkins a second chance this Halloween.

Nearly every one of the pumpkins sold each year in Herefordshire is used to create spooky jack-o'-lanterns for Halloween celebrations.

Scarier than all those lanterns, however, is the fact that once October 31 is over most of the pumpkins are thrown in the bin and sent to landfill.

Laura Blackwell, Herefordshire Council's recycling officer, is urging people to think twice before putting their pumpkins in with their household rubbish.

She said: "Residents are urged to reuse their unwanted pumpkins to make delicious soup and can even serve the soup in the shells. Carved lanterns should be put in a home compost bin. This is great for vegetable peelings which can then be recycled into compost and used as a resource for the garden.

“If residents haven't got room for a compost bin, then they should consider having a kitchen waste disposer fitted instead," she added.

Recipe for pumpkin soup

Ingredients:
One 1kg pumpkin or squash
500ml skimmed milk
100ml low-fat cream
Half an orange
Two pinches of freshly grated nutmeg
A few cloves
One bay leaf
A handful of chives
Salt and pepper

Method:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Remove the flesh from the pumpkin (you will want the shell to carve into a lantern. Remove the seeds and dice.

Put the diced flesh into a saucepan with 100ml water, season and cook for 20 minutes over a medium heat.

Grate the zest off the orange and slice thinly. Pour milk into another saucepan, add the orange zest, nutmeg, cloves and bay leaf. Bring to the boil, take off heat, cover and leave for 10 minutes. Strain through a fine sieve.

Mash the flesh from the pumpkin and put it back into the pan. Add the strained milk, bring to the boil, stirring constantly.

Before serving, add the cream and pepper and decorate with chopped chives. Serve piping hot with crusty bread

Posted : 29/10/2009 11:24:20

Use fireworks safely and considerately
The Safer Herefordshire Partnership is urging anyone using fireworks to be aware of the dangers of firework misuse and to follow the firework code.

Not everyone enjoys fireworks in the same way and it is timely to remember that irresponsible use of fireworks can pose a danger to people and property. Fireworks can scare people, especially the elderly and small children, and can frighten animals which should be kept indoors, if at all possible.

Councillor John Jarvis, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for the environment and strategic housing, said: “We want people to enjoy fireworks but to ensure they keep themselves and any vulnerable people safe by following simple rules and then we can all enjoy this time of year.

“We would also urge people to be careful when planning bonfires and not to put materials on them that will not burn or could create toxic fumes,” he added.

Top tips for a safe fireworks night are:
1) Only buy fireworks that meet the British Standard - BS 7114
2) Only allow adults to light or hold fireworks
3) Never return to a lit firework, even if it looks like it has done out
4) Stand well back when watching fireworks
5) Keep pets indoors
6) Never give sparklers to children who are under five years old and make sure they put them out in
buckets of water.

It is an offence under the Explosives Act for anyone to throw or set off fireworks in a public place, and the police can issue on the spot fines of up to £5,000. In addition the Fireworks Regulations 2004 make it an offence for anyone under the age of 18 to possess fireworks in a public place.

Anyone planning to use fireworks should also remember the curfew times, set by the Government, which prevents firework use between 11pm and 7am, and anyone who breaches this could be liable to a £5,000 fine.

Safer Herefordshire Partnership is made up of local agencies working together to make Herefordshire an even safer place to live and visit. Details may be found at www.herefordshre.gov.uk/community_and_living/1306.asp

Further information on the firework code can be found at www.dti.gov.uk/fireworks
Posted : 28/10/2009 16:44:17

Flavours of Herefordshire Awards 2009
Most of the key figures involved in food and tourism within Herefordshire gathered together at Hereford Racecourse on Friday, October 23, to recognise and reward those judged to be serving-up the very best “flavour of the county” to their customers.

Now in its eleventh year, the overall aim of the Flavours of Herefordshire awards-scheme continues to encourage all catering outlets and shops to source their supplies locally wherever possible.

The Flavours scheme also aims to persuade restaurateurs to preserve and promote authentic traditional recipes while developing and promoting new dishes based on the food and drink products of the area.

This year's search for the pick of the crop began as long ago as April. Since then, judges have been scouring the county to seek out winners in eleven separate categories:
• Best Breakfast
• Best Pub/Inn
• Best Gastro Pub
• Best Restaurant
• Best Tearoom
• Best Tearoom in a Visitor Attraction
• Best Shop/Retailer
• Best Food Producers
• Best Drink Producers
• Best Young Chef (Industry)
• Best Young Chef (Education)

Awards were also presented for Outstanding Achievement, Global Excellence, and to the Outstanding New Entrant.

"It's been another tough year for the judges," says Herefordshire Tourism's Jane Lewis.

"We always pride ourselves on finding the 'best of the best' in Herefordshire through this awards scheme, and I think out list of winners will help to point both locals and visitors to the county in the direction of some exceptional places where it is possible to truly appreciate the county's wonderful local produce."

The annual Flavours of Herefordshire awards took centre-stage on the eve of the county's second annual Food Festival, at Hereford Racecourse, which attracted 9,000 visitors.

TV celebrity chef, Gino D'Acampo, was this year's Guests of Honour and handed over the awards to those judged to be the very best at using and promoting local, Herefordshire produce.

For further information, visit www.visitherefordshire.co.uk.

A full list of winners is:


FLAVOURS OF HEREFORDSHIRE AWARDS 2009

BREAKFAST
Sponsored by the British Pig Executive

Winner
Walford Court Tearoom and Guesthouse
Walford Court
Walton
Leintwardine
SY7 0JY
Tel: 01547 540570
www.romanticbreak.com

Highly Commended
Lower Buckton Country House
Buckton
Leintwardine
SY7 0JU
Tel: 01547 540 532
www.lowerbuckton.co.uk

Commended
Upper Newton Farmhouse
Kinnersley
Herefordshire
HR3 6QB
Tel: 01544 327 727
www.herefordshireholidays.co.uk

Yew Tree House
Bacho Hill
Vowchurch
Herefordshire
HR2 9PF
Tel: 01981 251195
www.yewtreehouse-hereford.co.uk

Finalist
Glewstone Court Country House Hotel & Restaurant
Glewstone
Ross On Wye
Herefordshire
HR9 6AW
Tel: 01989 770367
www.glewstonecourt.com

Orles Barn
Wilton
Ross On Wye
Herefordshire
HR9 6AE
Tel: 01989 562155
www.yourhomeinherefordshire.co.uk


PUB/INN
Sponsored by Wye Valley Brewery.

Winner
The Three Horseshoes Inn
Little Cowarne
Bromyard
Herefordshire
HR7 4RQ
Tel: 01885 400276
www.threehorseshoes.co.uk

Highly Commended
The Bell Inn
Tillington
Herefordshire
HR4 8LE
Tel: 01432 760395
thebellinntillington.co.uk

Commended
The New Inn
St Owens Cross
Herefordshire
HR2 8LQ
Tel: 01989 730 274
www.newinn.biz

The Crown Inn
Woolhope
Herefordshire
HR1 4QP
Tel: 01432 860468
www.crowninnwoolhope.co.uk

Finalist
The Red Lion
Winters Cross
Peterstow
Ross On Wye
Herefordshire
HR9 6LH
Tel: 01989 730202
www.redlionatwinterscross.co.uk

The Royal George
Lyonshall
Kington
Herefordshire
HR5 3JN
Tel: 01544 340084
www.royalgeorge.lyonshall.net


GASTROPUB

Winner
The Mill Race
Walford
Nr Ross On Wye
Herefordshire
HR9 5QS
Tel: 01989 562891
www.millrace.info

Highly Commended
The Wellington
Wellington
Herefordshire
HR4 8AT
Tel: 01432 830367
www.wellingtonpub.co.uk


RESTAURANT

Winner
Wilton Court Hotel
Wilton Lane
Wilton
Ross On Wye
Herefordshire
HR9 6AQ
Tel: 01989 562569
www.wiltoncourthotel.com

The Loughpool Inn
Sellack
Near Ross On Wye
Herefordshire
HR7 4RQ
Tel: 01989 730236
www.loughpool.co.uk


Highly Commended
The Stewing Pot
17 Church Street
Hereford
HR1 2LR
01432 265233
www.stewingpot.co.uk

Commended
Glewstone Court Country House Hotel & Restaurant
Glewstone
Ross On Wye
Herefordshire
HR9 6AW
Tel: 01989 770367
www.glewstonecourt.com

The Bridge at Wilton
Wilton
Ross On Wye
Herefordshire
HR9 6AA
Tel: 01989 562655
www.bridge-house-hotel.com

Finalists
Miro Bar & Grill
14 Union Street
Hereford
HR1 2BT
Tel: 0845 8728193
www.mirorestauranthereford.co.uk


TEAROOM
Sponsored by Business Link

Winner
Monkland Cheese Dairy
The Pleck
Monkland
Leominster
Herefordshire
HR6 9DB
Tel: 01568 720307
www.mousetrapcheese.co.uk

Highly Commended
Mrs Muffins
1 Church Lane
Ledbury
Herefordshire
HR8 1DL
Tel: 01531 633579
www.mrsmuffins.co.uk

Commended
Walford Court Tearoom and Guesthouse
Walford Court
Walton
Leintwardine
SY7 0JY
Tel: 01547 540570
www.romanticbreak.com

Finalist
Pots and Pieces Teashop & Gallery
40 High Street
Ross on Wye
Herefordshire
HR9 5HD
Tel: 01989 566 123
www.potsandpieces.co.uk

The Old Apple Store Tea Room
Greenfields
Brockhampton Estate Cow Park
Bringsty Bromyard
Herefordshire
WR6 5TB
Tel: 01885 489074
www.brockhampton.com/applestore


TEAROOM IN A VISTOR ATTRACTION
Sponsored by Business Link.

Winner
Courtyard Centre for the Arts (Café Bar),
Edgar Street,
Hereford
HR4 9JR
Tel: 01432 346517
www.courtyard.co.uk

Highly Commended
The Garden at The Bannut
Bringsty,
Near Bromyard,
WR6 5TA
Tel: 01885 482206
www.bannut.co.uk

Commended
Hampton Court Orangery Café
Hampton Court
Hope under Dinmore
Leominster
Herefordshire
HR6 0PN
Tel: 01568 797676
www.hamptoncourt.org.uk

Finalist
Westonbury Water Gardens Café
Pembridge
Herefordshire
HR6 9HZ
Tel: 01544 232727
westonburymillwatergardens.com

Blue-Ginger Gallery
Home End Farm
Stiffords Bridge
Cradley
Worcestershire
WR13 5NW
Tel: 01886 880240
www.blue-ginger.com


RETAILER of the year

Winner
Pengethley Farm Shop
Peterstow
Ross on Wye
Herefordshire
HR9 6LL
Tel: 01989 730 430
www.pengethleyfarmshop.com

Highly Commended
The Hop Pocket Wine Company
New House Farm,
Bishops Frome
WR6 5BT
Tel: 01531 640592
www.hoppocketwine.co.uk

Commended
Townsend Farm Shop and Butchery
The Granary,
Townsend Farm,
Pembridge
HR6 9HB
Tel: 01544 388527
www.townsendfarm.co.uk

Truffles Delicatessen
46 High Street
Ross on Wye
Herefordshire
HR9 5HG
Tel: 01989 462 336
www.trufflesdeli.co.uk

Finalist
Herefordshire Farmers' Market Group
Compton
Bowley Lane
Bodenham
Herefordshire
HR1 3LG
Tel: 01568 797 427
www.hfmg.org

Canon Pyon Post Office and Stores
Canon Pyon
Herefordshire
HR4 8NU
Tel: 01432 830 355
www.realdrinksofengland.co.uk

Hopes of Longtown
The Farmers Barn,
Longtown
HR2 0LT
Tel: 01873 860444
www.hopesoflongtown.co.uk

Mousetrap Cheese Shop
3 School Lane
Leominster
Herefordshire
HR6 8AA
Tel: 01568 615 512
www.mousetrapcheese.co.uk


FOOD PRODUCERS SMALL
Sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

Winner
Just Rachel Quality Desserts
The Old Dairy,
Churches Farm,
Bromsberrow,
Nr Ledbury
HR8 1SA
Tel: 01531 650639
www.justrachel.com

Highly Commended
Court Farm & Leisure
Court Farm
Tillington
HR4 8LG
Tel: 01432 760271
www.courtfarmleisure.co.uk

Commended
Country Flavours Ltd
Lower Bellamore
Preston on Wye
Herefordshire
HR2 9JS
Tel: 01981 500 005
www.country-flavours.co.uk

Finalist
Three Counties Gourmet
Ivory House,
51 Hallwood Drive,
Ledbury
HR8 2FY
Tel: 0845 0948459
www.threecountiesgourmet.net


Food Producer Large

Winner
Tyrrells Potato Chips
Tyrrells Court
Stretford Bridge
Leominster
Herefordshire
HR6 9DQ
Tel: 01568 720455
www.tyrrellspotatochips.co.uk


DRINK PRODUCERS

Winner
Jo Hilditch British Cassis & British Framboise
Whittern Farms Ltd
Lyonshall
Herefordshire
HR5 3JA
01544 340 241
www.britishcassis.co.uk

Highly Commended
Once Upon a Tree
Dragon Orchard
Dragon House
Putley,
HR8 2RG
Tel: 01531 670537
www.onceuponatree.co.uk

Jus Single Variety Apple Juice
Birchley,
Aylton,
Ledbury,
HR8 2PH
Tel: 01531 670749
www.jusapples.co.uk

Commended
Ross On Wye Cider & Perry Co Ltd
Broome Farm
Peterstow
Ross on Wye
Herefordshire
HR9 6QG
01989 567 232
www.rosscider.com

Chase Distillery
Rosemaund
Hereford
HR1 3PG
01432 820 920
www.chasedistillery.co.uk

Finalist
Spinning Dog Brewery
The Victory
88 St.Owen Street
Hereford
HR1 2QD
Tel: 01432 342125
www.spinningdogbrewery.co.uk


YOUNG CHEFS

Industry
Scott Davies
Holme Lacy House Hotel
Holme Lacy
Hereford
Tel: 01432 870870

Education
Herefordshire College of Technology
Folly Lane
Hereford
Tel: 0800 032 1986
Shea Bevan


Outstanding Achievement Award
Glyn Slade Jones Family Butchers
39 High Street,
Kington
HR5 3BJ
Tel: 01544 230470


Award for Global Excellence
Oliver's Cider & Perry
The Old Hop Kilns
Moor House Farm
Ocyle Pychard
HR1 3QZ
Tel: 07768 732026
www.theolivers.org.uk


Outstanding New Entrant
Mortimer Country Stores
Castle Garage
Wigmore
Leominster
Herefordshire
HR6 9UJ
Tel: 01568 770307
Posted : 26/10/2009 14:16:49

Proposals to build a new primary school
Herefordshire Council is consulting with parents, staff, pupils and residents on proposals to build a brand new, contemporary primary school in Leominster.

Funded by money received through the government’s Primary Strategy for Change programme, around £7.8 million has been earmarked for the new school. The building will replace existing school buildings at Leominster Infant and Leominster Junior schools, some of which are in poor condition and expensive to maintain.

Although no designs have been drawn up yet, the new school will provide more energy efficient, lower maintenance modern teaching and learning facilities, fit for the 21st century. It will help teachers, other school staff and governors to continue improving the good standards already being achieved by pupils at the existing schools.

In order to maximise funding and create the best possible facilities for Leominster’s children so that they are prepared with skills and knowledge needed for the 21st century, the council is proposing to amalgamate the two schools.

The proposed amalgamation has been on the cards for some time and governing bodies and head teachers from both schools have been in regular discussions with council officers since lat year. Leominster is the last town in the county to have a separate infant and junior school, although in other parts of the county, children have enjoyed the enhanced resources and continuity that a single primary school can bring.

Following discussions with both schools, the council has launched a consultation document to seek the views of parents, staff, governors, the local community and other interested stakeholders on the proposals to amalgamate the schools.

Rob Reid, head of access and capital commissioning said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Leominster children to have some of the best up to date education facilities in the country. The Minster College building is nearly complete and there has been much excitement in the town about the prospect of children being able to learn in a new modern environment.

“We are hoping that primary school children will be able to enjoy new innovative buildings and equipment too, but we need to amalgamate the two schools for this to happen.

“It is really important that we consult everyone in the town and give people the opportunity to ask questions, so as well as publishing a consultative document, we are organising a number of events and meetings where council officers will be available to talk to parents and the local community.”

Details of all the events, together with a copy of the proposals are available on the council’s web site, www.herefordshire.gov.uk.

The deadline for consultation feedback is November 9 2009. The feedback will be considered by the governing bodies of the existing infant and junior schools before a report is submitted to the council’s Cabinet in the new year.
Posted : 13/10/2009 18:01:46

Enjoy some autumn colour at Queenswood
As the leaves on the trees start to turn and autumn descends upon us where better to see some amazing autumn colour than Herefordshire Council’s Queenswood Country Park?

October and early November is the best time to visit to see trees ablaze with colour and at the arboretum, especially in the Autumn Garden there are some really spectacular sights. Here the foliage of the Japanese Maples (Acer palmatum) display brilliant vermilions, purples, yellows and oranges.

Once again, this autumn there are lots of activities planned to help you make the most of this fantastic season.

The first event is the “Queenswood photography walk” on Wednesday, October 21 from 2pm until 5pm, when Ranger Paul Ratcliffe and travelling photographer Nick Meers will show how to take better photos of the arboretum and all its glorious autumnal colours. The walk costs £4 and booking is essential to help us manage numbers.

“Amazing art with autumn colours” will take place on Tuesday, October 27 from 10.30am to noon, this fun family walk with Ranger Jim Key and local artist Lisa Pendlebury will involve collecting fallen materials to create a giant scale piece of autumn art. This event cost is £2 per child and booking is essential.

Join Wildplay for the final event in October “Spooky Halloween Fun” on Thursday, October 29. There will be two sessions; the first at 11am to 12.30 pm, and the second at 1pm to 2.30pm. Come along to walk the haunted trail and take part in different Halloween activities. Booking is essential and entry is free.

On Saturday, November 14 “Fairytale Fungi” is taking place from 10am to 12.30pm. Experienced members of the Herefordshire Fungus Survey Group will accompany a group of people around the arboretum and woodland exploring the diverse range of fungi. Suitable for children over 12 years old only, booking is essential and entry costs £2 for adults but children over 12 and under 18 can attend for free.

Throughout the half term holiday you can discover how seeds find a new place to grow by following Bertie Buzzard’s Autumn Trail. Entry forms are 50p and are available from Queenswood Tourist Information Centre.

To book any of these events please contact Queenswood Tourist Information Centre, telephone 01568 797842. At all the events children must be accompanied by an adult.

Queenswood is Herefordshire’s only country park and has free car parking, toilets and a licensed café. There are three way-marked trails and easy access paths so that everyone can enjoy the park as well as a picnic and barbecue area, a popular adventure play area and a free ‘seaside style’ telescope at the view-point.

Queenswood Country Park is on the A49 between Hereford and Leominster – follow the brown signs at the top of Dinmore Hill. Alternatively the 492 bus service departs Hereford and Leominster at regular intervals throughout the day.
Posted : 13/10/2009 17:59:55

Taxi fares set to remain the same
Herefordshire Council’s regulatory committee has in principles decided to keep taxi fares in the county at the same level as they currently are, although this is still to be openly consulted upon.

Members of the committee were told at their meeting on Tuesday, October 6, that last year an early review of fares took place on August 12, 2008 due to a sharp price increase in fuel costs at that time. The present fees were agreed at that meeting.

Mr John Jones, chairman of the Taxi Association, contacted Herefordshire Council on September 16 this year calling for the fares to be frozen and the committee agreed to this.

Under Section 65 (2)(a) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act of 1976 states the committee’s decision must now be advertised for a minimum 14-day period and, if no objections are received, then the fares will stay the same. If objections are made, the committee will meet again to consider these.

The proposed fares will therefore be advertised in the local press and on the council’s website before being brought back to the committee
Posted : 07/10/2009 22:38:05

Celebration of forgotten horticultural hero
Thomas Andrew Knight, an 18th century Herefordshire horticulturalist, who developed many of the fruit and vegetable varieties that we still eat today, wrote the original ‘Pomona Herefordiensis’ and went on to become president of the London Horticultural Society (later the Royal Horticultural Society) was born 250 years ago this year.

To celebrate this important anniversary, Herefordshire Council’s countryside team has organised an evening talk by Dr Murray Mylechreest about Knight’s life and works on Saturday, October 24 2009 at the Cider Museum, Hereford from 7pm - 9.30pm.

Residents are urged to come along and find out more about the ground breaking work of this horticulturalist, scientist, and experimenter who is often described as the ‘Father of Horticulture Science’.

James Bisset, principal countryside officer, said “I first realised it was the 250th anniversary of his birth when I was researching the varieties for next year’s Fruit Tree Initiative.

“Thomas Andrew Knight is credited by Darwin in the first chapter of ‘The Origin of Species’ for his pioneering work on the origin of cultivated plants. It is also believed that Knight’s observations on the results of breeding work with peas may have influenced Mendel to use peas for the basis of his important studies into inheritance, but many people do not realise that he was born and spent much of his life in Herefordshire. I thought it seemed like a good idea to arrange this event to give people the opportunity to learn more about him,” he added.

The talk by Dr Murray Mylechreest will be followed by a talk from Chris Fairs of Bulmers on Herefordshire’s Orchards Present and Future.

Tickets for the evening cost £6.50 (adults only) which includes a tour of the cider museum and the chance to sample some of the distillery products.

To book your place please contact Queenswood Tourist Information Centre, telephone 01568 797842.

Posted : 05/10/2009 23:19:31

Parents invited to apply for school places
The county’s high schools are busy organising open evenings and events as Herefordshire Council invites parents of year six children to apply for secondary school places for September 2010.

Due to start at secondary school in September 2010, about 1900 children will be looking around schools, meeting some of the staff and finding out what sort of facilities are available, before listing their three top schools in order of preference.

If parents put as their preference the school that serves their catchment area, then they usually get offered this school, but sometimes parents wish to send their children to a school outside this area.

This academic year (2009-10) nearly 95 percent were allocated their first choice of school, with a further 4.3 percent getting a place at their second or third choice. These are some of the highest percentages in the country and are indicative of the current reduction in pupil numbers.

Parents have received a pack through their child’s primary school, which contains an information booklet telling them about admissions and transfers to schools in Herefordshire. The pack also contains an application form and dates for school open evenings, although applications may be made online via the council’s web site.

Councillor Philip Price, cabinet member for ICT, education and performance, said: “We understand that choosing the right high school is a major event in a child’s life. Herefordshire is fortunate to have some of the best schools in the country – all our schools are good and an increasing amount of children are being allocated their first choice of school.

“It is important that parents and carers take time to visit schools, preferably with their child to find out whether the school and its ethos is right for them. They also need to consider other factors such as transporting their children to and from school and dealing with after school clubs and facilities, particularly if they choose a school out of catchment.”

The closing date for Herefordshire secondary school applications is Friday November 6 2009.

Herefordshire Council employs a choice adviser who can help families discuss options and go through the procedures for applying for places. They can be contacted on 01432 260999
Posted : 01/10/2009 00:25:25

National Customer Service Week
Herefordshire Council’s customer services staff are planning a host of special events to celebrate national customer service week which takes place from 5th-11th October.

Herefordshire has six centres which provide a single point of advice and support to customers and access to council services on a wide range of information. The centres based in Hereford, Ross on Wye, Ledbury, Kington, Bromyard and Leominster are all able to provide information and advice on local services, chase enquiries in relation to planning and building control, housing, environmental health and trading standards, housing benefits, council tax, payments, blue badges and bus passes, highways and culture and leisure services.

During the celebratory week, as well as providing their usual surgeries and services, the centres are all planning to hold additional events, many focusing on handy hints and tips for keeping warm this winter and carrying out home repairs.

The golden promise scheme to fast track new housing and council tax benefit claims within two working days has been so successful at the Hereford centre that it is now being launched in Leominster and Ross on Wye. Customer service staff will be promoting the new scheme on Monday October 5th.
From 6 October Belmont Library will host surgeries between 9.30am and 12noon every Tuesday. At the surgeries, residents can receive disabled parking blue badge scheme information including support and assessments, together with guidance and help for completing housing and council tax benefit applications. To book an appointment call 01432 261832.

To celebrate disability awareness day on Wednesday 7 October, all customer service centres will be promoting the disabled parking blue badge scheme. Herefordshire Carers Support will be available at the Hereford Centre, Widemarsh Street, between 9.30am and 4pm and there will be a bus between 11.00am and 2.00pm parked at the Maylord’s Orchard bus stop for wheelchair users to come and practice boarding.

To support the council’s partnership with NHS Herefordshire, the customer service team will be available to show patients how to choose and book appointments online at all our centres on Friday 9 October.

Councillor June French, cabinet member for customer services, said: “Our customer service staff are have a huge depth of local knowledge and understanding of local services, and provide good quality and much needed support to many residents.
“We have customer service centres in each of the market towns as well as Hereford, so people can get the information they need on their doorstep and all under one roof.  Customer services week provides an opportunity for us to encourage people to visit our centres and find out more about the services they can receive.”

Full details of all the events,including times and venues, are available on the council’s web site (www.herefordshire.gov.uk)
Posted : 30/09/2009 20:30:53

Vote for Herefordshire's favourite rhyme
Little Miss Muffet, Little Bo Peep and even Incey Wincey Spider will be out in force this October as Herefordshire Council helps to celebrate National Bookstart Day 2009.

In support of the day's theme 'my favourite rhyme' Herefordshire Council's library service will be asking people to vote online at www.herefordshire.gov.uk/libraries and at their local library to find the county’s favourite rhyme.

Voting will take place from October 12 to 31 with the result being announced on November 19.
National Bookstart Day on Friday, October 9 will see more than 4,000 parties, storytelling, singing and rhyming sessions taking place across the country.

Bookstart aims to help every child in the UK to develop a lifelong love of books and this year's programme will offer millions of children and parents the chance to discover the joy of reading together.

Bounce and Rhyme and storytime sessions in Herefordshire's libraries take place throughout the year and are free. Families are welcome to join in the sessions and share their favourite rhyme all year round. For more details please visit you local library or go online to www.herefordshire.gov.uk/libraries

Councillor Adrian Blackshaw, Herefordshire Council's cabinet member for economic development and community services, said: “It is vital every child discovers the joy of reading at as young an age as possible because this will not only improve their educational prospects but will also provide them with a lifelong hobby.

“Rhymes are an important starting point for helping children enjoy the sound of words and then move onto reading and it will be interesting to know which are the county's favourites so I would urge people to join the vote, either online or by visiting one of the county's libraries,” he added.
Posted : 27/09/2009 23:53:47

Number of deaths on county roads continues to fall
The number of people killed or seriously injured on Herefordshire roads is continuing to fall, the Safer Roads Partnership’s annual review conference was told on Monday (September 21st).

Councillor Brian Wilcox, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for highways and transportation, said in his opening address that the number of people killed or seriously injured in the county had fallen to 93 last year compared with 133 in the previous year.

He said: “Road safety is an issue that is not one person’s responsibility but needs all of us to work together in partnership. Road improvements can have a major impact on the number of injuries but this won’t work on its own and we also need to promote and support training for cyclists, motorcyclists and motorists so they put safety first.

“As a council, we offer cycle training for children and adults and we also subsidise courses for both new drivers and older motorists who want to build their confidence,” he added.

“Speed awareness courses are being offered to certain motorists caught speeding where they pay £60 and take one of these courses instead of getting three penalty points on their licence and, in just two months, we have had 1,000 people from Herefordshire taking these courses,” Councillor Wilcox added.

Rod Reynolds, the Safer Roads Partnership manager, announced the launch of a new approach to speed enforcement in the county. This has included the review of all sites where enforcement currently takes place, introducing enforcement of entire routes where speeding has contributed to accidents and providing enforcement at sites where there is community concern about speeding.

The community concern sites will link in closely with the council’s Speed Indicator Device locations. Two sites in Herefordshire have been chosen as part of this community concern pilot scheme and will be launched in October.

Councillor Wilcox said: “I am delighted two sites in Herefordshire are to pilot this important scheme which will mean communities can have a real say over what the Safer Roads Partnership does.”

At the conference, speakers were:

Rod Reynolds, Safer Roads Partnership manager
Julie Freeman, Herefordshire Council road safety assistant, on speed indicator devices.
Katy Jenkins, Safer Roads Partnership communications manager, on Take Control training for moped and motorcycle users.
Malcolm Jones, TTC Group, on speed awareness courses in Herefordshire.
John Partridge, Amey, on road safety on trunk roads.
Steve Proctor, TMS Consultancy on future plans
Beth Fylan, Brainbox Research, on a young drivers’ perception of risk.
Posted : 23/09/2009 23:28:30

Try hospital food!

NHS Herefordshire, the leader for health in the county, continues to ensure that patients receive high standards of nutrition and cleanliness - a fact confirmed by the latest results of its Patient Environment Action Team (PEAT) assessment published on the National Patient Safety Agency website.

Now the primary care trust is holding a week-long programme of events to let patients and the public know about ‘hotel services’, which are provided in partnership with Sodexo and cover all non-medical hospital services – from catering and cleaning to security and waste disposal. Patients and visitors will also be asked to feedback their comments on the food, the standard of cleaning, and the general environment to enable continuous improvements to be made.

The events will take place during week commencing 12 October and are aimed at informing patients, visitors and the public that the quality of the food and drink provided, and the standard of the environment is a top priority for NHS Herefordshire.

Information stands will be at each site - Stonebow Unit, Ross, Leominster and Bromyard Community Hospitals, and Hillside Intermediate Care Centre - for the week with primary care trust and Sodexo staff on hand between 12.00 and 2.00pm to answer questions about food preparation and meals which meet faith, cultural and lifestyle needs. There will be an explanation of how cleaning materials and equipment are organised to ensure safety, information on how we control infection and any plans for refurbishment.

The event is also an opportunity to sample the food and to test how clean your hands are.

Monday 12 October – Ross Community Hospital
Tuesday 13 October – Leominster Community Hospital
Wednesday 14 October – Hillside Intermediate Care Centre
Thursday 15 October – Bromyard Community Hospital
Friday 16 October – Stonebow Unit

Richard Carroll, managing director for the primary care trust’s provider services, said: “It is very important to us that the hospital environment helps patients get well as quickly as possible and so infection control and cleaning are a top priority. These events are a wonderful opportunity to reassure the people of Herefordshire of the high standards we are achieving and I hope as many people as possible are able to visit to ask questions and see for themselves how, for example, we test hand cleaning”

This year’s event looks at “faith, culture and lifestyle” and what the primary care trust can do to ensure that the patient environment takes account of these.

Wendy Huxley-Marko, who manages the ‘hotel services’ contract at the primary care trust, added: “We believe that wet should accommodate the different faith, culture and lifestyle choices amongst our patients. Come along and try our tasty Kosher, traditional and vegetarian menus – we know you’ll be impressed with the quality and range of choice on offer.”
Posted : 17/09/2009 16:57:48

Art in the Woods
If you go down to the woods…for two days this weekend, Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th September you will find they are inhabited by mystery and magic! As part of this year’s Herefordshire Art Week (h.Art) celebrations Queenswood Country Park will once again play host to ‘art in the woods’.

Artists will be at work in the woods from 1pm-4pm both days, creating fun projects for all the family to join.

You will find lots of new ideas and inspiration - there will be lots of things to make in the ‘Arty Party’ and larger pieces of art to add to as you walk around the Country Park. You will be able to draw pictures in sand, create a ‘ripple rainbow’ and help decorate Doris the dragon. Then you can go away with the fairies in the garden of delights and make a home for some of your fantastic creature creations! You will be guided in everything from making sculptures to painting and using materials from the woods to make all sorts of fun things.

This year ‘Art in the Woods’ has been organised on a voluntary basis by Marianne Ryan, who is currently doing teaching practice at Hereford College of Art, in connection with studying to become an art teacher.

Marianne said: “Queenswood is such a brilliant place for families and fun, it’s really inspiring, with the trees just beginning to turn wonderful autumn colours. There’s masses to see and do, and I’m really looking forward to this weekend!”

All the materials you need will be provided, so just bring your imagination and let it run away with you! Don’t let a little drizzle put you off, but please make sure you’ve got some old clothes you don’t mind getting messy and all children are accompanied by an adult.

Queenswood Country Park is on the A49 between Hereford and Leominster – follow the brown signs at the top of Dinmore Hill. Alternatively the 492 bus service departs Hereford and Leominster at regular intervals throughout the day.
Posted : 15/09/2009 23:00:47

Library users urged to have their say
Herefordshire Council is urging people who use the county’s libraries to have their say on what they think of the service.

During the week of October 5 to 10, all people aged 16 or over using county libraries are being asked to take part in the national public library users survey.

Councillor Adrian Blackshaw, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for economic development and community services, said: “We want to know what people think of the library services we currently offer and will be asking for comments on books, computers, staff and opening hours.

“Results from the survey will help us to plan future services so they best meet what the public want so I would urge as many people as possible to fill in the surveys,” he added.
Posted : 15/09/2009 12:28:28

Changes to increase use of mobile libraries
Herefordshire Council is to change the way the county’s mobile libraries travel round the county so more people can take advantage of their services.

The changes are part of a wide-ranging review of the service which followed the introduction of new routes and stops in 2007.

Councillor Adrian Blackshaw, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for economic development and community services, said: “When we brought in the changes two years ago, we promised there would be a review of the service and we have since held a series of public consultation meetings.

“These changes will help increase the use of the mobile library, improve access to other services in rural parishes, and to make better use of the resources we have,” he added.

Changes will be introduced in January 2010 and will be launched by a display of the history of the service over the years. The changes are to revert to the four weekly rota, making the visits easier to remember; to make the service available truly countywide in both rural and urban areas and to have longer and fewer stops to coincide with regular meetings or events.

The mobile library will also be used by various council departments to bring more services to rural parishes.

New times and stops will be advertised widely and all current customers will be individually informed about the routes.

Herefordshire Council would welcome any photographs or memorabilia about the mobile library service or people’s reminiscences about their visits and the impact it has had on their lives. Anyone with any items or memories should contact Claire Lockley on 01432 260545.
Posted : 15/09/2009 12:27:56

Chance for children to join Chatterbooks
Herefordshire Council’s libraries are offering the chance for county youngsters to share books, stories and meet other children at a series of Chatterbooks book groups throughout the county.

Chatterbooks book groups are starting up again in Ross, Leominster and Ledbury libraries this autumn.

Councillor Adrian Blackshaw, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for economic development and community, said: “Chatterbooks is a fun way for children aged between eight and 12 years old to share books, stories and meet other children. The aim is to encourage a love and enjoyment of reading as well as having a great time in the library.

“Youngsters don’t need to be book-worms to join in, either, as there are plenty of games, stories and exciting things to be involved in, as well as collecting stickers, pencils, folders and other goodies,” he added.

Teachers and parents have noticed that children who develop a wider love of books are more responsive to literacy work in schools. Libraries are ideally placed to support children who either already read widely or need help to engage with books, and the Chatterbooks book group scheme is both rewarding and fun.

The group in Ledbury starts meeting on September 17 from 4pm until 4.45pm and meets fortnightly.

The group in Ross Library restarts on September 17 from 5pm until 6pm and meets fortnightly.

The group in Leominster starts meeting on Saturday, October 3 from 2pm until 3pm and meets weekly.

For more information contact Ross Library on 01432 383250, Leominster Library on 01432 383290 and Ledbury Library on 01531 632133.
Posted : 14/09/2009 11:19:27

National Children's Centre Week
Herefordshire Council's children's centres are getting ready to celebrate the success of the children's centre programme and promote their activities during National Sure Start Children’s Centre week (14-18 September).

Herefordshire has 10 children's centres which provide activities and services for families with children aged five and under. Positioned around the county, they provide a single point of advice and support for young families. What they offer varies depending on local need, but most offer childminder support, job centre advice, health visitor drop-in sessions, dads’ groups, cookery classes and access to basic skills training. They also provide or link up with childcare facilities helping parents get back to work or training.

During the celebratory week, as well as providing their usual sessions and services, they're all planning to hold some special events (see below)

September 16th (Coningsby) and September 17th (Kington)

Families in the Leominster and Kington areas will be getting creative in the open air on Wild Play days courtesy of the Herefordshire Nature Trust. Wild play rangers will be running sessions to develop a wildlife friendly natural play area, offering children the opportunity to explore and experience the outdoors and have lots of fun. The centre is also using the week to start a Babysitting Course in Kington in partnership with the Youth Service on Tuesday 15th September. Coningsby Babysitting Course starts on 10th September, both from 4.30-6.30pm.

For details of all the events in Herefordshire, click here


Posted : 09/09/2009 18:06:18

Time running out to bag a bargain bin
Time is running out for people in Herefordshire wanting to get hold of a discount compost bin.

Residents in both Herefordshire and Worcestershire can get hold of a cut-price bin through the national Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) initiative before the end of the month. Composting is an easy way to divert bio-degradable organic waste (from the kitchen and garden) from going to landfill.

The resulting compost provides a great source of nutrients to help the garden grow and helps save money as residents don't have to buy compost. Until Wednesday, September 30 residents can buy a compost bin from as little as £12 – which includes delivery – when normally some bins can cost over £80.

Discounted compost bins can be bought online at www.recyclenow.com/compost or by calling 0845 076 0223. WRAP will no longer be able to provide this service from October, but Herefordshire Council and Worcestershire County Council are looking to set up a new scheme in the New Year.

Herefordshire Council and Worcestershire County Council have been promoting subsidised bins since 2004, with more than 84,000 compost bins sold across the two counties. If each bin is used for ten years this could divert nearly 100,000 tonnes of bio-degradable waste from landfill, saving the council taxpayer money and helping to protect the environment.

Councillor John Jarvis, Herefordshire Council's cabinet member for the environment and strategic housing, said: "The scheme has been a great success in both Herefordshire and Worcestershire as over the last five years, a huge number of residents haven taken advantage of this opportunity to buy a reduced priced compost bin. The long-term benefits of composting some of our household waste instead of sending to landfill are there for everyone to see, but even in the short-term, those who get hold of a bin through the discount scheme can save themselves a bit of cash."

For those already taken by the composting bug, help is always at hand through the Master Composters Scheme, where other residents share their tips and advice on getting the most from their bins. To find more information about home composting or other Waste Prevention initiatives call 01905 766883 or visit www.wastemissionimpossible.org.uk
Posted : 08/09/2009 16:12:17

Move to bring together and improve services
Herefordshire Council’s cabinet will consider proposed improvements to the way services for young people are provided across the county when it meets this week (September 10).

Cabinet members will be asked to build on the council’s progress in supporting young people not in employment, education or training by bringing together its services with those delivered by the independently run Herefordshire and Worcestershire Connexions company. If approved, staff and services provided by Connexions in Herefordshire will transfer to the council in April 2010.

Connexions provides information, advice and guidance for young people aged 13-19 on a range of issues. Careers advice, managing money and relationships, health and well being and making the right exam choices are just some of the issues Connexions advisers help young people with.

The role is a statutory one and at the moment, the council commissions Connexions to deliver the service on its behalf. It is proposed that the Herefordshire elements of the Connexions service are brought into the local authority and integrated within the reorganised children and young people’s directorate. The new service will need to extend to cover the 11-19 age range. Similar arrangements are being made across the country in response to a national decision made by central government to cease the current Connexions establishments from April 2010.

The council is exploring the possibility of acquiring the Connexions drop-in facility in the centre of Hereford, which has proved to be a popular resource. Consultees, including young people, have said they wish to see the drop-in facility retained.

Kathy Roberts, assistant director, said: “Herefordshire is making good progress in delivering services to young people: our numbers of young people not in employment, education or training is low, participation in post-17 education is high, targeted youth work is helping more vulnerable young people and we have successful arrangements in place for those who drop out of the education system.

“The council already provides many services for this age group and by bringing the Connexions service into the council we will be able to integrate our work further, reducing duplication and providing high quality seamless services for our young people.”

The transfer is planned to work alongside changes of duties and resources of the Learning and Skills Council (which supports and funds education and work-based learning for young people aged 16 plus) to the local authority from April 2010.

Staff and users of the service were consulted in June this year. If approved by cabinet, the Connexions staff will transfer to the council, retaining existing working relationships between schools and personal advisers and providing continuity for young people. Eventually, the services provided will be delivered from three new locality based areas of the county which will provide integrated multi-agency services for children, young people and families.

Cabinet members will receive feedback from the consultation process and discuss the alternative option of tendering the service before they make their decision on 10 September.
Posted : 07/09/2009 12:28:03

Pupils in Herefordshire reach new heights at GCSE
This year’s GCSE results achieved by pupils in high schools across the county are once again the best ever. They have improved year-on-year for the last four years and are significantly higher than last year’s high water mark.

74.8 percent of pupils achieved five or more A*-C grades, an increase of 5.3 percent on 2008 and eight percent above the 2009 national average. Those achieving the new benchmark of five or more A*-C grades including English and maths rose slightly on the previous year to 53.2 percent.

Notable successes were recorded at Whitecross High School with the most improved A*-C grades in the county (five or more A*-C)), up almost 14 percent to 86.7 percent , at the Minster College up 12 percent to 67 percent and at John Masefield High School up 11 percent to 83 percent.

Almost every high school improved on its 2008 results with Wigmore High School topping the charts with 95.4 percent five or more A*-Cs followed by Fairfield High School with 93 percent and The Hereford Academy with 85.9 percent. Over 70 percent of pupils at St Mary’s RC High School gained five or more A*-Cs including English and maths.

Councillor Philip Price, cabinet member for ICT, education and achievement, said: “I’d like to offer my congratulation to all our schools and their pupils for continuing to improve on results which are already above the national average results.

“I would also like to thank all the teachers, support staff and parents for helping our young people achieve such high standards. These results are a credit to the Herefordshire schools, community and supporting organisations, including the council.”
Posted : 28/08/2009 12:33:20

Spreading the word about new recycling service
Herefordshire Council is busy spreading the word about its new household recycling service which starts in November.

As part of the promotion campaign, the council’s waste management team has arranged for county buses to advertise the changes which mean most households will get a wheeled bin for all of their recyclable materials.

Buses branded with the new scheme can now be seen travelling throughout the county advising residents that wheeled bins will be delivered to their households in September and October ready for the new service to start in November. Residents should continue to use the current scheme until then.

Advertisements have also appeared in the local press and on the radio to promote the fact wheeled bins will be delivered in September and October. Billboards will also promote the scheme as well as posters in phone boxes.

Members of staff from the council’s waste management service have also been out and about at many sites throughout the county to promote the new scheme and give people a chance to ask questions about how the new scheme will work.

The team has been to the Big Event at the King George V Playing Fields in Hereford, Bromyard Gala, Ross town centre, Ledbury town centre, Leominster town centre, Fownhope stores, Kington Co-op, Allensmore Locks Garage, Bromyard town centre, Queenswood, Sainsbury’s at Ross, Oakchurch, Ledbury market place, Ross market hall, the Hop Pocket in Bishop’s Frome, Longtown post office, Wyevale and Morrison’s at Leominster.

Future events to be attended are Kington Show on September 12 and the Flavours of Herefordshire Food Festival from October 24 to 25.

An information pack will be delivered with every bin detailing how the new scheme works and advising people of their collection days.

Recyclable waste will be collected from the wheeled bins once a fortnight and household refuse will be collected weekly using plastic sacks.

Recyclable materials can be placed in the green wheeled bin. Items should be clean and loose and not in bags. Bottles and tins no longer need to be squashed and paper should be kept flat where possible.

Any households not suitable for wheeled bins will still have a recycling service using plastic sacks and will have been notified of this by letter.

Glass can, for the first time, be put in the wheeled bins for recycling but not in the plastic sacks.

Councillor John Jarvis, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for the environment and strategic housing, said: “We, as a council, face sever financial penalties if we do not increase the amount of recycling carried out in the county.

“I would like to thanks residents for the recycling they already do but the new scheme will not only make it easier for everyone to recycle but we will also be able to collect a lot of new materials such as yoghurt pots, egg boxes and fruit punnets.

“All materials that can be recycled should be placed loose into the wheeled bin and it will be sorted using state-of-the-art technology at a new facility near Worcester and turned into new materials,” he added.
Posted : 27/08/2009 12:14:34

Authors reveal mystery behind crime writing
Everyone loves a mystery, and library readers are no exception, so this autumn Herefordshire Libraries has teamed up with a host of top authors to reveal the secrets behind crime writing and give budding authors the chance to write their own crime novel.

Following on from their sell-out evening with the Medieval Murderers in May, Ross Library starts the library’s crime season on Friday, September 11 at 7pm when bestselling authors Caro Peacock and Rebecca Tope reveal their secrets of successful crime writing.

Rebecca Tope is the author of three popular murder mystery series, featuring Den Cooper, Devon police detective, Drew Slocombe, Undertaker, and Thea Osborne, house sitter in the Cotswolds. She’s also the "ghost writer" of the novels based on the ITV series Rosemary and Thyme.

Caro Peacock writes historical mysteries and is the author of A Foreign Affair, A Dangerous Affair, Death of a Dancer, and Death at Dawn. She also writes as Gillian Linscott.

Tickets priced £3 are available from Ross Library, telephone 01432 383280. There will be an opportunity to ask questions and buy signed books on the night.

Hereford plays host to bestselling author Anne Perry on Friday, September 18. Anne will be running a crime-writing workshop at the Museum Resource and Learning Centre, 58 Friars Street, Hereford from 2pm until 4pm, followed by an evening talk in the Woolhope Room, Hereford Library from 7.30pm.

Anne Perry is a prolific author selected by the Times (London) as one of the twentieth century’s “100 Masters of Crime”. Her publishing career began with The Cater Street Hangman in 1979, the first book in the series featuring the Victorian policeman Thomas Pitt and his wife Charlotte. In 1990, Anne started a new series of detective novels about private detective William Monk and volatile nurse Hester Latterly. None of Anne’s books have ever been out of print, and they have received critical acclaim and huge popular success worldwide.

Tickets cost £5 for the crime-writing workshop and £3 for the evening talk. Tickets for both events are available from Hereford Library: Tel. 01432 383280. Please note: Hereford Library is a historic building and access to The Woolhope Room is via stairs only.

Phil Rickman, bestselling author of the Merrily Watkins mysteries returns to Herefordshire Libraries by popular demand on Friday, October 23 for Mysterious Marches: in conversation with Phil Rickman at Leominster Library. 7pm onwards. There will be an opportunity to buy copies of Phil’s latest titles and get them signed on the night. Tickets priced £3 are available from Leominster Library, telephone 01432 383290.

Previous author events in the libraries have proved very popular and advance booking is recommended for all these events.
www.herefordshire.gov.uk/libraries
Posted : 25/08/2009 20:50:50

Herefordshire benefits from education investment