Recent Blogs
- Financial Markets In Turmoil By Chief Editor| 17 Sep 2008
- Pet Friendly Places To Stay By Chief Editor| 9 Sep 2008
- Baked Beans Sales Soar As Consumers Bid To Beat The Credit Crunch By Chief Editor| 3 Sep 2008
- Is spam email getting you down? By Chief Editor| 10 Mar 2008
- HD DVD Is Dead, Long Live Blue-ray By Chief Editor| 26 Feb 2008
Recent News
Bad diet and lack of exercise costs Herefordshire over £46 million a year
- Published 7 Oct 2008
New figures out today (Tuesday 7 October) show, for the first time, the cost of obesity in Herefordshire to the NHS.
Diseases related to being overweight cost £46.3 million last year and if no action is taken, this will rise to £51.4 million in 2015 – or around £250 for every man, woman and child in the county.
Herefordshire Primary Care Trust, the leader for the NHS in the county, works closely with Herefordshire Council and others on a series of local programmes to tackle obesity. They will be using a new toolkit – called Healthy Weight, Healthy Lives – that gives helps local health and social care professionals to help people to eat more healthily and be more active. And the two organisations will be taking part in a forthcoming Change4Life campaign, to be launched in the autumn, which will focus on why families and parents sometimes find it difficult to live healthy lives.
Insight that the toolkit provides includes:
Dr Akeem Ali, director of public health for Herefordshire, said: “Obesity is the curse of modern life and the biggest single challenge facing health care in this country. We eat too much and don’t take enough exercise to burn off the calories. We live hectic lives and don’t always have time to cook a healthy meal from scratch. After a busy day at work or school we may want to sit in front of the TV and who can blame us.
“But healthy eating and exercise does not have to be hard and it doesn’t have to be expensive. We’re not going to dictate to you what you should be eating or how you should be exercising. We simply want to give you the advice, help and support you need so you and your children can live longer, happier lives.
“Herefordshire has a very good health schools programme and a range of initiatives to encourage exercise and activity. The vital next phase is to bring all together, to harness its energy. By working together I mean not only the PCT and the council, not only the hospital and local GPs and not only local agencies and public services but particularly: local individuals and families, to stimulate discussion, understand the issues and make the changes we must to behaviours that help people to feel better and live longer”.
Diseases related to being overweight cost £46.3 million last year and if no action is taken, this will rise to £51.4 million in 2015 – or around £250 for every man, woman and child in the county.
Herefordshire Primary Care Trust, the leader for the NHS in the county, works closely with Herefordshire Council and others on a series of local programmes to tackle obesity. They will be using a new toolkit – called Healthy Weight, Healthy Lives – that gives helps local health and social care professionals to help people to eat more healthily and be more active. And the two organisations will be taking part in a forthcoming Change4Life campaign, to be launched in the autumn, which will focus on why families and parents sometimes find it difficult to live healthy lives.
Insight that the toolkit provides includes:
- Parents don’t recognise that their children are overweight – just 11.5 per cent of parents with overweight or obese children recognise it;
- Parents underestimate how much unhealthy food and convenience food they buy as well as overestimating the amount of activity their children do;
- Only 38 per cent of adults know that obesity can lead to heart disease and only 6 per cent know being overweight can cause cancer;
- Many families use snacks as rewards, as fillers during times of boredom and to appease conflict;
- Parents are more worried about not feeding their children enough and the risk of eating disorders such as anorexia; and
- Lack of knowledge and skills is the main barrier, which stops parents cooking from scratch.
Dr Akeem Ali, director of public health for Herefordshire, said: “Obesity is the curse of modern life and the biggest single challenge facing health care in this country. We eat too much and don’t take enough exercise to burn off the calories. We live hectic lives and don’t always have time to cook a healthy meal from scratch. After a busy day at work or school we may want to sit in front of the TV and who can blame us.
“But healthy eating and exercise does not have to be hard and it doesn’t have to be expensive. We’re not going to dictate to you what you should be eating or how you should be exercising. We simply want to give you the advice, help and support you need so you and your children can live longer, happier lives.
“Herefordshire has a very good health schools programme and a range of initiatives to encourage exercise and activity. The vital next phase is to bring all together, to harness its energy. By working together I mean not only the PCT and the council, not only the hospital and local GPs and not only local agencies and public services but particularly: local individuals and families, to stimulate discussion, understand the issues and make the changes we must to behaviours that help people to feel better and live longer”.
New requirements for business contracts made away from trade premises
- Published 6 Oct 2008
Before October 1, 2008 only traders who cold called potential customers were legally obliged to give cancellation notices. Now, with very few exceptions (such as transactions up to £35 and supply of foodstuffs and beverages by regular rounds men) all businesses who sell goods or services away from their normal trading premises must have cancellable contracts.
The Cancellation of Contracts Made in a Consumer’s Home or Place of Work Etc Regulations 2008 provide for a cooling off period of seven calendar days starting to run from the date of the contract. The regulations are enforced by the Trading Standards Service and failure to comply may result in legal action being taken.
The contract must display prescribed information in a clear and prominent manner and have a detachable notice which can be used by consumers who wish to cancel. Consumers may also cancel by electronic means and cancellation takes place at the time the cancellation notice is posted or the e-mail sent to the named person or business in the contract.
If a consumer wants the work to start immediately he must make a record of this on the contract and the trader must advise that payment will be due for work undertaken before the cancellation period is up if he cancels later. The trader must make a record of this on the cancellation notice.
The new regulations, understandably may be viewed by genuine businesses as burdensome and unnecessary. In reality, although their primary objective is to protect consumers, they also clarify situations which were previously uncertain and made it difficult for some traders to enforce contracts when they had complied with legal requirements.
One such example is that of allegations by consumers that cold callers used the required contract with the cancellation notice, but started work straight away without consent and then demanded payment. Indeed there is evidence that this occurred and such practice undermined the case for genuine businesses who where asked to start the work immediately.
Businesses who advertised their services and were subsequently contacted by consumers on occasions were accused of unsolicited visits and non compliance with the old Regulations. If telephone conversations were not recorded it was impossible to prove whether the telephone call was a request for further information or an invitation to visit.
In short, the Cancellation of Contracts Made in a Consumer’s Home or Place of Work Etc Regulations 2008 protects consumers and legitimate businesses alike.
Although all contracts are cancellable it is still possible for performance of contracts to start immediately provided the required records are added to the contract by the consumer and the trader at the time of the visit.
In order to assist businesses whose trading premises or head office are in Herefordshire a sample contract is displayed on www.herefordshire.gov.uk/tradingstandards
The Cancellation of Contracts Made in a Consumer’s Home or Place of Work Etc Regulations 2008 provide for a cooling off period of seven calendar days starting to run from the date of the contract. The regulations are enforced by the Trading Standards Service and failure to comply may result in legal action being taken.
The contract must display prescribed information in a clear and prominent manner and have a detachable notice which can be used by consumers who wish to cancel. Consumers may also cancel by electronic means and cancellation takes place at the time the cancellation notice is posted or the e-mail sent to the named person or business in the contract.
If a consumer wants the work to start immediately he must make a record of this on the contract and the trader must advise that payment will be due for work undertaken before the cancellation period is up if he cancels later. The trader must make a record of this on the cancellation notice.
The new regulations, understandably may be viewed by genuine businesses as burdensome and unnecessary. In reality, although their primary objective is to protect consumers, they also clarify situations which were previously uncertain and made it difficult for some traders to enforce contracts when they had complied with legal requirements.
One such example is that of allegations by consumers that cold callers used the required contract with the cancellation notice, but started work straight away without consent and then demanded payment. Indeed there is evidence that this occurred and such practice undermined the case for genuine businesses who where asked to start the work immediately.
Businesses who advertised their services and were subsequently contacted by consumers on occasions were accused of unsolicited visits and non compliance with the old Regulations. If telephone conversations were not recorded it was impossible to prove whether the telephone call was a request for further information or an invitation to visit.
In short, the Cancellation of Contracts Made in a Consumer’s Home or Place of Work Etc Regulations 2008 protects consumers and legitimate businesses alike.
Although all contracts are cancellable it is still possible for performance of contracts to start immediately provided the required records are added to the contract by the consumer and the trader at the time of the visit.
In order to assist businesses whose trading premises or head office are in Herefordshire a sample contract is displayed on www.herefordshire.gov.uk/tradingstandards
Primary care trust is a top financial performer in the region
- Published 2 Oct 2008
Herefordshire Primary Care Trust is praised for good financial management in a national report issued by the Audit Commission today (2 October 2008).
The trust improved its overall financial performance to score 3 out of 4 in the annual evaluation, which means it is performing well and consistently above minimum requirements. The score is an improvement on the 2 out of 4 scored in the 2006/07 audit. This year, no other health trust performed better in the region.
Marcia Pert, director of resources, said: “As the leader for the NHS in the county, it is important that we demonstrate strong financial performance and value for money for the people of Herefordshire. This has a direct impact on the quality of the services we commission and provide and enables us to ensure good quality outcomes for patients”.
The PCT improved its rating through maintaining a score of 3 for financial reporting, financial management and strong internal controls, but improved its score on value for money from a 2 to a 3.
With an annual budget of around £250 million, the PCT and plans, purchases and designs health services increasingly around the needs of individual users. The trust ended the year with a planned surplus of nearly half a million pounds, which it will use to set aside money to help fund the new radiotherapy service planned for Hereford.
The Audit Commission report comes hot on the heels of another national review from the Healthcare Commission, which found that Herefordshire Primary Care Trust is responsible for some of the best urgent and emergency care in the country. The Commission reported that services, including accident and emergency, ambulance, out-of-hours and urgent care services from GPs and minor injuries units all work together well in Herefordshire. The Commission rated Herefordshire Primary Care Trust as a ‘best performing’ PCT.
The PCT has initiatives in place to improve further out of hours and urgent care services with the development of a new walk in health centre which will be open from 8am to 8pm seven days a week. Scheduled to open in Hereford in the summer of next year, the new facility will take much of the pressure from the county hospital’s accident and emergency service.
The trust has organised a public consultation event on Thursday 9 October at Hereford Racecourse to enable local people to influence the way the NHS develops nationally to ensure it operates fairly and effectively for them. People can register to take part for an afternoon or early evening session by calling the PCT on 01432 262016.
The trust improved its overall financial performance to score 3 out of 4 in the annual evaluation, which means it is performing well and consistently above minimum requirements. The score is an improvement on the 2 out of 4 scored in the 2006/07 audit. This year, no other health trust performed better in the region.
Marcia Pert, director of resources, said: “As the leader for the NHS in the county, it is important that we demonstrate strong financial performance and value for money for the people of Herefordshire. This has a direct impact on the quality of the services we commission and provide and enables us to ensure good quality outcomes for patients”.
The PCT improved its rating through maintaining a score of 3 for financial reporting, financial management and strong internal controls, but improved its score on value for money from a 2 to a 3.
With an annual budget of around £250 million, the PCT and plans, purchases and designs health services increasingly around the needs of individual users. The trust ended the year with a planned surplus of nearly half a million pounds, which it will use to set aside money to help fund the new radiotherapy service planned for Hereford.
The Audit Commission report comes hot on the heels of another national review from the Healthcare Commission, which found that Herefordshire Primary Care Trust is responsible for some of the best urgent and emergency care in the country. The Commission reported that services, including accident and emergency, ambulance, out-of-hours and urgent care services from GPs and minor injuries units all work together well in Herefordshire. The Commission rated Herefordshire Primary Care Trust as a ‘best performing’ PCT.
The PCT has initiatives in place to improve further out of hours and urgent care services with the development of a new walk in health centre which will be open from 8am to 8pm seven days a week. Scheduled to open in Hereford in the summer of next year, the new facility will take much of the pressure from the county hospital’s accident and emergency service.
The trust has organised a public consultation event on Thursday 9 October at Hereford Racecourse to enable local people to influence the way the NHS develops nationally to ensure it operates fairly and effectively for them. People can register to take part for an afternoon or early evening session by calling the PCT on 01432 262016.
Featured Articles
New plans to make Suffolk safer
- By Chief Editor
- Published 3 Oct 2008
- Suffolk
- Unrated
Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet will be discussing new proposals next week designed to make Suffolk a safer place to live in, work in and visit.The draft Suffolk Fire and Rescue Authority Integrated Risk Management Plan for 2009/2010 includes nine actions which aim to reduce risk in the county through better use of resources and more accurate targeting of prevention, protection and response initiatives.
The proposed actions are to:
- Increase the home fire safety checks carried out by the Fire and Rescue Service in Suffolk
- Increase the use of domestic sprinkler systems
- Improve partnership working and commissioning
- Improve the fire safety protection service, which enforces fire safety regulations in business premises
- Increase the installation of sprinklers in industrial and commercial buildings, and in schools
- Improve the way building regulations consultations are dealt with
- Establish plans for new training facilities for the service
- Improve the way we support retained duty system fire stations
- Explore opportunities to create a number of Rural Safety Officers
“Improving home fire safety checks means that we would target the most vulnerable people in our communities, such as older people, and help them to improve fire safety in their homes, including fitting smoke detectors. Improving the use of sprinklers is an effective way of reducing the impact of fires in houses, commercial properties and schools – a single sprinkler head can extinguish a fire and save lives.”
A Policy Development Panel is already in place to look at the effectiveness of the retained service and to identify and address issues to secure the future of the service over the next ten years. The risk management plan identifies the need to review the outcomes of this work, including seeing if stand-by funding (used to ensure retained engines can be crewed) could be better used for other community safety activities, which are proven to prevent fires.
If the Cabinet agrees to the proposals, a 12 week period of public consultation on them will take place across the county. This will include roadshows in town centres, where the public will be able to speak to fire and rescue officers and councillors about the action plan.
New access road officially open for business
- By Chief Editor
- Published 30 Sep 2008
- Herefordshire
- Unrated
The Rotherwas access road has received the stamp of approval from local businesses which can now send out goods without height or weight restrictions.The 2.2-mile road, which has taken 16 months to build, came into use for the first time at the end of June.
On Monday, September 29, Nick Paul, chairman of Advantage West Midlands, officially declared the road open and unveiled a plaque.
Assembled guests heard Debbie Gittoes, from Arctic Circle, who spoke on behalf of local businesses.
She said the new road was essential to guarantee the future success of Rotherwas.
"Despite my previous lack of confidence that the access road would ever be built, it is now open for business.
“It is up to us, the business community at Rotherwas, to demonstrate that not only was it essential for the prosperity of Rotherwas and the wider region, but that it was money well spent.
“The best way to do this is for these businesses to prosper and increase their contribution to the local economy".
Cllr Brian Wilcox, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for highways and transportation, said the new road came at a key time in the development of the area.
“Rotherwas Futures promises a bright future for the area which will be developed to maintain it as the premier location for businesses in Herefordshire.
“Such a location demands first class access and this is exactly what the new road delivers. We’re delighted to have been able to work with Advantage West Midlands to create this lifeline to the businesses of Rotherwas.”
Nick Paul, chairman of Advantage West Midlands, said: "Today's official opening of the access road is great news for Rotherwas businesses and for Herefordshire.
"It solves the longstanding issue of restricted road access - and is an opportunity to change perceptions of Rotherwas by creating a quality business environment where companies are more likely to stay, invest and grow.
“That means more jobs and better jobs for the people of Herefordshire.
"This is partnership working at its best. Herefordshire Council and Advantage West Midlands have worked together to open a first class transport link in just two years."
Carillion Project Manager Ashley Brookes said: “We’re pleased to have played a part in developing and securing the long term future of the people and businesses of Rotherwas through building this long-awaited access road for our clients.
“The scheme has included a range of environmental measures including tree and hedgerow planting, provision of a hibernaculum a natural habitat for insect and small animals, general landscaping, stream re-alignment and mitigation against impact on protected species by the creation of a multi species tunnel all of which are testament to our mission of making tomorrow a better place.”
Rotherwas access road facts:
- Work on the road started in March 2007 and it opened for business at the end of June 2008
- The road is 2.2 miles long, a single carriageway route from the A49 (north of Grafton Inn) to a new roundabout at the junction of Holme Lacy Road and Chapel Road
- The main contractor was Carrillion plc and the main consultant, which supervised the construction of the scheme, was Amey Consulting
- More than eight miles of fencing has been installed, including a combination of specialist fencing to protect badgers, otters, newts and livestock from the new road
- An underpass has been installed for use by badgers, newts and bats and two culvert structures have included ledges for use by badgers and otters
- The sustainable drainage system uses a variety of features including balancing ponds which help reduce flooding, improve the quality of water from the new road and provide important habitat sites.
Herefordshire Council is one of the best council tax collectors
- By Chief Editor
- Published 10 Sep 2008
- Herefordshire
- Unrated
Herefordshire Council has out-performed many other authorities in the region and across the UK after collecting 98.6 per cent of the council tax it should have during 2007/08.The average amount collected by council across the West Midlands stands at 97.2 per cent, while the average for councils in the UK stands at 97.1 per cent.
The average amount collected by other unitary authorities in England stands at 96.7 per cent – nearly two per cent less than Herefordshire Council’s collection rate.
“This is good news for the people of Herefordshire as it demonstrates that the council is very efficient at collecting local money which goes towards the cost of providing more than 800 different services it provides to the communities in the county,” said Cllr Harry Bramer, cabinet member with responsibility for resources.
“No council can achieve a collection rate of 100 per cent – one of the reasons for this is that bills issued later in the year are unlikely to be recovered before the end of March, so there is always a figure that is outstanding to be collected in the next financial year.
“Herefordshire people have a strong sense of civic responsibility, so it’s only fair to those people who pay their council tax on time that we secure late payments as quickly as possible.
“Indeed, since the year end financial figures were published, we have significantly reduced the amount which remains uncollected from around £1 million to £800,000.
“While we recognise that there will be people who may find it difficult to pay their council tax, the message for the minority of people who can pay but won’t is that we will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of the money that is owed,” added Cllr Bramer.
Visit Tamworth
- By Chief Editor
- Published 13 Aug 2008
- Tamworth
- Unrated
A new Tamworth website called Visit Tamworth has been launched.The website has details of Tamworth accommodation (hotels, bed & breakfast and self catering), Tamworth attractions, restaurants, shopping and business.
Link: Tamworth
Exmouth in Bloom benefits from County Council funding
- By Chief Editor
- Published 8 Jul 2008
- Devon
- Unrated
The Exmouth in Bloom campaign to enhance the town is to receive £500 towards its running costs thanks to Devon County Council's East Devon County Committee.The eight County Committees have budgets from which Committee Members can allocate grants to local community groups or projects which will make a big difference to people's lives, in line with the Council's Strategic Plan.
The proposal to contribute towards the floral campaign was put forward by County Councillor for Exmouth Littleham Town Cllr Eileen Wragg.
Cllr Wragg said: "Exeter Road has many interesting shops businesses. The traders are working together to give one of the main roads into Exmouth a 'lift', by adding freshness and colour to the area. This is a real community effort to provide a pleasant shopping experience to shoppers, which will also improve the economic well-being of the town."
Recent Articles
2008 Herefordshire Food Festival – Saturday and Sunday, Oct 25 and 26
- By Chief Editor
- Published 8 Oct 2008
- Herefordshire
- Unrated
The many and varied “Flavours of Herefordshire” will go on show at the 2008 Herefordshire Food Festival, at Hereford Racecourse, over the weekend of October 25 and 26.
An annual highlight for a county aspiring to Slow Food status, it also presents visitors with the opportunity to meet more than 100 producers who rear, grow, make and sell some of the finest local produce.
But that is just one ingredient in a lively two-day programme which is featured on the website www.herefordshirefoodfestival.com.
Highlights for this year’s festival include:
“But it’s only an opportunity to get a flavour of the fantastic food grown and produced locally, it’s also an early Christmas shopping opportunity,” she added.
Festival admission prices are adults £5, concessions £4.50, under 14s £1, and children under three free. The special ticketline number is: 01568 797842.
Opening times are 10am to 4.30pm on Saturday, October 25; and 10am to 4pm on Sunday, October 26.
For further information, visit www.herefordshirefoodfestival.com.
An annual highlight for a county aspiring to Slow Food status, it also presents visitors with the opportunity to meet more than 100 producers who rear, grow, make and sell some of the finest local produce.
But that is just one ingredient in a lively two-day programme which is featured on the website www.herefordshirefoodfestival.com.
Highlights for this year’s festival include:
- The appearance of TV’s Hairy Bikers
- The launch of Tyrrells latest Ale & Cheese flavour of potato chips (featuring local Dorothy Goodbody’s Ale), and their own brand of vodka
- Cookery demonstrations using only the finest local produce
- A "Back from the Brink" display by the Marcher Apple Network
- The Herefordshire Bee Keepers Association’s annual honey show
- The launch of Just Rachael's pear and blackberry ice cream
- The launch of Three Counties Gourmet new cocktails
- The first appearance of “Once Upon A Tree,” who produce an entirely different type of cider (to be drunk like wine)
- A special “Festival Food Trail” for youngsters
“But it’s only an opportunity to get a flavour of the fantastic food grown and produced locally, it’s also an early Christmas shopping opportunity,” she added.
Festival admission prices are adults £5, concessions £4.50, under 14s £1, and children under three free. The special ticketline number is: 01568 797842.
Opening times are 10am to 4.30pm on Saturday, October 25; and 10am to 4pm on Sunday, October 26.
For further information, visit www.herefordshirefoodfestival.com.
Herefordshire Council agrees ICT deal
- By Chief Editor
- Published 6 Oct 2008
- Herefordshire
- Unrated
Herefordshire Council has negotiated a deal which will save the council and local authority schools thousands of pounds and help schools purchase computers and laptops for their pupils.
During the last year, the council has undertaken a review of how it purchases ICT equipment as a four year replacement programme is required to get the council’s technology up to speed. After a process of competitive tendering from various suppliers, Dell has been selected as the preferred provider for this project.
As part of the negotiations, local authority schools in Herefordshire will receive an improved level of discount on desktop equipment purchased by the Council on their behalf. For example, the cost of a single PC will be reduced by 43% and the cost of a single laptop by 33%, without any compromise being made to the standard of the equipment.
Councillor Phillip Price, cabinet member for ICT, education and achievement, said: “We know how much pressure our schools are under at the moment financially, and yet we need to make sure our children and young people have access to good quality technology. So we are delighted to be able to offer them such large reductions in costs.
“We are working hard to improve the services we offer to schools and by the start of the new year, will have provided local authority schools with access to the UK’s education and research network, JA.Net*, free of charge.”
During the last year, the council has undertaken a review of how it purchases ICT equipment as a four year replacement programme is required to get the council’s technology up to speed. After a process of competitive tendering from various suppliers, Dell has been selected as the preferred provider for this project.
As part of the negotiations, local authority schools in Herefordshire will receive an improved level of discount on desktop equipment purchased by the Council on their behalf. For example, the cost of a single PC will be reduced by 43% and the cost of a single laptop by 33%, without any compromise being made to the standard of the equipment.
Councillor Phillip Price, cabinet member for ICT, education and achievement, said: “We know how much pressure our schools are under at the moment financially, and yet we need to make sure our children and young people have access to good quality technology. So we are delighted to be able to offer them such large reductions in costs.
“We are working hard to improve the services we offer to schools and by the start of the new year, will have provided local authority schools with access to the UK’s education and research network, JA.Net*, free of charge.”
Junior road safety officers are bright
- By Chief Editor
- Published 6 Oct 2008
- Herefordshire
- Unrated
Herefordshire Council’s road safety team have put out an urgent call for schools to put forward two year 6 pupils to join the Junior Road Safety Officer’s (JRSO) scheme and raise awareness of the need to make sure pedestrians and cyclists are seen.
All JRSOs are presented with a road safety pack which includes a JRSO badge, certificate and pencil, a program of monthly topics, information on how to speak in assemblies, how to run competitions, the aim of the scheme and a copy of Arrive Alive, a highway code for young road users.
The aim of the scheme is to provide an interesting road safety stimulus to Primary and junior schools through monthly contact with the pupils. Each month the JRSOs are sent information on a road safety topic along with ideas on how to deliver the topic and a selection of worksheets.
This month all Junior Road Safety Officers are being asked to raise awareness that as the days shorten and nights draw in there is an increased risk of danger to all road users, especially children and cyclists.
National data from the Department for Transport shows that in 2007 during the months from October to December 1,899 child pedestrians and 522 child cyclists were killed or seriously injured in Great Britain. The peak time when accidents happened was between 8am and 9am and 3pm and 6pm, a time when children are travelling to and from school.
Councillor Brian Wilcox, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for highways and transportation said: “We know the number of children killed or seriously injured on the roads is reducing each year and we want to continue to see these casualty figures going down. As far as I am concerned one child killed or injured on Herefordshire roads is one too many.”
Ann Mann, road safety officer for Herefordshire Council said: “As road safety officers it is part of our role to remind the children and their parents that it is important to be 'Bright Be Seen' when they are outside during the winter months.”
Here are a few tips to 'Be Bright, Be Seen'.
All JRSOs are presented with a road safety pack which includes a JRSO badge, certificate and pencil, a program of monthly topics, information on how to speak in assemblies, how to run competitions, the aim of the scheme and a copy of Arrive Alive, a highway code for young road users.
The aim of the scheme is to provide an interesting road safety stimulus to Primary and junior schools through monthly contact with the pupils. Each month the JRSOs are sent information on a road safety topic along with ideas on how to deliver the topic and a selection of worksheets.
This month all Junior Road Safety Officers are being asked to raise awareness that as the days shorten and nights draw in there is an increased risk of danger to all road users, especially children and cyclists.
National data from the Department for Transport shows that in 2007 during the months from October to December 1,899 child pedestrians and 522 child cyclists were killed or seriously injured in Great Britain. The peak time when accidents happened was between 8am and 9am and 3pm and 6pm, a time when children are travelling to and from school.
Councillor Brian Wilcox, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for highways and transportation said: “We know the number of children killed or seriously injured on the roads is reducing each year and we want to continue to see these casualty figures going down. As far as I am concerned one child killed or injured on Herefordshire roads is one too many.”
Ann Mann, road safety officer for Herefordshire Council said: “As road safety officers it is part of our role to remind the children and their parents that it is important to be 'Bright Be Seen' when they are outside during the winter months.”
Here are a few tips to 'Be Bright, Be Seen'.
- When it is dark wear light and bright coloured clothing; better still something reflective. Reflective material shows up well because the headlights make it stand out.
- Put reflective strips on your bags or clothing.
- During the day if the weather dull or misty wear something fluorescent.
- Cyclists by law must have a working white light on the front, a red back light and a red reflector at the back of their cycle. Also check that all your lights and reflectors are clean.
- Ann also asks for drivers to be more considerate and not to blind other road users with their lights.
Cash boost for people with learning disabilities
- By Chief Editor
- Published 1 Oct 2008
- Herefordshire
- Unrated
Herefordshire Council is urging groups and organisations working with people who have learning disabilities to apply for cash to help turn project ideas into reality.
Around £18,000 is available in total through the Learning Disability Development Fund which is looked after by the Valuing People Partnership Board, but it has to be spent before April 2009.
Learning disability affects the way someone learns, communicates or does some everyday things like getting dressed, filling in forms or going shopping and is something a person has all through their life. The type and severity of the learning disability can vary, and so does the range and kind of support needed.
Cash grants are available for projects which support people with learning disabilities who live or work in Herefordshire. The projects must happen before April 2009 and priority will be given to ideas which fit into the Board’s five “Big Ideas”, which are
Around £18,000 is available in total through the Learning Disability Development Fund which is looked after by the Valuing People Partnership Board, but it has to be spent before April 2009.
Learning disability affects the way someone learns, communicates or does some everyday things like getting dressed, filling in forms or going shopping and is something a person has all through their life. The type and severity of the learning disability can vary, and so does the range and kind of support needed.
Cash grants are available for projects which support people with learning disabilities who live or work in Herefordshire. The projects must happen before April 2009 and priority will be given to ideas which fit into the Board’s five “Big Ideas”, which are
- Helping people stay in control with self-directed support and individualised budgets
- Equality of access to health services
- Employment and training projects
- Transport ideas
- Helping people feel safe
Safer Roads Partnership aims to further reduce number of accidents
- By Chief Editor
- Published 1 Oct 2008
- Herefordshire
- Unrated
The number of people killed or seriously injured on roads in the West Mercia region has fallen by 70 per cent since the Safety Camera Partnership was set up, the first annual review conference by the Safer Roads Partnership heard.
The Safety Camera Partnership became the Safer Roads Partnership in April 2007 and now has a wider remit to cover all aspects of road safety on the county’s roads.
Councillor Brian Wilcox, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for highways and transportation, chaired the conference held at the Courtyard Theatre, Hereford.
He said: “Latest figures show there were 22 fatalities on the county’s roads last year which compares with a maximum of 17 in each of the previous four years so we still have a lot of work to do.
“However, since the remedial work was carried out on the A49 at Ashton there have been no fatalities or serious injury accidents on that stretch of road and this shows how effective proper improvement measures can be,” he added.
Trevor McAvoy, Safer Roads Partnership manager, told the conference that as a Safety Camera Partnership they were only able to enforce speed limits at cluster sites or they would not get funding from the government but now they were able to carry out measures on all of the county’s roads.
He said: “Our use of speed limits led to a 70 per cent reduction in the number of people killed and seriously injured at these cluster sites but now we are able to cover all of the county’s roads and will be targeting the entire length of the A49 and plan to then look at the A44, A438, A4103 and A465.
“We have to accept there will be peaks and troughs in the number of accidents but, when compared with the wider roads network throughout West Mercia, we are doing really well,” he added.
The Safer Roads Partnership – of which Herefordshire Council and Herefordshire Primary Care Trust are members – also includes the Fire and Rescue Services, Police, the Courts and the Highways Agency.
Mr McAvoy said it is now important to take a long-term view and it is important for them to make sure the right data is available and used to better effect in improving road safety.
Vicki Bristow, communications manager for the Safety Roads Partnership, said the partner agencies now worked together on publicity campaigns and were especially keen to target young drivers, drug driving and motorcyclists.
Vicki said: “In the past three years there have been 10 fatalities and 208 casualties following collisions involving motorcycles in the region and 20 per cent of road deaths in Herefordshire involve motorcycles.”
Linda Sinker, Herefordshire Council’s school travel advisor said 93 out of the 103 state schools in the county have travel plans and these have led to the introduction of more 20mph zones outside schools as well as off-road cycle routes.
Alan Hickling, Herefordshire Council’s school travel support worker, said Much Marcle School has added the problems of travelling into school to the curriculum and this was a good way to ensure the issue was kept at the forefront by pupils, parents and the local authority.
Richard Lawrence from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue said his service now had a statutory duty to attend road traffic collisions and was pleased to be a new member of the Safer Roads Partnership.
John Partridge from AmeyMouchel, managing agent for the Highways Authority, explained how they carried out remedial works on the county’s trunk roads.
Councillor John Stone, chairman of Herefordshire Council and ward member for Ashton, thanked Mr Partridge and said the new anti-skid surfacing and flashing sign on the A49 had made a significant difference with the majority of motorists now slowing down and a drop in the collision rate.
Paul Bristow from West Mercia Constabulary said it was hoped to start national speed awareness courses in 2009 which would help to change the attitude and behaviour of drivers who carry on speeding.
The Safety Camera Partnership became the Safer Roads Partnership in April 2007 and now has a wider remit to cover all aspects of road safety on the county’s roads.
Councillor Brian Wilcox, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for highways and transportation, chaired the conference held at the Courtyard Theatre, Hereford.
He said: “Latest figures show there were 22 fatalities on the county’s roads last year which compares with a maximum of 17 in each of the previous four years so we still have a lot of work to do.
“However, since the remedial work was carried out on the A49 at Ashton there have been no fatalities or serious injury accidents on that stretch of road and this shows how effective proper improvement measures can be,” he added.
Trevor McAvoy, Safer Roads Partnership manager, told the conference that as a Safety Camera Partnership they were only able to enforce speed limits at cluster sites or they would not get funding from the government but now they were able to carry out measures on all of the county’s roads.
He said: “Our use of speed limits led to a 70 per cent reduction in the number of people killed and seriously injured at these cluster sites but now we are able to cover all of the county’s roads and will be targeting the entire length of the A49 and plan to then look at the A44, A438, A4103 and A465.
“We have to accept there will be peaks and troughs in the number of accidents but, when compared with the wider roads network throughout West Mercia, we are doing really well,” he added.
The Safer Roads Partnership – of which Herefordshire Council and Herefordshire Primary Care Trust are members – also includes the Fire and Rescue Services, Police, the Courts and the Highways Agency.
Mr McAvoy said it is now important to take a long-term view and it is important for them to make sure the right data is available and used to better effect in improving road safety.
Vicki Bristow, communications manager for the Safety Roads Partnership, said the partner agencies now worked together on publicity campaigns and were especially keen to target young drivers, drug driving and motorcyclists.
Vicki said: “In the past three years there have been 10 fatalities and 208 casualties following collisions involving motorcycles in the region and 20 per cent of road deaths in Herefordshire involve motorcycles.”
Linda Sinker, Herefordshire Council’s school travel advisor said 93 out of the 103 state schools in the county have travel plans and these have led to the introduction of more 20mph zones outside schools as well as off-road cycle routes.
Alan Hickling, Herefordshire Council’s school travel support worker, said Much Marcle School has added the problems of travelling into school to the curriculum and this was a good way to ensure the issue was kept at the forefront by pupils, parents and the local authority.
Richard Lawrence from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue said his service now had a statutory duty to attend road traffic collisions and was pleased to be a new member of the Safer Roads Partnership.
John Partridge from AmeyMouchel, managing agent for the Highways Authority, explained how they carried out remedial works on the county’s trunk roads.
Councillor John Stone, chairman of Herefordshire Council and ward member for Ashton, thanked Mr Partridge and said the new anti-skid surfacing and flashing sign on the A49 had made a significant difference with the majority of motorists now slowing down and a drop in the collision rate.
Paul Bristow from West Mercia Constabulary said it was hoped to start national speed awareness courses in 2009 which would help to change the attitude and behaviour of drivers who carry on speeding.
Walking Festival attracts new visitors to county
- By Chief Editor
- Published 29 Sep 2008
- Herefordshire
- Unrated
Herefordshire Council’s Walking Festival attracted more new walkers this year than ever before, providing a boost to the county’s reputation as a tourist destination.
Out of the 235 responses received from a questionnaire given out to festival goers, some 92 said it was their first time at the festival and they were intending to return.
Jane Lewis, Herefordshire Council’s cultural services manager, said: “With the credit crunch more and more people are choosing to spend their holidays in Britain and the fact we attracted so many new people to our walking festival shows Herefordshire is really capturing the public’s imagination as a place to visit and stay.
“Ticket sales show the longer distance walks are always popular, especially with people from out of the county, so next year we are going to stage two long distance walks instead of just one.
“One will be the Mortimer Trail which will be walked from end to end over three days complemented by a series of loop walks over nine days and the other is the southern section of the Herefordshire Trail which will be held over five days.
“Both of these walks offer a chance to see the best of Herefordshire’s countryside and I’m sure they will be popular and help boost the county’s economy by encouraging walkers to stay in the county longer,” she added.
Next year’s walking festival, sponsored for the last few years by M&M Direct of Leominster, will run from June 13 to June 21 and features a total of 60 walks throughout the county.
The final programme is still in the planning stage but will offer a series of new walks together with old favourites.
Out of the 235 responses received from a questionnaire given out to festival goers, some 92 said it was their first time at the festival and they were intending to return.
Jane Lewis, Herefordshire Council’s cultural services manager, said: “With the credit crunch more and more people are choosing to spend their holidays in Britain and the fact we attracted so many new people to our walking festival shows Herefordshire is really capturing the public’s imagination as a place to visit and stay.
“Ticket sales show the longer distance walks are always popular, especially with people from out of the county, so next year we are going to stage two long distance walks instead of just one.
“One will be the Mortimer Trail which will be walked from end to end over three days complemented by a series of loop walks over nine days and the other is the southern section of the Herefordshire Trail which will be held over five days.
“Both of these walks offer a chance to see the best of Herefordshire’s countryside and I’m sure they will be popular and help boost the county’s economy by encouraging walkers to stay in the county longer,” she added.
Next year’s walking festival, sponsored for the last few years by M&M Direct of Leominster, will run from June 13 to June 21 and features a total of 60 walks throughout the county.
The final programme is still in the planning stage but will offer a series of new walks together with old favourites.